Gerber Episodes.

[ReamerPunch]

Once again, thank you so much for taking the time to do these.   

[Chako]

If nothing else, possibly a good reference thread. 

[Fortytwo]

Awesome thread and really nice pictures as always! Now I just want to see you wearing all that gear! The belt stacked with all the sheaths etc. You'd be ready for anything!

[Chako]

I may have to nix the swimming part. 

[mlw270win]

Great review of the many different Gerber multitools.

[Chako]

Thanks. Every now and then I try to put something big on the site.

[Tri Wibowo Wz]

The best Collector Mr. Chako Salute 

[Chako]

Episode 74 - Gerber Suspension NXT.

Hard to believe the last time I added anything was back in 2017. I haven't exactly been collecting multi-tools of late, having my interest go in other directions. With that said, I found two Gerber multi-tools at a local store. First up is the Gerber Suspension NXT. Now the original Suspension was a very popular multi-tool that spawned quite a few similar tools. I am uncertain why Gerber called this one a Suspension NXT as it doesn't resemble the older tool in the least. I must say, the older tool was of a higher build quality compared to this newer tool. I can flex the handles in the close position up and down around the pliers pivot point. The whole tool is full of angular sharp edges. The locking tabs have several issues with them. Not only do they stick out way too much and are pointy as all get out, you can push them from side to side. I noted that in my model, when you did that, it jammed the folding tools somewhat. Not cool, and a sure indicator of poor build quality. The tool does feature a belt clip, however, it digs into your hands when the tool is in the closed position. I am happy to say, the tool tightens up in the open position...but all those sharp edges and wiggle detracts from my opinion of a quality tool. It is not all doom and gloom though..as I do tend to like the fold out tools that come with it. No included sheath however is a major let down for myself. It would be great to have another option other than the included belt clip. Mind you, they did include a lanyard hole but oddly made this out of plastic as opposed to stainless steel.



I don't mind the fold out tools in general. That awl is of a rather interesting design. It is more akin to a very sharp box opener than an awl.



The jaws are spring loaded.

[Chako]

Episode 75 - Gerber Truss.

Compared to the Gerber Suspension NXT (I guess they didn't want to spell "NEXT"), the Truss is a much better tool in build quality and design. The Truss does not flex as much as the Suspension NXT in the closed position. Better yet, the Truss is rounded in all the right spots to make it a much more comfortable tool to use. With that said, I am finding these new locking push tabs to be a bit sharp and they stick out way too much. So much so that I find them digging into my palms. Much like the previous tool, you also get a bit of plastic in the shape of a lanyard hole on one handle, and a bit of plastic on the other handle to match. Of course, Gerber saw fit to but the Gerber logo on both pieces. Unfortunately, this tool also suffers from locking tabs that can be moved in and out. I am not a big fan of Gerber's new locking tab design and construction. This was much better on the older tools. At least this tool comes with a sheath that can be worn side style or up/down style.



From what I can see, both the Truss and Suspension NXT feature the same pliers head, including the built in spring. From what I can see, I might consider both tools to be in the same family as there are plenty of similar design cues between them, right down to the tool design.

[gerleatherberman]

Nice additions to your collection, Chako! And nice write up as well. Thank you dor taking the time.

I liked the Truss more than the NXT also, but was kidded about the choice. 

I have not noted the lock issue, but have also not thought of trying to push the locks side-to-side. That is definitely a step down from the older Suspension, which is a tough cookie construction wise. I think a lot of the issues come from the fact Gerber wanted to keep the tools relatively inexpensive. I feel they are still quite good at the price points, seeing as they are competitive with Ganzo at the moment.

The NXT rode in my pocket for a while and performed as advertised. But, that said, I had to return(for an exchange) one of the two I bought, because the pliers had an outstanding amount of slop in them and drastically misaligned handles. The one I recieved was a good example with little handle-wobble and a tight pliers head. It went into the collection of course. The one I have designated as a user is a fair example, but has the wobble you mentioned.

[Chako]

I hear you. I am still trying to justify a Gerber Center Drive for my collection. They run around 180 Canadian locally. 

[edc yes]

Thanks, Chako. 'Voluminous' work.

[Chako]

You are welcome. I guess I should update this thread soon with the Center Drive...as I now have one of those in the collection.

[Ivo]

Your GERBER collection is so nice Chako , start to like GERGER tools more and more.

[Chako]

You are welcome.

[CarbideCruzer]

Chako, thank you very much for all this information.  Truly, I am amazed with all the information you've acquired along with all the tools I didn't even know existed either.   Years ago, I managed to find a Fiskars branded MP600 and if I remember correctly this was the second multi tool I've ever owned.   What is interesting is there is a Gerber bit kit set model number 22-45200 that can be used with the Phillips driver on the MP400, 600, 700 and 800.  Gerber still sells this set, albeit the individual I spoke to at Gerber was generous enough just to send the bit adapter as apparently that isn't sold separately.

Here is a link in case anyone interested via Gerber's website.  https://www.gerbergear.com/en-us/shop/equipment/accessories/10-piece-tool-kit-mp400-mp600-mp650-mp700-mp800-45200

This is also interesting with the first generation MP400, the blade had a finger slot with a drop point blade, whereas the "modern" day variation has a nail nick instead as well as a sheep foot blade.  Very handy multi tool due to it's size,  lightweight and one handed operation. 

[tattoosteve99]

So Chako have we added anymore to this collection?  There’s a few still left out there now and it’s not in this thread yet Anyway, I use this thread as a go to for my gerbers. It has also helped ID a few that people were asking about. So get off Facebook and get posting here. (I should take my own advice there)

[CarbideCruzer]

Well I didn't mean to post again; meant to modify my post from 2019 as that link no longer works.  Also, Gerber more than three years ago Gerber removed all customer service support via telephonically.  Only way to reach customer service is via email and bluntly put response times variate immensely. 

Sometime in 2022, Gerber released a Center Drive version with a gut hook named Gerber Center Drive Rescue.  Below is an archived image as Gerber for whatever reason doesn't keep a list of their products the same way Leatherman wisely does.

http://archive.today/2023.02.05-224814/https://www.gerbergear.com/en-us/shop/multi-tools/all-multi-tools/center-drive-rescue-berry-compliant-sheath-30-001892

[Chako]

I gues it is high time I upgrade what I have here. Stay tuned.

[Chako]

The last episode was back in 2019. It is now 2024. Please note that from my perspective, Gerber sort of stopped creating newer plier based multi-tools and started creating newer pocket tools that mostly feature either a driver, a pry bar, or a small removable X-Acto blade/utility blade. With that said, I do believe they are still producing the venerable MP 600. It also looks like the smaller MP 400 is now discontinued. Without further ado, lets proceed to the next episode...

Episode 76 - Center Drive.

This is probably one of Gerbers's top models in terms of price and product placement. There are a few variants of this out there, including the Gerber Drive Plus, and the Gerber Drive Rescue. I only have a pair of the regular Gerber Drive as shown here. I have 2 because I was planning on adding it to my EDC rotation, but never did get around to doing it.

20240709_060223 by Chako, on Flickr

The Center Drive is noteable in being one of the most comfortable driver attached to a multi-tool out there. The secret is all in the arm. When deployed, it aligns the driver center of the tool, hence the name of this model.

20240709_060233 by Chako, on Flickr

The locking lever on the Center Drive is also a pleasure to use as it has a very easy to engage crook.

20240709_060244 by Chako, on Flickr

The Center Drive is a newer design that features a single sliding button to extract or stow away the pliers. The central button unlocks the mechanism with a press.

20240709_060253 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_060539 by Chako, on Flickr

The Center Drive also features removable wire cutters.

20240709_060311 by Chako, on Flickr

My copy just so happens to have black oxide tools, but there are several different variations. You can get this tool in all stainless, as well as all black oxide. There are also different styles of sheaths you can get the Center Drive with.

20240709_060415 by Chako, on Flickr

Here is the star of the tool, the center drive screw driver.

20240709_060512 by Chako, on Flickr

I think the Gerber Center Drive is probably one of their  best designs out there. It does have some issues, at least from my view point. I find it odd they filled one side with a small flat driver. I think not having double sided bits was a missed opportunity. They could have removed that fat little flat driver and put in a few  other more useful tools. The price is fairly high but then this is Gerber's top tier model.

[Chako]

Episode 77 - Gerber Dual Force.

Moving on from the Sliding plier head Center Drive, is the big bad boy of the butterfly opening Gerbers...The Dual Force. I got very excited when this model was announced. Featuring a dual position slip joint for the pliers is a rare feature in multi-tools. Also featuring laminate construction, Gerber claims you can use 2x the force in use from their regular single metal construction plier head. 

20240709_060554 by Chako, on Flickr

The Dual Force shares a few features with the slightly older Center Drive. The size of both tools are similar, many design cues are also similar, and of course, both featuer one of the best screw drivers in the business.

20240709_060604 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_060612 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_060623 by Chako, on Flickr

Here you can see the dual position slip joint.

20240709_060648 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_060702 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_060732 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_060743 by Chako, on Flickr

Like a lot of Gerber products, the Dual Force is not without its quirkyness. For main fold out tools you get a knife, a saw, that wonderful driver, and a combination pry bar and file. This is what I find odd, see those little fold out tools on the tail end of the tool. Well, those are just bit holder, and that is as far as they will rotate. I would have prefered to see a bit more variation of fold out tools in those locations. Include a bit holder and call it a day.

20240709_060907 by Chako, on Flickr

A size comparison between the Dual Force and Center Drive.

20240709_060949 by Chako, on Flickr

Overall, my opinion on this tool are a mix. I like the driver, the dual position slip joint, and the overall construction. A bit underwhelmed with the selection of tools, and weird bit storage at the cost of more tools.

[Chako]

Episode 78 - Gerber Prybrid Utility Clip.

Gerber has expanded their small compact and lightweight multi-tool selection in the past few years. This one is probably one of their largest and heaviest of the group. What you get here is a great utility knife (Which I like a lot) with a pry bar among other functions. The Ptrybrid Utility Clip comes in 3 colours. My copy is OD Green, but it also comes in a fetching Burnt Orange, and Urban Blue. Can't forget about the tactical gray also.

20240709_061126 by Chako, on Flickr

8 tools (utility blade, cord cut notch, bottle opener, pry bar, large flat head driver, small flat head driver, nail puller, wire stripper)
Pocket clip
G-10 handle
Stainless steel prybar
Length: 4.25"
Width: 1.25"
Weight: 3.1 oz.

20240709_061136 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_061151 by Chako, on Flickr

 Slide the blade out fully to exchange it.

20240709_061208 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_062004 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_062015 by Chako, on Flickr

This one came out before the others, and when I first saw it, I just had to have it. I do have a thing for utility knives. Besides, I think the Prybride is a logical step from the Gerber Artifact that is now discontinued.

[Chako]

Episode 79 - Gerber Prybrid X.

The next logical model would be to take the fairly large and heavy Prybrid Utility and lighten and make it smaller. The Prybrid X is the result. Instead of featuring a much larger Utility blade, the X features a #11 scalpel  blade.

20240709_061233 by Chako, on Flickr

The Gerber Prybrid X features:

Standard #11 blade​
Pry bar​
Wire stripper​
Nail puller​
Flathead driver med / small​
Bottle opener​
550 cord wrap

20240709_061256 by Chako, on Flickr

The Prybrid X is a much more keychain friendly size.

20240709_061316 by Chako, on Flickr

To replace the blade, you have to slide the mechanism all the way to the left.

20240709_061336 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_061939 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_061953 by Chako, on Flickr

The Prybrid X is a nice little pocket / keychain multi-tool that does enough to make it worthwhile to keep around. I have a Rovyvon Ti keychain carabiner with one of these blades and I cannot tell you how handy that little blade is on a daily basis. This one is a winner in my opinion.

[Chako]

Episode 80 - Gerber Lockdown Slim Pry.

Following in the size and weight of the Gerber Prybride Utility, comes the first of two variants...the Gerber Lockdown Slim Pry.

20240709_061356 by Chako, on Flickr

The tool features:

2.5" blade with frame lock
Cast pry bar
Bottle opener
Scissors
Flat driver - large and small
Nail puller
Closed length: 3.87"
Open length (blade open): 7.56"
Weight: 4 oz.
Width: 0.56"

Based on the name, the main tool here is the pry bar.

20240709_061405 by Chako, on Flickr

The Gerber Lockdown Slim Pry comes in 2 colours, the Bronze shown here, and the Onyx.

This handy tool comes with a #11 removable scalpel blade.

20240709_061446 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_061523 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_061535 by Chako, on Flickr

This is nice model if your main focal point is for a pry bar. With that said, there is enough functionality here to make it a good model to have.

[Chako]

Episode 81 - Gerber Lockdown Drive.

Closely related to the Pry, the Drive features a screwdriver as its main tool focuse.

20240709_061546 by Chako, on Flickr

The Gerber Lockdown Drive features:

2-1/2” plain edge blade with frame lock
Driver with 2 sided ¼” bits
#2 cross driver and medium flathead
Awl
Replaceable #11 utility blade
File
Chisel edge
Closed length: 3.87”
Open length (knife open): 6.5”
Blade length: 2.5”
Width: 0.56”

20240709_061557 by Chako, on Flickr

I find this tool features an overabundance of cutting tools for my own personal taste.

20240709_061706 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_061720 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_061755 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_061805 by Chako, on Flickr

[Chako]

Episode 82 - Gerber Chonk or Shard XL.

Originally named The Gerber Chonk, and recently named the Gerber Shard XL, this descendent of the Gerber Shard is evident in its newer nomenclature.

20240709_061822 by Chako, on Flickr

There are 2 variants of the Chonk. I have both shown here. There is a G10 handled version as well as an aluminium version with a changing topographical map pattern. Meaning if you buy several of the alumianium versions, the pattern will be different on all of them. The G10 OD green (the only colour on tap at the moment) also features a nice design on the metal.

20240709_061842 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_061859 by Chako, on Flickr

The Chonk or Shard XL features the pry bar, nail puller, and bottle opener. I guess you could use a pry bar blade as a large flathead screwdriver in a pinch. Missing is a Phillips driver from the original Shard, which by the way was one of Gerber's longest production and most popular pocket multi-tools. You do get a pocket clip with the newer model, so that is a positive. The size is also longer and more ergonomic compared to its predecessor.

[Chako]

Episode 83 - Gerber Armbar Cork.

There are several models of the Armbar. This one is the Cork model that features a corkscrew for your wine drinking needs.

20240709_062233 by Chako, on Flickr

Featured here are 2 colourways, the orange and the Onyx. There are other colours such as a gold.

20240709_062245 by Chako, on Flickr

This compact model features:

2-1/2” fine edge blade w/ frame lock
Corkscrew w/ lever arm
Pry bar
Bottle opener
Hammer
Scissor
Can/package opener

20240709_062302 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_062317 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_062441 by Chako, on Flickr

[Chako]

Episode 84 - Gerber Armbar Slim Drive.

If you desiring something even more compact, Gerber offers the slim Drive. My copy is in the colour of bronze. There is also a burnt orange.

20240709_062528 by Chako, on Flickr

The Gerber Armbar Slim Drive features:

2-1/2” plain edge blade
Frame lock
2” extension bit driver with 2-sided bit
Bottle opener
Closed length: 3.8”
Open length (knife open): 6.75”
Blade length: 2.5”
Width: 0.6”

20240709_062544 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_062553 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_062608 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_062654 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_062710 by Chako, on Flickr

It is also worth mentioning that there is another model which I do not own at the moment called the Gerber Armbar Slim Cut that features a knife blade as opposed the screwdriver as the main tool.

[Chako]

Episode 85 - Gerber Armbar Drive.

Before I get into this one, I want to add that gerber also has a diffent Armbar from the Cork and the Drive I will be discussing here, and that is the Armbar trade and the Armbar Scout. These are models I do not have yet in the collection.

20240709_062742 by Chako, on Flickr

The Gerber Armbar Drive features:

2-1/2”  fine edge blade w/ frame lock
2-1/2” extension bit driver with 2-sided bit
Pry bar
Bottle opener
Hammer
Scissor
Awl

20240709_062742 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_062755 by Chako, on Flickr

There are several different colourways for the Drive including orange, gold, and onyx. Shown here are the gold and onyx versions.

20240709_062808 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_062819 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_062905 by Chako, on Flickr

[Chako]

Episode 86 - Gerber ComplEAT Utensil Set.

Here is something different. This is the Gerber ComplEAT Utensil Set. It comes in 3 differrent colors. My copy is burnt bronze, but it also comes in onyx and flat sage.

20240709_063354 by Chako, on Flickr

The Gerber ComplEAT set features:

Spatula [serrated & silicone edge]
High temp nylon w/ silicone overmold
Long tine fork
Deep basin spoon
Tongs [fork or spoon + spatula]
Not dishwasher safe
 

Multi-tool components:

Bottle opener
Veggie peeler
Serrated package opener
Can opener

20240709_063423 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_063455 by Chako, on Flickr

Everything nestles together tightly making it perfect for your hiking/camping needs. Here is the central carrier spatula.

20240709_063339 by Chako, on Flickr

You can either use the spoon or fork with the spatula to cnvert it into thongs.

20240709_063510 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_063539 by Chako, on Flickr

20240709_063613 by Chako, on Flickr

This is a lightweight and versatile set of utensils, perfect for your outdoor needs.