I've been a knife guy all my life, I have alot of friends that are as well, but I actually use these knives where as my friends are for the most part "cubicle dwellers" and just buy them because its cool or to occasionally use. I have CRKT, Benchmade, Kershaw, Gerber up to tungsten toys that push past $400. I almost always keep a softer blade on me because it's easier to sharpen and I sharpen them or touch them up almost daily. Yea a harder blade would technically last longer but when your in a trench and a dozen things need to get done now not 2 seconds from now you don't have time to be careful, things get used and used hard. In the end it's so much easier to just sharpen my blade in the morning and do my day. Great review Btw!
Gerber had me over to their factory a day before blade show west. I got to see the new version of this before it was released (the new version). The designer is an amazing dude, and has some better stuff to come, trust me, Gerber is killing it behind the scenes
Not sure why anyone would waste money on a Chinese made Gerber when you can get better materials, fit and finish from Chinese knife companies: Civivi, Ruike, Real Steel, Kubey, CH, Tuya etc. All these companies make a better product and are sub $100 price point.
Love my Flatiron but that deployment hole is a real drag! Good to see that addressed. Not so sure about that over travel plate though. Looks like a one way ticket to hot spot town to me!
You were using way more of the blade on the Gerber vs the Kershaw... The 8cr would definitely beat the 7cr if you were using the same amount of edge provided they were at the same sharpness. What point did you use to stop the test?
He said in the video that it wasn’t scientific and never claimed it to be perfect. Even cutting back a few cuts to say he was using it wrong, it’s still pretty close. And mine has held up the same.
Which is why I think it has to do with the blade shape and how you're prompted to use it when cutting like that... flat blade as opposed to one with a belly.
I just got the updated 2.0 version of this knife with aluminum handles on closeout at my local Meijer for $17.49...... sweet!! I would never pay $35-40 for this guy, but for $17.....its a win!!! The new over-travel plate looks SO crappy and cheap, though..... well, whatever......$17......
I agree and with the thumb slot further down the blade it seems to be more difficult to open quickly...needing more wrist flick instead of just a thumb flick!? What do you think?
I got the "new" version a few days ago and mine works like you described the original. I need two hands to open it. It's way to rigid. To make matters worse I have to get something metal to push the locking mechanism aside to close it.Watching this video though informative has left me disappointed because although my is the newer design it does not working as fluidly as yours at all. I'm thinking of getting a torx bit set to maybe loosen the "lock bar stabilizer" and blade pivot point but I don't know the size. I think it's a T6 Torx however. I really do like the looks of this knife but I'm unable to enjoy it as of yet.
I don't know about the newer version. During your piercing demos you fumbled in opening each time. I felt the same way holding the new version. Any suggestions in a similar setup, but better quality? I really like this blade design.
I've seen several reviewers now say the same thing about this being a novelty design and not very practical. I agree and I do want to have one in my collection, because it's a very cool design. I want it more to have a budget friendly cleaver in my folding knife collection. Great review as always!
I haven't found any Gerber knife that I'm able to get past the opening ergonomics. I like Spyderco for my giant thumbs... But I tend to carry beater knives or box cutters for EDC.
Cool video. Man you are talented, talking about that flatiron for probably 18 of 20 mins. and keeping us interested too. I was disappointed the Kershaw got barely a mention. Found myself going back to the title of the video. I've tended to like overbuilt knives like both these knives because their robustness/heft tend to make them effortless cutters. I also have a bunch of em sitting in my drawers where a nut and washer fell out in my pocket and got lost unbeknown to me or a thumb disk became a turnstile or screws fell out of the frame. I'd probably go with the flatiron razor though I tend to be a Kershaw man, just because it checks the simple deployment hole box (I've given barrels and disks a wide berth in three years or more), its wicked hollow ground and the frame lock which they have in common. I'd even buy two of them and re-profile one as a reverse tanto - slightly upswept point. Nice review of knives some of us can actually afford.
I’m sure the Kershaw is fine, I’ve had a Kershaw before an worked great for every day carry. The Gerber Flatiron I have and would have to say it’s a great concept and design. Also the worst opening carry follow through, you need to use two hands. Maybe great if you are in a city or state where you could get in trouble.
I think it's so great that you show and test all these knifes, really ! But all that comes to me is: KISS (sorry bout the last S, it's defenetly not ment for you). Simple full tang for standard knife..., and a simple folding knife that can handle twisting and hitting the blade and the handle and easy to clean up. And steel that sharpens to razorsharp and stays sharp. Simplify.
Gideon tactical very very cool video I believe your brother was in that video it was very cool I really like that really cool knife it's very nice it deploys real smooth and I'm interested in it thank you for sharing it thank you so much seasons greetings and have a great holiday 👍
So Gerber steel was actually better than Kershaw that's a surprise. You also mentioned the Gerber pocket clip said Gerber on it but not in an obnoxious way. Like a SOG knife does now. They ruin some good designs by how they put there logo all over the place.
Well to be fair (and I love and use Sog products, the only place it says Gerber on the knife is the pocketclip, as opposed to Sog writing 3-4 times on a product. Seriously, I have a multitool from them, it’s on there 4 times lol
Hunter Glaspell I have nothing wrong with the Gerber logo on this knife. I used to like SOG knives then they started making mostly garbage and now they have some good offerings. kinda like Gerber. They made good stuff turned to garbage and are coming around again.
What camera / microphone do you use ? Camera follows & focuses very good w/ only a slight delay in sharp focus, great resolution and good audio. Thanks
No steel is a "soft" steel, it all depends on the heat treat. Spyderco runs their 8cr13mov at 60-61hrc which is just as hard if not harder than some of the more expensive, higher wear resistant steels. M390 usually is a fantastic steel but some companies run it as low as 58hrc, at that point you're better of using a different steel. M390 is a pain to heat treat proper, it NEEDS cryo which a lot of companies don't do and as a result you see knives in s35vn and even n690 perform better just because of better heat treat. Yes some steels have limits on how hard they can get, 3cr13mov and 420j2 can hit 55-56hrc at most. I guess you can call those "soft" steels but they're really just less wear resistant and are an exception. Most steels with .5-.6% Carbon can get to 58-60hrc, some even higher.
New to your channel and love it so far BUT I got anxiety trying to comb through all your videos! can anyone or even you help me out? I’m sure you’ve done a video on the best 1st responder knives? Like glass breaker/seatbelt cutter/ pocket knife? Thank you!!!
I had a flat iron, Loved it. until the blade snapped... would love to see steel in at least D2 or something better than 8Cr. Love the concept.. just not the follow through.
For a lot of what most people do steel comes down to three things; 1.) If it dulls easily, one hopes it can be sharpened easily. 2.) If it's difficult to sharpen, then it better hold an edge well. 3.) It better not break easily....... Fortunately, for most people, it's not hard to satisfy these requirements even with non-"super" steels.... Most don't need high-end steel for EDC.
@@matthewsmith1612 8cr, 7cr, wont hold an edge, and while easy to sharpen your bailing water out if a river. Super steels of old are now quite cheap so why are these companies still using junk? Because it improves the bottom line. If they make $10 a blade for 8cr they would only make 9 for 420hc, the 8 for s30 and so on. It lowers the profit margin which is why alot if the big companies like Gerber, Kershaw, buck are all going to crap.
@@kylevanwinkle2081 ...... I think you are exaggerating how bad they are, they get a little dull after some use, but can be sharpened up easily......that being said I'm not disagreeing that it's profit driven, nor that they couldn't find a better steel for not too much more, but just consider what most people use knives for, and how often and how most people are looking to shave a buck or two here and there, also. Also that some of the best steel I see on knives are on knives that are expensive enough that for many they are "safe queens".
@@kylevanwinkle2081 .....not many , otherwise nice, $50 S30v knives out there, most knives whose designs, and build quality I like that have S30v are quite a bit more $$$ than that, and then it also comes down to loosing it or destroying it in ANOTHER way, and what , then, it costs to replace...... often why, when I carry a more expensive knife, I also will generally have a "beater" on me, to do simple tasks, and to *gasp* lend to someone for a quick job.
You are such a underrated youtuber I thought you would have 1 mil subs such great vids you have justified a lot of my purchases thanks for the great content.
Nice knives - will buy one. But this is super thin rope and looks like knives are dul before test. You can check RuslanKiyasov - the god of sharpening and rope cut (last test was 10000+ 1 way push cuts!!!).
Bad test.. U pushed the cutting edge of kershaw into the cutting board and you only pushed the tip of the gerber into the cutting board.. Not a good test.. Veyr 👎
I've been a knife guy all my life, I have alot of friends that are as well, but I actually use these knives where as my friends are for the most part "cubicle dwellers" and just buy them because its cool or to occasionally use. I have CRKT, Benchmade, Kershaw, Gerber up to tungsten toys that push past $400. I almost always keep a softer blade on me because it's easier to sharpen and I sharpen them or touch them up almost daily. Yea a harder blade would technically last longer but when your in a trench and a dozen things need to get done now not 2 seconds from now you don't have time to be careful, things get used and used hard. In the end it's so much easier to just sharpen my blade in the morning and do my day. Great review Btw!
Gerber had me over to their factory a day before blade show west. I got to see the new version of this before it was released (the new version). The designer is an amazing dude, and has some better stuff to come, trust me, Gerber is killing it behind the scenes
Not sure why anyone would waste money on a Chinese made Gerber when you can get better materials, fit and finish from Chinese knife companies: Civivi, Ruike, Real Steel, Kubey, CH, Tuya etc. All these companies make a better product and are sub $100 price point.
The designs they are coming out with, aren’t China made
@@hunterglaspell5580 That's cool. The US stuff is decent.
@@stephenbarone4053.... didn't some of those companies get their start cloning other makers designs ??
I put 4 small sip ties as a thumb stud as without it it's hard to open.
Mate. One of the best knife reviews I've seen for a long time. Thanks so much. Really appreciate it. Cheers from Australia.
Love my Flatiron but that deployment hole is a real drag! Good to see that addressed. Not so sure about that over travel plate though. Looks like a one way ticket to hot spot town to me!
Good knife review; I just ordered a Flatiron from BHQ for $19.99 in blue micarta. I hope I’ll enjoy it.
The flatiron is my every day carry. Great review.
You were using way more of the blade on the Gerber vs the Kershaw... The 8cr would definitely beat the 7cr if you were using the same amount of edge provided they were at the same sharpness. What point did you use to stop the test?
EDC with Aaron yup. At least when the channel Cedric & Ada does this test he uses a sheet of paper to determine the edge.
He said in the video that it wasn’t scientific and never claimed it to be perfect. Even cutting back a few cuts to say he was using it wrong, it’s still pretty close. And mine has held up the same.
Which is why I think it has to do with the blade shape and how you're prompted to use it when cutting like that... flat blade as opposed to one with a belly.
Thanks for the review, I’ve been waiting on your opinion before making a purchase👍
Sweet to see updates. I wonder when they will do D2 for a price near that of the cutjack?
They have now
D2 with Jean blue Micarta scale. For around $57.00 - $49.00. Not a bad deal.
I just got the updated 2.0 version of this knife with aluminum handles on closeout at my local Meijer for $17.49...... sweet!! I would never pay $35-40 for this guy, but for $17.....its a win!!! The new over-travel plate looks SO crappy and cheap, though..... well, whatever......$17......
I agree and with the thumb slot further down the blade it seems to be more difficult to open quickly...needing more wrist flick instead of just a thumb flick!? What do you think?
I like g10 over aluminum handles myself cool looking blades but for edc I want a point and I’ve never been a gerber fan.
I like that plate on the gerber. I love my flat iron. I personally like the clip also.
I got the "new" version a few days ago and mine works like you described the original. I need two hands to open it. It's way to rigid. To make matters worse I have to get something metal to push the locking mechanism aside to close it.Watching this video though informative has left me disappointed because although my is the newer design it does not working as fluidly as yours at all. I'm thinking of getting a torx bit set to maybe loosen the "lock bar stabilizer" and blade pivot point but I don't know the size. I think it's a T6 Torx however. I really do like the looks of this knife but I'm unable to enjoy it as of yet.
Kershaw all the way. Another awesome review video Aaron.
I don't know about the newer version. During your piercing demos you fumbled in opening each time. I felt the same way holding the new version. Any suggestions in a similar setup, but better quality? I really like this blade design.
Did you get a new camera? The picture quality looked better in this video.
jordan burks no, I have been using the GoPro 5 and canon m50 for about 6months. Glad you like the quality though
You might want to check out the new Flatiron in D2 with blue micarta.
Also, I thought they already made the tan G10.. released with the aluminum version.
I've seen several reviewers now say the same thing about this being a novelty design and not very practical. I agree and I do want to have one in my collection, because it's a very cool design. I want it more to have a budget friendly cleaver in my folding knife collection. Great review as always!
I haven't found any Gerber knife that I'm able to get past the opening ergonomics. I like Spyderco for my giant thumbs... But I tend to carry beater knives or box cutters for EDC.
I like the aluminum handle scales, sure enough the slabs will never deteriorate like g10 or micarta.
EXCELLENT in depth review . I just subbed and bought this ,based on your review.
Cool video. Man you are talented, talking about that flatiron for probably 18 of 20 mins. and keeping us interested too. I was disappointed the Kershaw got barely a mention. Found myself going back to the title of the video.
I've tended to like overbuilt knives like both these knives because their robustness/heft tend to make them effortless cutters. I also have a bunch of em sitting in my drawers where a nut and washer fell out in my pocket and got lost unbeknown to me or a thumb disk became a turnstile or screws fell out of the frame. I'd probably go with the flatiron razor though I tend to be a Kershaw man, just because it checks the simple deployment hole box (I've given barrels and disks a wide berth in three years or more), its wicked hollow ground and the frame lock which they have in common.
I'd even buy two of them and re-profile one as a reverse tanto - slightly upswept point.
Nice review of knives some of us can actually afford.
Make it in the US and for lefties as well and I would buy one.
I wish the Gerber flatirons that went out in December's battleboxs would of had those updates
*have
I’m sure the Kershaw is fine, I’ve had a Kershaw before an worked great for every day carry. The Gerber Flatiron I have and would have to say it’s a great concept and design. Also the worst opening carry follow through, you need to use two hands. Maybe great if you are in a city or state where you could get in trouble.
Aaron, I have a couple questions:
What video editor do you use? And how did you make your intro please? Thank you!
Does the new one only come in g10? Cause I prefer the aluminum
There is an aluminum version in the new style. Gerber is discontinuing the old design. Both new designs will be in full production
I think it's so great that you show and test all these knifes, really !
But all that comes to me is:
KISS (sorry bout the last S, it's defenetly not ment for you).
Simple full tang for standard knife..., and a simple folding knife that can handle twisting and hitting the blade and the handle and easy to clean up.
And steel that sharpens to razorsharp and stays sharp.
Simplify.
I’m buying the original one Monday worst case i fix it myself.
Emerson kershaw design better....same steel 7cr or 8cr is just a little different edge retention...
Gideon tactical very very cool video I believe your brother was in that video it was very cool I really like that really cool knife it's very nice it deploys real smooth and I'm interested in it thank you for sharing it thank you so much seasons greetings and have a great holiday 👍
I have knives with both these steels. The 8cr is better on average. But I find the 7cr can achieve a scalpel edge.
They also moved the hole away from the handle alot
Hey Aaron, what is that sweatshirt you're wearing?
don0giorgio Gerry 1/4 button from Costco $15 baby!
"i still can whip it, whip it guuuuud" hahah
So Gerber steel was actually better than Kershaw that's a surprise. You also mentioned the Gerber pocket clip said Gerber on it but not in an obnoxious way. Like a SOG knife does now. They ruin some good designs by how they put there logo all over the place.
Well to be fair (and I love and use Sog products, the only place it says Gerber on the knife is the pocketclip, as opposed to Sog writing 3-4 times on a product. Seriously, I have a multitool from them, it’s on there 4 times lol
Hunter Glaspell I have nothing wrong with the Gerber logo on this knife. I used to like SOG knives then they started making mostly garbage and now they have some good offerings. kinda like Gerber. They made good stuff turned to garbage and are coming around again.
I still haven't made up my mind, I like it but don't know if I could get use to the blade opening! Would be nice if it was assisted
Cool Gerber👍👍👍👍👍
Got a v2 with a dark aluminum scale for 5 bucks on clearance today God I luv Walmart lol please lose more boxes 😮😅😊
What camera / microphone do you use ? Camera follows & focuses very good w/ only a slight delay in sharp focus, great resolution and good audio. Thanks
I feel like im stupid but what did they update :0 it looks identical to me... even the steel is the same
No steel is a "soft" steel, it all depends on the heat treat. Spyderco runs their 8cr13mov at 60-61hrc which is just as hard if not harder than some of the more expensive, higher wear resistant steels. M390 usually is a fantastic steel but some companies run it as low as 58hrc, at that point you're better of using a different steel. M390 is a pain to heat treat proper, it NEEDS cryo which a lot of companies don't do and as a result you see knives in s35vn and even n690 perform better just because of better heat treat. Yes some steels have limits on how hard they can get, 3cr13mov and 420j2 can hit 55-56hrc at most. I guess you can call those "soft" steels but they're really just less wear resistant and are an exception. Most steels with .5-.6% Carbon can get to 58-60hrc, some even higher.
New to your channel and love it so far BUT I got anxiety trying to comb through all your videos! can anyone or even you help me out? I’m sure you’ve done a video on the best 1st responder knives? Like glass breaker/seatbelt cutter/ pocket knife? Thank you!!!
I had a flat iron, Loved it. until the blade snapped... would love to see steel in at least D2 or something better than 8Cr. Love the concept.. just not the follow through.
Wont buy any of those knives due to garbage steel. Vg10, 420hc pretty much the cheapest I will go
For a lot of what most people do steel comes down to three things; 1.) If it dulls easily, one hopes it can be sharpened easily. 2.) If it's difficult to sharpen, then it better hold an edge well. 3.) It better not break easily....... Fortunately, for most people, it's not hard to satisfy these requirements even with non-"super" steels.... Most don't need high-end steel for EDC.
@@matthewsmith1612 8cr, 7cr, wont hold an edge, and while easy to sharpen your bailing water out if a river. Super steels of old are now quite cheap so why are these companies still using junk? Because it improves the bottom line. If they make $10 a blade for 8cr they would only make 9 for 420hc, the 8 for s30 and so on. It lowers the profit margin which is why alot if the big companies like Gerber, Kershaw, buck are all going to crap.
@@kylevanwinkle2081 ...... I think you are exaggerating how bad they are, they get a little dull after some use, but can be sharpened up easily......that being said I'm not disagreeing that it's profit driven, nor that they couldn't find a better steel for not too much more, but just consider what most people use knives for, and how often and how most people are looking to shave a buck or two here and there, also. Also that some of the best steel I see on knives are on knives that are expensive enough that for many they are "safe queens".
@@matthewsmith1612 meh I'd rather buy once cry once a $50 knife with s30v steel is going to be better than 10 $20 knives
@@kylevanwinkle2081 .....not many , otherwise nice, $50 S30v knives out there, most knives whose designs, and build quality I like that have S30v are quite a bit more $$$ than that, and then it also comes down to loosing it or destroying it in ANOTHER way, and what , then, it costs to replace...... often why, when I carry a more expensive knife, I also will generally have a "beater" on me, to do simple tasks, and to *gasp* lend to someone for a quick job.
Good video.
Thank you
Looks like flatiron in my future
You are such a underrated youtuber I thought you would have 1 mil subs such great vids you have justified a lot of my purchases thanks for the great content.
Nice knives - will buy one. But this is super thin rope and looks like knives are dul before test. You can check RuslanKiyasov - the god of sharpening and rope cut (last test was 10000+ 1 way push cuts!!!).
Bad test.. U pushed the cutting edge of kershaw into the cutting board and you only pushed the tip of the gerber into the cutting board.. Not a good test.. Veyr 👎
Pocket clip is still fugly.
The Gerber just looks like a broken knife.
Ill never bye a gerber thats not made in usa again!!!
Thanks for a review on a completely useless knife. Everyone needs a job.
Gerber sucks. ColdSteel 4 Max is a knife!
No.... The cheap gerbers suck.. Go get a 06 auto...its a tank.. and your opinion will change