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Should I buy a Gerber or Swiss Army knife?

Q. Hey Gear Guy, I’m debating on whether to buy a Gerber pocketknife or a Swiss Army knife. My friend says Gerber; but I’ve heard Swiss Army my whole life. Which one should I buy?
– Sharp Jake, Mapleton, Utah

A. The answer is: You’re both right. Swiss Army pocketknives are legendary for their quality and usefulness. There are two companies that manufacture Swiss Army knives, Wenger and Victorinox — both make excellent knives. As for Gerber, they are a great knife manufacturer, too. Gerber has been manufacturing knives for the past 70 years, and makes a wide range of knives from standard folders and sheath knives to multitool-type knives like the Gerber Fit ($41; gerbergear.com). Similar to a Swiss Army knife, it’s packed with useful tools, 10 in all, including a fine-edge and serrated knife blade, scissors, tweezers, a few screwdrivers, and a super bright LED flashlight.


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14 Comments on Should I buy a Gerber or Swiss Army knife?

  1. swiss

  2. blind duchess // September 4, 2012 at 4:36 pm // Reply

    I would go for the ka-bar (marine combat knife)

  3. I have a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife with a magnifying glass. I’m saving up for a Leatherman but I don’t think any of them have a magnifying glass.

  4. swiss army

  5. gamemaster24 // June 5, 2012 at 11:33 am // Reply

    You should buy a Smith and Wesson knife. They are really good quatlity and they lock.

  6. i personly dont like gerber but the spyderco tenaicious $30 (amazon) & the victorinox swisstool any model $80 – $120 (amazon) you can also get the swiss tool with BSA logo on it too

  7. neither, look at geting a case. they are made in the Usa and have been in buisness sinse 1883

    • Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101) // June 10, 2012 at 7:25 pm // Reply

      CASE makes good old-fashioned folding knifes but I would take Swiss army or Gerber over case. Case is GREAT for classic stag handled knives but they dont have the best

  8. The master of pocket knife decisions // May 26, 2012 at 7:13 pm // Reply

    I have a gerber that i use for camping. but if you’re going for multi tool, go for swiss army. my simple gerber takes care of all my needs and its lightweight, but its up to you.

  9. _________________ // May 26, 2012 at 3:00 pm // Reply

    I personally think you should get a Swiss army knife. The reason is I have 3

  10. Gerber does make some product in the US. You just have to keep an eye out.

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