Recent Comments

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.


Ask the Gear Guy

Not sure which gear to buy? Need tips for maintaining your equipment? Click here to send in your questions for the Gear Guy. Selected questions will be answered here and in the printed magazine.

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

  1. outdoorsman // August 16, 2013 at 3:44 pm // Reply

    i found a knife on a hike and it has scratches all over the blade. what should i do to fix it?

  2. Gerber’s are no longer made in America. I know Swiss army knives aren’t either, but Switzerland beats Chinese junk any day.

    • Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101) // August 23, 2013 at 2:34 pm // Reply

      Gerber still makes their very best knives in Portland, Oregon. My Gerber LMF has PORTLAND,OR USA proudly displayed on the blade.

  3. as for multi tools i prefer a sog or a claus.

  4. If you need to minimize cost then go with the multi-purpose Swiss Army. But these knives aren’t the most robust. A locking, single blade folding knife is the most preferred design of an Every Day Carry (EDC) knife. Kershaw, CRKT, Buck as well as Gerber are popular and inexpensive. Many carry a separate multi-function tool, like a Leatherman, SOG or Gerber to complement an EDC. Lots of choices at reasonable prices if you shop around.

  5. camoscout NM // July 2, 2013 at 12:50 pm // Reply

    I have both a Gerber and a Swiss Army and the both work very well. Either would be a good buy. Good luck

  6. well, get a lock-back like a leatherman or another brand. then, you are less likely to cut yourself.

  7. well, i’d say to just go to the scout store and get an eagle scout lock-back stainless steel, just like mine. it is very safe and is meant to last a lifetime…

  8. you should get the kershaw volt 2 or relly any kershaw assisted opening knive.
    I have a assisted opening knife (the volt 2) and love kershaw assisted opening
    knives.

  9. id say listen to who you trust but id choose gerber

  10. 11th doctor // June 16, 2013 at 5:01 pm // Reply

    both victorinox and gerber are good knives but if you are looking for something versatile then go for the swiss. but if you want a multi tool, go for a leatherman. I own one, it is the best multi tool I’ve ever used. mine was about the same price as a good victorinox.

Leave a Comment

Please don't use your real name.