Best Survival Knife? Gerber Gear Ultimate Survival Knife Review: Rugged Reliability in the Wild

Best Survival Knife? Gerber Gear Ultimate Survival Knife Review: Rugged Reliability in the Wild

What is the best survival knife? The answer to this question is obviously very subjective. It will depend on many factors, including its intended use scenario, your budget, and your experience as a survivalist, amongst many other considerations.

The Gerber Gear Ultimate Survival Knife is a robust and versatile tool designed to meet the demanding needs of outdoor enthusiasts and survival experts. This fixed-blade knife combines durability, functionality, and innovative features to create a reliable companion for wilderness adventures.

The blade’s composition strikes an excellent balance between edge retention and corrosion resistance, ensuring it stays sharp and functional in various environmental conditions. The drop point design offers versatility for a wide range of cutting tasks, from precise carving to heavy-duty chopping.

One of the standout features of the Gerber Ultimate Survival Knife is its ergonomic handle. Constructed with a textured rubber grip, it provides a secure and comfortable hold even in wet or cold conditions.

The handle’s design incorporates a striking pommel at the base, which can be used for hammering or breaking glass in emergency situations. In earlier versions of this knife, some users reported that the pommel was not sufficiently robust, but Gerber have now fixed this issue. All knives produced after 2011 include a much stronger, more robust, pommel. You can be sure that if you buy one now, this issue will not affect you at all.

The knife comes equipped with a built-in emergency whistle integrated into the handle, adding an extra layer of safety to your outdoor gear. This feature can be crucial for signalling for help in dire circumstances, making it a thoughtful addition to the knife’s survival-oriented design. I prefer to remove the whistle from the knife, as this reduces the chance of the knife getting snared in bushes or low hanging branches when hiking through forests.

Gerber has also included a fire starter rod in the knife’s sheath, which can be struck against the blade’s spine to create sparks for fire-starting. This integration of many survival tools into one package enhances the knife’s utility and reduces the number of separate items you need to carry. This is very useful when deciding what to include in your emergency survival backpack.

The sheath itself is worth noting. Made from military-grade, mildew-resistant nylon, it offers durability and protection for the blade.

The sheath features a built-in diamond sharpener, allowing you to maintain the blade’s edge in the field. I can confirm that this works well on the flat part of the blade. It’s not much use for the serrated part of the blade though.

Additionally, it includes a ferrocerium rod for fire starting and a small pocket that can hold tinder or other small survival items. Again, I can confirm that this works well and does the job in all kinds of weather.

In terms of overall construction, the Gerber Ultimate Survival Knife feels solid and well-balanced. The full tang design extends the blade’s steel through the entire length of the handle, providing excellent strength and leverage for heavy-duty tasks. This feature is particularly important for a survival knife, as it needs to withstand significant force without risk of failure.

The knife’s weight of 11.2 ounces strikes a good balance between heft for chopping and lightness for easy carrying. It’s substantial enough to handle tough jobs but won’t weigh you down on long treks.

One potential drawback for some users might be the knife’s size. With an overall length of 10 inches, it may be larger than what some hikers or backpackers prefer for everyday carry.

However, its size is suitable for its intended use as a serious survival tool.

The blade’s partially serrated edge adds versatility, making it effective for sawing through rope or fibrous materials. However, some users may prefer a fully plain edge for easier sharpening and maintenance.

Here is a table that summarises the knife’s key features:

Gerber, based in the USA, is a trusted brand. It’s not just me that thinks so. Over 100,000 customers rate this brand highly on Amazon. There are regularly more than 100,000 orders for this brand on Amazon every 3 months. Another great indicator is that very few of Gerber’s products are returned for any reason. Gerber also offers a limited lifetime warranty on all its knives.

In field testing, the Gerber Ultimate Survival Knife performs admirably across a range of tasks. It excels in wood processing, easily handling tasks like batoning and feather stick creation.

The knife’s robust construction instils confidence when tackling demanding chores like shelter building or food preparation.

The fire starter works effectively, producing plenty of sparks when struck against the blade’s spine. This feature, combined with the integrated whistle and the sheath’s extra tools, creates a comprehensive survival system that goes beyond just cutting.

Maintenance of the knife is straightforward, thanks to the included sharpener. The high-carbon stainless steel blade holds its edge well, requiring only occasional touch-ups during extended use.

However, as with any knife, proper care and regular cleaning are essential to maintain its performance and prevent corrosion.

Price-wise, the Gerber Ultimate Survival Knife sits in the mid-range category for survival knives. While not the cheapest option available, its combination of quality construction, thoughtful design, and extra survival features justify the investment for serious outdoor enthusiasts.

The Gerber Ultimate Survival Knife is not without competition in the survival knife market. Compared to some high-end custom knives, it may lack some refinement in fit and finish.

However, when evaluated against its price point and intended use, it stands out as a well-rounded and reliable option.

For those venturing into challenging environments or preparing for emergency situations, the Gerber Ultimate Survival Knife offers a compelling package. Its robust construction, versatile blade, and integrated survival features make it a valuable tool for wilderness survival and outdoor adventures.

While its size may be more than some need for casual outdoor use, those seeking a dependable, multi-functional survival knife will find the Gerber Ultimate Survival Knife to be a worthy companion in the wild.

Venturing into the wilderness can be an exhilarating experience, offering a profound connection with nature and a test of your self-reliance. However, the untamed outdoors also presents many challenges that can quickly turn a pleasant excursion into a survival situation.

Mastering essential wilderness survival skills is crucial for anyone who spends time in remote areas, whether for recreation or professional purposes.

The foundation of wilderness survival comes from understanding and addressing the basic human needs in order of importance. This prioritization, often referred to as the “Rule of Threes,” helps guide decision-making in critical situations:

1. Air: You can survive only 3 minutes without air.
2. Shelter: You can survive 3 hours without proper shelter in harsh environments.
3. Water: You can survive 3 days without water.
4. Food: You can survive 3 weeks without food.

Creating an effective shelter is often the first priority in a survival situation, protecting you from the elements and helping maintain body temperature. Several shelter types can be constructed using natural materials:

Lean-to Shelter

A lean-to is one of the simplest and most effective emergency shelters. It consists of a single sloped roof supported by a horizontal beam between two trees or supports.

The roof is typically made of branches, leaves, or other vegetation layered to shed water.

Debris Hut

This shelter mimics the insulating properties of a bird’s nest. It’s created by forming a framework of branches and then piling leaves, pine needles, and other debris over it to create a thick, insulating layer.

Snow Cave

In snowy conditions, a snow cave can provide excellent insulation. It’s constructed by digging into a snowbank or snowdrift, creating a small entrance tunnel leading to a larger sleeping chamber.

Fire provides warmth, light, a means to purify water, and a way to signal for help. Mastering many fire-starting techniques is crucial:

Friction-Based Methods

These include the bow drill, hand drill, and fire plow. While challenging, these methods can create fire using only natural materials found in the environment.

Ferrocerium Rod

A ferrocerium rod, often included in survival kits, produces hot sparks when scraped with a metal striker or the back of a knife blade.

Magnification

In sunny conditions, a magnifying glass, eyeglasses, or even a water-filled plastic bag can focus sunlight to ignite tinder.

Water Procurement and Purification

Finding and purifying water is critical for survival beyond a few days. Methods for obtaining water include:

• Collecting rainwater or dew
• Digging for groundwater in dry riverbeds
• Extracting water from plants

Once water is obtained, it must be purified to prevent waterborne illnesses. Purification methods include:

• Boiling (most reliable method)
• Chemical treatments (iodine or chlorine tablets)
• Filtration using commercial filters or improvised methods

In the absence of GPS or other electronic navigation aids, understanding natural navigation techniques is invaluable:

Using the Sun

The sun’s position can show direction. In the Northern Hemisphere, the sun rises in the east, is due south at noon, and sets in the west.

Star Navigation

At night, locating the North Star (Polaris) in the Northern Hemisphere can provide a reliable north reference.

Natural Indicators

Observing natural features like moss growth on trees (often more prevalent on the north side in the Northern Hemisphere) or the direction of prevailing winds can help with navigation.

When lost or in distress, effectively signalling for help can be life-saving:

Visual Signals

• Creating contrasting patterns visible from the air (e.g., SOS in a clearing)
• Using a signal mirror to reflect sunlight towards potential rescuers
• Lighting three fires in a triangle pattern (a universal distress signal)

Audible Signals

• Using a whistle (which carries further than the human voice)
• Creating improvised noise makers from natural materials

While food is less immediate than shelter or water, knowing how to get it in the wild is important for extended survival situations:

Plant Identification

Learning to identify edible plants in your region is crucial. However, it’s equally important to recognize poisonous plants to avoid accidental ingestion.

Basic Trapping

Simple snares and deadfall traps can be constructed from natural materials to catch small game.

Fishing Techniques

Improvised fishing methods, such as hand fishing or using gorge hooks made from wood or bone, can provide a valuable food source near water bodies.

Based on The Rule of 3’s, the following table shows the relative priorities for a range of different survival skills.

Mastering these wilderness survival skills needs practice and preparation. Regular training in controlled environments can help develop the confidence and muscle memory needed to apply these skills effectively in real emergencies.

You will notice that the Gerber Gear Ultimate Survival Knife can be used as a useful tool to help you in shelter building, fire starting and signalling – the top 2 and the fifth key priorities in terms of the survival skills.

Additionally, carrying suitable gear, such as a well-equipped survival kit, can significantly enhance your ability to survive in challenging situations.

The Gerber Gear Ultimate Survival Knife serves as an excellent tool for many of these survival tasks. It’s robust construction and versatile design make it suitable for shelter building, fire starting, and even basic food preparation.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the Gerber Gear Ultimate Survival Knife and its versatility in outdoor situations. As an avid hiker and camping enthusiast, I’ve put this knife through its paces on many trips, and it has consistently performed well across a range of tasks.

The robust construction and thoughtful design features have made it a reliable companion in the wilderness.

Field Testing and Performance

During my week-long backpacking trip in the Rockies, I had lots of opportunity to test the knife’s capabilities. The 4.75-inch blade proved excellent for both fine tasks like whittling tinder and more demanding jobs such as batoning firewood.

You can buy your Gerber Gear Ultimate Survival Knife here

The textured rubber grip provided a secure hold even in wet conditions, which was particularly appreciated during a unexpected rainstorm.

One of the standout features for me was the integrated fire starter. On a chilly evening when my matches had gotten damp, the ferrocerium rod came to the rescue.

A few strikes against the blade’s spine produced lots of sparks to ignite my tinder bundle, highlighting the knife’s value as a comprehensive survival tool.

Durability and Maintenance

The high-carbon stainless steel blade has held up remarkably well to repeated use. After processing wood for shelters and preparing meals over several days, the edge remained sharp enough for most tasks.

When it did need touching up, the built-in sharpener on the sheath made quick work of restoring the blade’s keenness.

I’ve found the sheath itself to be well-designed, offering secure retention of the knife while still allowing for quick deployment. The extra storage for small items like fishing line or a small compass has been handy for organizing essential survival gear.

Versatility in Survival Situations

While I fortunately haven’t had to use it in a true survival scenario, I feel confident in the knife’s ability to handle emergency situations. The pommel at the base of the handle has proven useful for hammering tent stakes, and I can see how it could be vital for breaking glass or other hard materials if needed.

The emergency whistle integrated into the handle is a thoughtful addition. During a practice scenario with friends, we found it to be surprisingly loud and effective for signalling over long distances.

Is the Gerber Gear Ultimate Survival Knife full tang?

Yes, the knife features a full tang design, extending the blade’s steel through the entire handle for maximum strength and durability.

How much does the Gerber Gear Ultimate Survival Knife weigh?

The knife weighs 11.2 ounces, striking a balance between substantial feel for heavy tasks and portability for backpacking.

Can the Gerber Gear Ultimate Survival Knife be used for hunting?

While primarily designed as a survival tool, the knife’s robust construction and sharp blade make it suitable for basic hunting tasks such as skinning and field dressing.

Is the Gerber Gear Ultimate Survival Knife legal to carry?

Knife laws vary by location. Always check local regulations regarding fixed-blade knives before carrying or transporting the Gerber Gear Ultimate Survival Knife.

Size and Portability Considerations

At 10 inches in overall length, the Gerber Ultimate Survival Knife is larger than some may prefer for everyday carry. However, I’ve found its size to be an asset in the backcountry, providing leverage for tougher jobs without being unwieldy.

For those prioritizing ultralight backpacking, it might be overkill, but for general camping and wilderness exploration, the knife’s capabilities justify its size and weight.

Comparison to Other Survival Knives

Having used various survival knives over the years, I appreciate how the Gerber Ultimate Survival Knife combines many tools into one package. While some high-end custom knives might offer marginally better steel or more refined aesthetics, the Gerber provides excellent value for its price point.

It’s functionality and durability rival that of more expensive options I’ve tried.

The Bottom Line – Best Survival Knife?

The Gerber Gear Ultimate Survival Knife has earned its place as a staple in my outdoor gear collection. Its combination of a reliable blade, integrated survival tools, and thoughtful design make it a solid choice for those venturing into the wilderness.

While it may be more knife than casual hikers need, for those who prioritize preparedness or often find themselves in remote areas, it’s a worthy investment.

My experience with this knife has been overwhelmingly positive. From routine camping tasks to simulated survival scenarios, it has proven itself as a versatile and dependable tool.

In summary – to answer the question “Is the Gerber Gear Ultimate Survival Knife the best survival knife?” I would say a resounding “yes”, at its price point, currently around $45 on Amazon.

You can buy your Gerber Gear Ultimate Survival Knife here.

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