Gerber Applegate Fairbairn Combat Folder

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PRM

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Just bought a Gerber Applegate Fairbairn Combat Folder. This is one awesome knife. The fit, finish and function are what is to be expected from a Gerber. The lock up is tight, alignment is perfect and the 420 HC blade took a razors edge on my whet stone. The factory edge left a lot to be desired, but that was easily corrected. I was very pleased to find the new models coming with both a sheath and a pocket clip. Even with the 4.48 inch blade, it rides deep and comfortable in a pocket. I've looked at these for years and finally decided to purchase one. The coolness factor alone make it a must purchase.
 

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I'm glad to read that Gerber is improving their fit and finish. I'm not sure what to think of the $100 price tag, though. On the one hand, it's a 420HC blade with a liner lock in plastic handles. On the other hand, it's a very large folder that's made in the USA. Hmm.
 
I got over the plastic factor when I started shooting polymer guns ...

You can pick them up on eBay $70-$75 buy now for NIB ones.
 
I don't have a problem with plastic handles. I just have a hard time rationalizing 420HC and plastic handles at that price point. The "Covert" version with the 3/4 inch shorter blade is using 154CM at the price. But, I want the upcoming Spyderco Para 3 lightweight with BD1N blade and plastic handles, which will be $91 MAP whenever they start shipping. That's a much smaller knife with a 3" blade. I'm not sure how much more expensive BD1N is than 420HC, nor if the compression lock is more or less expensive to manufacture than a liner lock. Hence my "Hmm" and wondering out loud here on the forum. :)
 
The suggested prices are more than I would have been willing to pay . I've seen them from the $120 - $130 range. I found one on ebay for $50 that was probably 98% but didn't have the belt clip (The older ones didn't have it). There was another one listed with a "buy it now" for $48 that had the clip, but had some light carry wear. I picked mine up NIB with all papers, sheath and box for $75. I figured if I didn't like it, I could move a new one easier and get my money back. Like I originally posted though, I'm more than pleased with what I got.

The Covert Model is on Amazon Prime for $56.
 
Question on the design: the blade appears to be made with plunging/stabbing in mind, not just slashing. Given that, why is the grip so smooth and featureless?

With no hilt, handstop, or finger grooves to get a mechanical hold on, how is it possible to make a full-power plunge and NOT risk sliding your hand up and finding yourself holding the blade?
 
Excellent point. Seems to be common on some folders. I've carried an Emerson for years that presents the same issue. I guess it's what a person likes or is comfortable with.
 

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I suspect that on that one heart-stopping moment when you really need your "silent partner" (as Mr. Ek called it...) - holding onto it won't be a problem.... as long as you're still standing.
 
The suggested prices are more than I would have been willing to pay . I've seen them from the $120 - $130 range. I found one on ebay for $50 that was probably 98% but didn't have the belt clip (The older ones didn't have it). There was another one listed with a "buy it now" for $48 that had the clip, but had some light carry wear. I picked mine up NIB with all papers, sheath and box for $75. I figured if I didn't like it, I could move a new one easier and get my money back. Like I originally posted though, I'm more than pleased with what I got.
I'm glad you're enjoying it. It's a knife that's always intrigued me. I can't tell how many times I handled both the full size and the original covert as a high school and then college student in the mid 90's through early 2000s while working at a locally owned hunting and fishing store. The fact that the design has remained essentially unchanged in the 20+ years it's been out is a testament to how well Gerber nailed the translation of the original fixed blade to the folders back then.

However, comparing used (or even pre-owned but as new in box) found on eBay prices doesn't allow for the same equality in comparing prices from the major online knife retailers with new stock that's known to be from the manufacturer, and discounted within MAP policies or the retailer's standard discount off of MSRP.

The Covert Model is on Amazon Prime for $56.
That's the Chinese made assisted opening version with "titanium coated blade" of undisclosed steel, not the USA made version with 154CM blade. I wonder how many unsuspecting buyers have gotten these, and what damage they've done to the reputation of the very good, USA made, original versions?
 
The fact that the design has remained essentially unchanged in the 20+ years it's been out is a testament to how well Gerber nailed the translation of the original fixed blade to the folders back then.

I think it is more the contracts with Colonel Applegate. He was well known for requiring full approval before production and after on design and companies had him abandon them and go to their competition if they deviated from the approved design. I suspect the estate holds those contracts and has the same attitude out of respect for his legacy.

When the Covert was just a prototype we talked about the viability of the design. He was more in favor of the full size fixed and folding Applegates, but I enthusiastically encouraged him to approve the smaller knife because it would be easier to carry and the smaller blade would fit in more jurisdictions at the time making more people interested that might be reluctant to buy the full size. I promised him that it would be a huge success (since the Applegate folder was going strong at the time)...and it was.
 
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Hum, can't comment on the Amazon offering other than price.

As far as what I bought off of eBay VS a major retailer. I have no doubt about it being from the manufacturer (Gerber). I saved about $50 on the same product as a retailer would have sold me. That's money in my pocket. I'm happy with the purchase and most likely will shop again where I can get the best deals.
 
Almost all of my blade purchases (other than blades for commercial fish cutting) have come from E-Bay, either used or NOS... If you're careful there are quite a few bargains to be had (and not chinese knock-offs either). Only once did I get burned -but not for much money... I'm not a collector in any sense of the word, just a guy who needs specific tools and wants a backup for models I really value.

And of course there's a really nice Benchmade Ascent full sized model on there now -but it's being bid up out of my range as I write this...
 
I've got a couple of the Chinese knives. No argument, they don't have the steel you can find in other offerings.
But, they aren't totally trash either. I will do things with a $20 Chinese "Colt" knife I wouldn't think of doing with a $120 Sambar Stag handle Case.

I haven't bought a knife from a brick and mortar retail store in at least a decade. The internet opens up a whole new experience as far as what's available and at what price.
 
Try knife shows. Much better than virtual browsing.
 

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