Best Gerber Knives in 2023

This post was originally published in May 2018 but was updated in October 2021 to include newer models.

Gerber has a long history dating back to 1939. The brand has evolved over the years — undergoing some ups and downs as some of the best designers and knifemakers around left the company to start their own ventures.

Gerber has been relatively quiet the past few years, releasing an assortment of higher-end knives mixed with brand-new budget designs. None have really stood out from the bunch, and plenty of the older models that were great have been discontinued.

It’s been a rocky two decades, but Gerber seems to be on firm footing by doubling down on their best knives. Here is a look at Gerber’s 10 best knives currently in production.

Note: As always, these best-of lists are highly subjective. However, I do my due diligence through personal experience as well as consensus from around the internet. These lists will always skew toward the tried-and-true models, but new models will always make the jump.

1. Gerber LMF II Infantry

Gerber has remade itself over the past few years thanks to three very reliable (and pretty similar) fixed blades. The Gerber LMF II has an undisputed spot on this list for good reason. Gerber says the knife was originally designed to free an aircrew from a downed aircraft, and it remains an adaptable fixed blade that can be used in all types of situations.

The blade is 4.84 inches made from 420HC stainless steel. It has partial serrations and glass-filled nylon with TPV overmold handles.

You can see all the Gerber LMF II Infantry variations here.

2. Gerber Gator

This list is heavily populated with perennial favorites, and the Gerber Gator is no exception. It was first introduced in the early ’90s when it was named “Most Innovative Knife of the Year” at the 1991 Blade Show. Despite being so old, the knife remains one of the best Gerber has to offer.

The 3.76-inch clip point blade is 420HC stainless steel and the textured handle is glass-filled nylon. Like the LMF II, the Gator is made in the United States.

At one point, Gerber introduced a premium line that’s now discontinued. There’s still a fixed blade and drop point version though. This US-made folder is as robust as they come.

3. Gerber Paraframe

The Paraframe is another classic that continues to prove its worth each and every year. The mini version is often touted as one of the best Paraframes. It is a minimalist design with a 2.22-inch blade and skeletonized steel handle to cut down on the weight. The open design makes it easy to clean while the frame lock provides extra security.

This is a simple folder that countless people have depended on.

4. Gerber 06 Auto

The 06 Automatic family from Gerber is awesome.

The Gerber 06 Automatic was designed for military use and deployed with countless troops. This knife comes in either an aluminum or G-10 handle with a drop point or tanto blade.

Lately, the Gerber 06 Auto 10th Anniversary Edition has been a top-seller because of its specialty finish blade and OD green handle.

Check out all the Gerber 06 Auto variations.

5. Gerber LST

Now we go from a military tested, heavy-duty folder to a tiny lockback folder.

The LST looks like it could have been released this year but was actually brought to market by Pete Gerber himself in 1980. Pete and the legendary Blackie Collins wanted a lightweight knife like no other. The result was the revolutionary (for the time) LST with synthetic handles that give it a weight of 1.2 ounces.

Some argue that the knife changed the way we approach pocket knives.

I’ve been surprised that Gerber has kept this knife in their lineup after a shift to more modern designs. Thank goodness they didn’t because this small American-made folder remains one of the best Gerber has to offer.

6. Gerber Sumo

With the Gerber Covert being discontinued, there were a lot of knives I could have chosen to be here. Most of the new knives are solid but not spectacular. There’s the Gerber Asada, Gerber Doubledown, Gerber Downwind, and Gerber Tri Tip.

However, of all the new knives, the Gerber Sumo is probably the best because of its new, fascinating design and its value.

The Sumo is a budget-friendly knife with a pivot lock and unique look.

7. Gerber Fastball Cleaver

Gerber has been trying hard to make some great EDC knives. The US-Assist models were a good start, but they couldn’t quite live up to the hype. That knife paved the way for the Gerber Fastball, and it’s a huge improvement.

The original Fastball is kind of like the Gerber version of the Kershaw Leek with a thin profile, simple flipper design, and wharncliffe-like blade.

However, I argue that the newer Fastball Cleaver is way better than the original. This version has a 3-inch cleaver-style blade made from premium 20CV steel. The urban blue aluminum handle also looks way better than the flat sage green handle of the original.

8. Gerber Strongarm

I mentioned earlier that three modern fixed blades have helped the brand reclaim some fans. The first was the LMF II, the second was the Gerber Prodigy, and the third is the Gerber Strongarm. Since the Prodigy is based on the LMF II, the StrongArm deserves this spot.

In fact, if we were to rank these in order of the best, the StrongArm would likely be the very best knife from Gerber.

This is just a solid, all-around fixed blade knife that’s been met with universal acclaim. It proves that Gerber still knows a thing or two about making a great knife.

9. Gerber FlatIron Micarta

There is a trend toward EDC cleavers that we weren’t quite sure was warranted. The FlatIron makes the argument that folding cleavers can work well as EDC knives.

The 3.6-inch cleaver blade is stonewashed and opens with a thumb notch. The original model had a gray aluminum handle with a frame lock mechanism.

However, Gerber released a slightly upgraded model with a D2 blade and Micarta handle. Surprisingly, the knife still retains its excellent value at a competitive price, something Gerber has struggled with.

10. Gerber Empower

Gerber has really been killing it when it comes to automatic knives. They have a series of autos, including the Gerber Propel series. Unfortunately, that series was mainly geared toward law enforcement personnel. That’s why Gerber made the Empower.

The Empower is an excellent EDC automatic knife that’s made for the daily user, with less aggressive lines and stylings. It has a 3.25-inch S30V blade.

Take a look at some of the other Gerber Empower versions.