Any thoughts on the Gerber LST?

[Captain Hook]

Just ordered the Gerber LST, I read about the rich history of the knife and how it was the first with FRN handles..So I thought that I needed to add it to my collection. I don't have much experience with Gerber products, but I plan to use this as a Outdoors/Work knife. Where do you guys think this particular model fits in your philosophy of use?

[cody6268]

I'm not sure how these newer ones are (if that's the bigger size, I've had it in my Amazon cart for ages); but here's a model 500 (Magnum LST Jr.) from the 1990s that I inherited from my great-uncle. It sees a lot of use and carry, as the handle fits my hands perfectly, it locks up solid, and when closing, the blade is sucked in by the spring.  I think these used 420HC. The new US-1 is nowhere near as good.   The LST line (once MUCH bigger; both in size of the range, and size of the blades) has existed since the late 1980s and is Blackie Collins designed.

[zoidberg]

Twenty some years ago I really liked this knife.
Somewhere along the way I lost it.
I would be keen own another but the price (NZ$50+) IMO is excessive.

[Captain Hook]

I'm not sure how these newer ones are (if that's the bigger size, I've had it in my Amazon cart for ages); but here's a model 500 (Magnum LST Jr.) from the 1990s that I inherited from my great-uncle. It sees a lot of use and carry, as the handle fits my hands perfectly, it locks up solid, and when closing, the blade is sucked in by the spring.  I think these used 420HC. The new US-1 is nowhere near as good.   The LST line (once MUCH bigger; both in size of the range, and size of the blades) has existed since the late 1980s and is Blackie Collins designed.


(Image removed from quote.)

nice knife looks really ergonomic!

[jcs0001]

I have the 300 version.  It's a very small knife and I've never used it but it was too cute to pass up.



Shown with a victorinox classic sized knife for comparison.

It has "Gerber 300" on one side of the base of the blade and "Portland OR USA" on the other.  There are no other markings.



The knife is very solid and locks up with no blade movement.  It has no nail nick but doesn't really need one.  It is put together with rivets by the looks of it.

John.

[jcs0001]

Additionally it is very light.  It is 17 gms including the shown lanyard vs. 23 gm for the small classic lite victorinox.

John.

[Captain Hook]

Nice info john! Looks like a good keychain knife! Here's my 400 series LST next to a Serrated Spartan for size reference

[MTFool]

I used to edc  the 500 all the time way back when.   I found this 600 about three or four years ago... I liked it because of the bigger size to was a good hunting folder, strong but lightweight

[MTFool]

On another note, the 400 is what I give all my groomsmen for my wedding.

[jcs0001]

One interesting thing about the LST series is that Gerber has used a very intelligent method of differentiating them.  They are numbered and the increase in size of the knife is reflected in the larger number.  Simple and understandable.

John.

[sawman]

I was happy with mine when I used it. It’s just a run of the mill mini folder that for 420hc still a little high price. Room for improvement....

[Alan K.]

I got my 500 thrown in with a Victorinox Champion at a yard sale about 3 years ago. paid $30.00 U.S. for the pair and they were both in as new condition.  I thought I would sell the 500 and keep the Vic but it is such a nice little knife that I can't bring myself to get rid of it.  I just wish it had a pocket clip.

[MTFool]

 

I got my 500 thrown in with a Victorinox Champion at a yard sale about 3 years ago. paid $30.00 U.S. for the pair and they were both in as new condition.  I thought I would sell the 500 and keep the Vic but it is such a nice little knife that I can't bring myself to get rid of it.  I just wish it had a pocket clip.

A pocket clip would definitely  make it my everyday carry for sure. 


 

[cody6268]

A pocket clip would definitely  make it my everyday carry for sure. 


 

One of the smaller ones (400?) I think actually did in its earlier production runs. It had an optional/packed uninstalled Zytel clip that slotted into the lanyard hole, and was held on by a flat head screw.  You'll see them for sale occasionally.

[MTFool]

One of the smaller ones (400?) I think actually did in its earlier production runs. It had an optional/packed uninstalled Zytel clip that slotted into the lanyard hole, and was held on by a flat head screw.  You'll see them for sale occasionally.

    Thanks cody, I haven't seen that before I'm going have to keep my eyes open for them.