You can always find at least one leap of faith at Shot Show. This year, Gerber Tactical stepped up and unveiled its latest knife design -- the Maximus.
I'm not sure what to think of this blade. It's a little gimmicky -- sort of resembles something the Soviets would have designed for the Spetsnaz. Anyway, the Maximus is like the old gravity knives that were intended for paratroopers. It has a three-inch tanto blade that partially collapses into the polymer handle for compact carry. The tip of the blade locks into a stubby, molded-plastic sheath for a closed length of 4.86 inches.
A firm tug pulls the blade out until it locks with a positive click. Obviously, it's not full-tang, so heavy use is not a good idea. It does look like it would make a nasty stab wound if that's what you're into. The fit and finish work on the Maximus is pretty good but the steel is questionable. Gerber fashioned the blade from 7Cr17mov steel, a Chinese steel comparable with 440A stainless.
Gerber plans to sell it for about $70, which is not a bad price these days for a back-up knife. You be the judge.
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