Gerber Yari II Knife

Submitted by Eric Daniel

For the longest time I’ve been wanting to try out a “tanto” style knife but I never got around to it.  Given the chisel-like point, I figured that they would be good for prying as well as brute force penetrating things like sheet metal, wood and masonry.  The Cold Steel entry rekindled that interest, but I didn’t want a knife that big; I already had a big tool, what I was looking for was something small, yet strong, that I could use for probing and digging.

Providence smiled on me in the form of the Gerber Yari II.  The Yari II, with a blade length of 4.25”, is small enough to get into confined spaces easily, yet has enough mass behind it that it “punches” well.  Made from CPM S30V stainless steel, the Yari II is tough as hell.  I’m not a metallurgist but the literature on S30V says it’s tougher, more corrosion resistant, and more wear resistant than either 440C or 154HC steel, yet easier to work with than S60V/S90V steel; in practical terms I have experienced no issue whatsoever with using the knife in both freshwater and saltwater environments (the knife performed well hacking up salmon heads for crab pots on a concrete bench) and cleaned up nicely, with no hint of corrosion.  To test the point and flexibility of the knife I used it to extract nails from a section of my back yard fence (it’d been blown down in a storm and I was wanting to carve up the planks for use as kindling.)  The knife held up well under the process with no obvious chipping or cracking of the edge, and the point was more than equal to the task of prying out the nails (yes yes a hammer would have been a more appropriate tool, but I was experimenting.)

In addition to being impressed with the quality of the knife’s construction, I was also quite impressed with the quality and construction of the sheath as well as the "attachment” options that come with the knife.  In addition to the now standard MOLLE attachment straps, the sheath also comes with a belt loop, as well as a screw-in clip for attaching the knife to a molded plastic drop leg pistol holster such as the Safariland Model 6004.  While the knife is held securely in the sheath by a pair of “grippers” molded into the sheath (which is how I currently have it configured) an optional thumb release strap is included with the knife for additional retention piece of mind.

All in all, the only real complaints I have about the knife are the tang and the grip, and those certainly weren't dealbreakers.  The grip, constructed of machined aluminum, is grooved for increased grip in most conditions, and I found that it was easy to hold onto wet or dry, with gloves on or off, and being metal it is non-porous and so won’t absorb any contaminants, but it does get slick when greasy (remember the fish heads??)  While I don’t anticipate getting attacked by a prime rib in my foreseeable military future, the metal grip was at a decided disadvantage when oily (in this situation the knife seemed to grip best while wearing gloves and the ridges molded into the exposed dorsal and ventral surfaces of the tang were a big help in gripping the knife.)  On the issue of the tang, I only wish it had been squared off rather than pointed.  While the pointed tang allows for a lanyard, a squared off tang would have improved (in my opinion) the knife’s utility as a bashing instrument (the tang hole could have just as easily been drilled through the metal grip a bit further forward.

Get the Yari II here.

Comments

[Dave]

Machined aluminum handle? Sounds like a bad idea in cold weather. Not sure I'd want to leave it in the sun, either.

[Eric Daniel]

Dave,

You raise an interesting point. At one point I contemplated wrapping the handle in 550 cord for a real non-slip grip, but the cord didn't wrap very well, not to mention it would be easily contaminated and need replacing. I also contemplated using stock white athletic tape, or some type of sitcky backed tape like you might use on a tennis racket, but opted out of that for the same contamination reasons. What I can do is see how hot the knife gets this summer when I'm out and about in the field.

[Zack]

I've been carrying an older SOG series (X-42) for a few years now and have nothing but good to say about it.
It has a simple textured Zytel handle and a BG42 (ball bearing steel) Tanto blade with serrations.
The other interesting feature was their discontinued Autoclip that allows you to increase the tension of the pocket/belt clip to keep it in place. The blade holds an edge extremely well and has proven itself extremely useful for utility/camping/climbing purposes.

[SGT K]

...I've carried my KBAR since the War of 1812 and there is no better knife. All other knives are not worthy of the name knife.

When James W. KBAR invented the Knife, it was a KBAR.

---Sorry, I just thought I would get that out of the way...

[Steve]

With knives, you go into war with lightest possibly weapons possible. Knives been around a lot longer than bullets! Just ask an SF member!

[SGT. Ronald D. Hearn]

You are right, the K-Bar Is great and takes a beating, I have carried a buck 119 since 1982 and it still has a great edge but have opted for a smaller, more space practical knife the CRKT-M16-14LE or SRT High Risk Enviroment A Locking Blade Folding Tanto, It Is Sheathable And Works Well I would Like To Try Your Knife As Properly Sheathing It MAkes The Sun Problem Negliable At Best, Looks Like A Great Carry/Duty Knife!

[Dan Ditto]

I was at academy shopping for a knife and I had a Gerber in the Army in 1983, so it was a brand I checked out again. Unfortuneatly, the Gerbers all camre from Communist China, so I bought a BUCK. We don't need to teach ur enemies how to make anything well.

[Me]

Eric ... you're a moron ... Duane Dieter makes a great knife. Sticky white tape is dumb. White is one of the least tactical colors. Use black skateboard tape. This is a BS attempt from Gerber to market a knife.

There are several flaws with this knife, especially if you're claiming this is a combat knife.

Gerber, you should adjust fire and make sure when you're putting product to market you talk to some tacit users. I can't stand when corporations market items and they haven't done the research that is necessary to bring forth a quality product. Our troops deserve better, market this to idiots, not to our troops.

This, I believe, is a ploy from gerber to promote word-of-mouth advertising. Wrong answer!

[Me]

Eric ... you're a moron ... Duane Dieter makes a great knife. Sticky white tape is dumb. White is one of the least tactical colors. Use black skateboard tape. This is a BS attempt from Gerber to market a knife.

There are several flaws with this knife, especially if you're claiming this is a combat knife.

Gerber, you should adjust fire and make sure when you're putting product to market you talk to some tacit users. I can't stand when corporations market items and they haven't done the research that is necessary to bring forth a quality product. Our troops deserve better, market this to idiots, not to our troops.

This, I believe, is a ploy from gerber to promote word-of-mouth advertising. Wrong answer!

[Anthony Jenson]

It looks like a good knife. But when I was in the Army, I loved the Mark 1 by Gerber.

[SFBuck]

I have carried my K-bar sence Granada in 83. And I love it. Good edge. Nice size. I would not tread it.

[John]

I used a Gerber Applegate Combat Folder in Iraq for 2 years and the alum handle was not a heat source issue but the stainless blade is not my choice next time. I have found carbon steel is tough and maintained will not foster rusting but is able to be sharpened more easily than stainless.

[Mac]

AS an old UDT Frog I have carried and used my old K-bar since the Korean Konflict in 1950--- It has a place of honor on my "Wall of Shame."

[J CHANEY]

WELL IT SEEMS LIKE EVERYONE IS MISSING THE POINT THAT WE ARE FARMING OUT FOREIGNS AND THAT IS NOT LIKELY TO CHANGE.
GERGER MAKES THE BEST STEEL THERE IS AND THERE IS NOT DISPUTING THAT SO FOR HUNTING, UTILITY, COMBAT OR ANYTHING ELSE IS SHOULD BE GERBER.
WISH I'D HAD ONE IN VIET NAM. END OF CONVERSATION!!!

[marlon eversole]

gerber makes a damn good knife. i used to carry a schrade lock blade, a case xx {in my pocket} , even have an ancient thornton pocketknife. gerber impressed me with the quality and workmanship of their knives. hats off to you gerber, keep up the good work.

[Michael Jones]

K-BAR is made my Cutco Knives in Olean, NY. Great Knife!

[bob bond]

my personnel favorite is the m8a1 nothing too big nothing too small it does them all!! so also does the .223

[Master Chief Lordsson]

Having been on a variety of tours through many different countries, I can tell you that Gerber makes good knives. I have used many different types, but found my favorite to be a Cold Steel Kobun. I would also like to recommend an M8. KBAR makes good knives as well which are combat tested better than any other manufacturer.

The Kobun by Cold Steel really fits most of my needs for a Combat/Utility knife. There is really only one thing wrong with it and that's the finish which is a bright, polished steel finish. As with any combat knife though, I would powder coat it after sharpening and before taking it with me anywhere. This tends to eliminate any rush, contamination, scratching, etc., and also takes care of any light reflection. Otherwise, this is a very light, very easy to handle blade with excellent killing properties. It has held up to some serious shit through the years and I have yet to replace it. Many call me a minimalist when it comes to knives because I prefer knife with no features other than a good blade and a great grip. I also prefer a Tanto. This may not be your type of knife, but for the work I've done, and continue to do, there has yet to be a good replacement.

As for my experience, you may cite the following:

US Navy 24 Years
My teacher was Dick Marcinko.

[aaron]

nice knife how much $

[Lemont]

How much is it and is it available for purchase in stores or at Army surplus stores?

[robert]

ive carried a gerber gator for over 12 years now and its never let me down and it was made in Portland, Or. USA !!

[Dan Halliday]

The GERBER I bought almost 40 years ago was made in Portland
Ore.USA. It's a dual blade and very well balanced.I carried it on my left hip,tied down to my left thigh.I carried it through my full tour in Nam.It was like a security blanket to me.I have it lying right here.In all the knives I've bought over the yrs.It out does the buck knife at least in my opinion and any others that I have invested in.

[Murph]

I believe many of you have missed the point of this article.

I truly like the design of this overall piece. The lines remind me very much of a knife I designed prior to my deployment (OIF II) in '04. Unfortunately, when I spoke to the knifesmith which I had chosen to make the blade for me, he informed me that he felt as though it was not a practical blade design for my intended use (I chose to trust his judgement, afterall he is the Master Knifesmith).

The major flaw with this piece could very easily be corrected. Gerber could have opted for a less expensive and much more practical handle material. G-10 or micarta would have been a perfect choice of handle material. Both materials are very light weight, have great textures which would allow better grip and retention, both materials are very easily cleaned when exposed to hazardous material (ie. blood, fuels, etc), both materials are also extremely durable and would most likely outlast practically any other handle material on the market today.

As for the pointed pommel.... In the tactiacl knife world, this is referred to as a "skull crushing pommel". This small attribute allows the user more options in striking in confined close quarters combat. This is obviously not your grandad's K-Bar that you used the hammer type pommel to pound in tent stakes at scout camp. It was designed as a "tactical weapon/utility tool" (Please note that "tactical weapon" is listed first guys. Items are most often listed in order of importance)

Please understand that I have not had the opportunity to physically study this piece therefore have obviously not tested it. My opinions are simply that of a knife nut who feels he has a fairly good grasp of the concept of knife designs and working knowledge of what a tactical knife should be.

As for the comments in reference to the fact that the piece is not made in the U.S., let's face it.....the bulk of the soldiers who would choose to purchase this piece are junior enlisted soldiers. If this piece was made in the U.S., it would most likely cost twice the current retail price (whatever that price may happen to be). Most young soldiers haven't the liberty of being able to spend the extra money.

[Walter H. Pinson Jr.]

For all the comments posted ! Let all of us who have gone thru the rights of passage of the proper way to use a knife and taught by the military the combat effectiveness of a knife used in killing your enemy,Follow your training guides and keep in mind what your instructor taught you.Good common sense will prevail always. A good knife is combat effective an is only as good as the user.I have used them all in some form to kill as taught by the military.The best one i ever had was a long shard of glass wrapped with OD green tape on one end and it save not only me but countless others. So moot it be! I am OFF! 7thSF

[John Lawrence]

Every Soldier should be issued a good knife. Then, before he deploys, he or she should buy a few extra. Yes, a few. Hide one on each leg and each arm.

[Mike Sheridan]

I am a modest knife collector, and i have got to say my favorite of all time is my Benchmade Presidio fixed blade 155SBK

http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=155

It too, has aluminum scales for a handle, but the way they are shaped provides awsome grip, and it is long enough for penetration to vital organs if need be. The tip is probably not as strong as something like the gerber ilustrated, but it it thick and broad enough to be much stronger than something like a SOG Tech Bowie, wich is a fine piece as well, just more refined and well... sexier. I would put it up against any KBAR, any day. Not to detract from what that knife is... a legand... but 1095 HC steel has seen it's day. Properly treated the new S30V, 154 CM, and 34 ATS??? (not sure on that last one) are tougher, harder and more corosion resistant. Just some food for thought.... Mike

[J]

Walter H. Pinson Jr., you really are a pompous ass! You are not the only person in this world who has ever killed another person. Not to say that all of those we have killed can be considered people. There are a lot of young soldiers who may not be as knife-savvy as you, but would greatly benefit from your "expertise." So sorry that not everybody can be as knowledgeable about knives as you, but that does not make you any better than they are. And as far as your precious shard of glass story...I will just say that as an OH-58D pilot, I know firsthand that even SF personnel need to be "saved" from time to time. Don't get me wrong, you non-conventional forces types are by far my favorite to work with (and I believe the same goes for the rest of the Kiowa Warrior community).
I apologize for being so front with you, but perhaps you could get over yourself for just long enough to help out some of the younger soldiers who are less educated in this area. After all, isn't that one of the things that the Green Berets are about?

[Al Kaminsky]

Dan Dennehy is my knifemaker. A three war veteran of the U.S. Navy he learned the fine points of knife making from old time makers. He is a founding member of the Knifemakers Guild. You can't go wrong with a Dan-D knife.

AFK

[Simplecop]

One thing I didn't see mentioned in here is that Gerber isn't really Gerber anymore. Several years ago Ol' Man Gerber sold the company...and name to Fiskar Shears. I am from Oregon (still live there) and have owned several Gerbers in my life. One thing I can tell you is that the old Gerbers were and are MUCH better than the newer ones. When the company was sold the quality went down.

[bob schellhorn]

i read many articles that tell of knives of army sf i was handed a well warn randall a hand me down when i was assigned to my group 5th sf idon't remember any other knife being issued other than a k bar the trainee of cycle at recondo school in nha trang was presented a gerber mark ii( that was the toughest 3 weeks of my life)the reeves knife made for 1st group sf is my choice,but abit pricey

[Barry]

Anyone have a NSN for it?

[Gysgt Devlin USMC RET]

This Gerber Yari II is a good looking knife, I'll bet my grandaughter would like it to use in her garden. I also have always carried my issue K-bar. (I carry a Benchmade lock blade in my boot) You get to depend on your knife as a back up and it hasn't failed me yet. Oh, J. Chaney, Vietnam is all one word...

[Cpl OMalley]

For those of you who dont mind spending some coin on a knife, Strider is an excellant choice. They are quite pricey but you get what you pay for.

[Fred St Clair]

The K-Bar is the best knife in the world. I was issued one in the Korean war 1952 and was never ask to turn it in so I have carried it for more than 55 years.
LtCol USMC (ret)

[Ridge]

As goofy as it sounds, me being in te Army and all, I always like to carry a diving knife. They are light and lock nicely into the sheath.

[jimoh toheeb]

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[Greg Sleater]

well i haven't use this knife but i've used many gerbers and kbar if you want the ultimate test leave me a address of where i can purchase this knife at and a price and i'll use and abuse it to its fullest extent

[SSG T. MacLaughlin]

I would like to start by saying that the person who calls himself ME if you don't have thye guts to give your name than don't expect to be taken seriously. I have used several knives during my military career and carried a K-Bar to Iraq last year and can't find any fault in it. Gerber also makes a good knife and if I saw the Yari II first I would have bought it.

[MSG Jeff Sanchez]

Are you giving knifes to Soldiers who are intrested in using them? or how much can a Soldier perchus the knife for?

[socrates]

Killed someone with a shard of glass?? Methinks someone is full of shyte. If any part of that dude has been in a combat zone it would only be his finger tip - on the surface of a national geographic atlas. My guess is he is some sweaty poge who has watched too many movies and read too many SOG stories.

My KBAR saved me some hardship by stopping a spent round that richocheted from somewhere - I have no idea - I was busy sweating, running, and fearing for my life. I don't think I would have died if my KBAR hadn't been on my gear at the right angle at the right place - sitting in its sheath - but it would have hurt like hell.

Odds of anyone using a knife in modern combat are less than you winning the lottery - twice in a row. Get real. Pick a knife you can chop branches with, dig with, open rations with, because that's what you will use it for.

[109FA]

I WONT TRADE MY K-BAR FOR THE WORLD BUT GENTS ALWAYS REMEMBER WHO THE KING OF BATTLE IS

[Johnny]

Check out this knife

www.36thid.com

[chris]

Looks like Gerber is trying to steal some market share from troops who would like to get an Emerson folder or a Benchmade Nimravus fixed blade, but are on a budget. They went in the right direction with the blade, S30V is very serious steel. But I have to agree with some comments that the handle needs improvement.

[JB]

There's some interesting reviews. Everyone seems to think that the knife is all about combat. Combat effetiveness is important for all of our equipment, but come on fellas, if it comes down to your knife it's because your M4 is out, as is your M9, the .50 is down, and your shotgun is out. You would have at this point had the misfortune of living through the blasts from your frags that you were dropping over the edge of the GMV and your JTAC is screaming for a medic still. A knife is a knife. Some are crap, some are tough. I have found (as a mechanic) that it doesn't really matter. Some guy on here was talking about driving the knife through sheet metal.....WHAT THE CRAP FOR??? I mean, hey, are we fighting the same war or has the world of terminator come upon us already?? Now, the aluminum handle and heat thing I can understand. This is a very valid point, however if you understand the nature of aluminum, it doesn't hold heat long. Think about the turkey your wife baked covered with aluminum foil, she pulls it out, and seconds later that foil can be removed with her bare hands. Obviously, it's not that fast with a knife handle, but you get the point. Also, I don't know about everyone here, but I know that us in the army pretty much wear gloves for everything anyway. Whether we're shooting, working on a truck, or whatever.
Oh, and the whole thing about communist countries making our knives...that's the most ignorant thing I've ever heard. Ifyou really want to make a stink about it, then take 90% of the electronics out of your house and chuck em. Come on soldier, cut sling load and drive on because we don't want to support communist countries, right?
Here's that fact about this knife; It's tough and affordable. It can do pretty much anything you should expect a knife to be able to do. If your looking to spend under $200 on a knife for carry in the field, then don't expect it to be a secret weapon that cuts through russian tank armor without losing it's edge.
Personally, i carry the benchmade that was issued to me,and I just have a loyalty to benchmade. it's the only knife I want to spend money on, but that's personal preference. I'm in no way saying that other knife brands don't measure up.
Oh, and Dick Marcinko? Gimme a break. Always somebody name dropping.....

[JB]

Oh ya, that 7th group moron..... That figures. You only hear stupid crap like that come from 7th SFG....or do you? Are you even really 7th? Are you just trying to make people think you're a green beret?

[Kevyn]

Anyone here ever work with a Newt Livesay knife? Good? Bad? Indiifferent?

[Tom]

I have always like Gerbers and I have a Gerber Sheridan on my drop leg platform with a custom sheath. I love it. It will slice through pretty much anything...if/when I lose it, I won't be out that much $. I am good with that.

[Charlie]

If you are looking specifically for a Tanto style knife, the First Strike by Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT) is twice the knife for half the price.

[JOSEPH MAROTTA]

I used a AIRFORCE SURVIVAL KNIFE and a COLD STEEL SURVIVAL RESCUE KNIFE/SRK.Both were Excellent tools.My Dad used an KABAR FIGHTING KNIFE in the MARINES during NAM.I would recomend any of these knives for the standard soldier with standard soldiers wages.Why pay more for a custom knife?

[earl joy]

We need national stock numbers NSNs to order knives through this supply system for any of your equipment, please send NSNs for any items.