Product Name: | Gerber Ripstop I |
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Brand: | Gerber Gear |
Rating: | |
Type of Knife: | EDC (Every Day Carry) |
Blade Type: | Clip Point |
Blade Material: | Stainless Steel |
Blade Length: | 2.3″ |
Overall Length: | 5 3/4″ |
Closed Length: | 3.4″ |
Handle Material: | Stainless Steel |
Lock Type: | Frame Lock |
Weight: | 2 oz. |
CLICK HERE for the latest price on the Gerber Ripstop I Pocket Knife
Gerber Ripstop I
The Gerber Ripstop I is a lightweight knife with sleek, cool features. It’s skeleton frame of stainless steel gives the Ripstop I its bold design, and it’s why the knife is so light at 2 ounces. This doesn’t make it a flimsy knife. It’s solidly constructed and strong.
Gerber Gear is an American brand founded in 1939 and still manufacturing knives out of Portland, Oregon. They’ve been a brand that have built a reputation on quality craftsmanship and innovation. This legacy is apparent in the Ripstop I. It’s sleek form and innovative design far surpass other knives that try to be original and unique.
The Gerber Ripstop knife is a bit futuristic looking but it’s a fully functional knife that is easy to carry every day. The knife measures at an overall length of 5.75 inches. The size and low weight allows it to be a great EDC knife. It’s a delightful piece of steel to own, and it would make a great gift for a knife lover who might only have traditional knives.
The Blade
The Gerber Ripstop 1 has a clip point stainless steel blade with a fine edge that can be sharpened easily. The blade is extremely sharp from the factory, but at some point it will need to be sharpened and the 440 steel Gerber uses on the Ripstop is quick to take an edge.
There’s two ways of opening the knife. The first way is to use the dual thumb studsto quickly flick the knife open one-handed. The second way is to use the square cut out opening at the top of the blade to pull the blade from its seating. Either way, the blade will open smoothly and locks tight into the open position.
The Handle
The unique skeleton handle is made of stainless steel, but it has a polished, brushed steel look and not a cheap chrome or shiny coating that will become scuffed. The brushed steel gives it a luxurious finish. The handle has a regular sized pivot screw but with an embellishment that makes the pivot screw look larger and more interesting.
The Gerber Ripstop has a very strong pocket clip that rides high on the knife so that the knife itself isn’t visible above the pocket line. This gives the knife a discreet appearance, which is important in some situations. An every day carry knife does not always have to be obvious.
The handle has a length of 3.4 inches. This is relatively small for an EDC, and it’s great for an inconspicuous carry. This knife is comfortable in larger hands, but it might be more comfortable in smaller hands. This is something to consider when buying the knife for yourself or for a gift.
The Pros
- The Gerber Ripstop I is very lightweight.
- It has a unique handle design for showing off to friends. It’s the perfect knife for a collector.
- The blade length is under the requirements for most every day carry knives.
- The clip allows the knife to ride low in the pocket.
The Cons
- The handle might be more comfortable in smaller hands.
- It’s so lightweight that some owners might forget they are wearing a knife.
Insider Tip
While many collectors have traditional knives that are heavy and bulky, they might not have a streamlined, skeleton handle like the Ripstop. One guy mentioned that he felt a little like Mad Max carrying the knife. If you know someone who might want to have a fun, little knife in their collection that still does fine cutting work, the Ripstop I is perfect. A birthday, Father’s Day or an anniversary are all perfect times to give that special someone a bold, unique gift like the Ripstop.
The Verdict on the Gerber Ripstop I
While the Gerber Ripstop I may seem too lightweight to perform every day tasks, it’s not. The design is unique and bold, yet sturdy and strong. This isn’t a flimsy knife that is a pleasure to look at only. It’s a knife created to be the perfect EDC knife. It’s pleasant to look at, a delight to show off to friends and still a great knife for performing basic cutting tasks. The Ripstop I doesn’t give up functionality just because it’s a beautifully designed knife.
CLICK HERE for the latest price on the Gerber Ripstop I Pocket Knife