Carl Levitian
member
I bought one of these in the late 80's, as a rough use knife in the machine shop. I wanted a low cost knife I wouldn't get attached to, like a nice Case or Hen and Rooster, pocket knife.
In spite of myself, I grew to like the simple but rugged construction of the knife. The fact that it was 1.5 onces helped. It would disappear in the pocket. Slowly I found myself carrying it more and more, and being impressed with the zytel knife. weighed nothing, cut well, and didn't break the bank so if it got lost or broke, no big deal.
Finally, after over 20 years of hard use, it wore out. Skinny blade with no more kick to file down, handle and pivot loose in the zytel handle. I had heard Gerber was farming out some knives to be made in China, so I was a bit hesitant to get another, but I did. I called up Smoky Mountain knifeworks and bought a new LST. Much to my delight, it was marked on the tang "Gerber, Portland, Or. " No sticker or marking of China anywhere.
The new knife is every bit as good as my old one. Tight build, no side play or play in the lock. Very nice knife for 17.95. I guess we'll see if it lasts another 20 years.
In spite of myself, I grew to like the simple but rugged construction of the knife. The fact that it was 1.5 onces helped. It would disappear in the pocket. Slowly I found myself carrying it more and more, and being impressed with the zytel knife. weighed nothing, cut well, and didn't break the bank so if it got lost or broke, no big deal.
Finally, after over 20 years of hard use, it wore out. Skinny blade with no more kick to file down, handle and pivot loose in the zytel handle. I had heard Gerber was farming out some knives to be made in China, so I was a bit hesitant to get another, but I did. I called up Smoky Mountain knifeworks and bought a new LST. Much to my delight, it was marked on the tang "Gerber, Portland, Or. " No sticker or marking of China anywhere.
The new knife is every bit as good as my old one. Tight build, no side play or play in the lock. Very nice knife for 17.95. I guess we'll see if it lasts another 20 years.