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.
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Reminds me of the old Masters of Defense Phoenix. Kershaw’s Ripcord is also similar
Looks cool But I still prefer my CRKT M21 duty knife.
Ur a ******* idiot a real example of govt training.
Haha it does look like something the soviets would have come out with. My only problem is that it is in two pieces, yet not full-tang. I guess that’s two problems. But, every man to his own.
A better (folder) option for the approximate price I think would be the SOG Trident – you can get it tanto sytle if that’s how you roll. Opens with “SOG assited technology (SAT).
http://sogknives.com/store/TF-7.html
P.s. And no I was not paid for this nor am I affiliated with SOG in any form or fashion.
This is too gimmicky. It doesn’t fill a need, plus the design is questionable and over-complicated. Anyone that has a need for a small blade that deploys rapidly can get an automatic knife.
I agree, it is a solution (probably from marketing) looking for a need to fill/problem to solve.
I just can’t find a use for a knife like that. What is it supposed to replace or improve upon? There’s some great fixed blades and folders of every kind out there. What niche does this fill?
Mall Ninja cutlery?
You have to ask?
I only get one knife for all that money?
If I wait until Sunday at 3 AM and go to my friend’s step-dad’s house who has cable I can take advantage of the special offer available only to the next 50 collars (I mean callers) where I can get 3 knives and 2 swords with way more cool gimmicks (I mean features).
No thank you
Gerber is one of those companies I am hot and cold about. I have used alot of their blades. Some of their products are great – and not just the expensive or old ones. Much of it is real gimmicky – likely taking advantage of the resurgence in wilderness skills in our nation and the lack of discernment in new knife buyers.. The Bear Grills (mis-spelling on purpose) knives are a good example of the gimmicky side.
I feel the same way about Cold Steel. Some of their stuff is great, and some of there stuff is the envy of mall-ninjas everywhere.
Exactly ! on a smaller scale I suppose. I have been using a variety of Cold Steel gear since early to mid 90′s.. They have the personality/skill of Lynn Thompson behind their blades. Some real unique stuff. Some very practical and tough and some just crazy stupid crap.
Bring Back the BMF……Nothin like a Crew Serve Knife to scare the **** out of a bad guy!!! Just Sayin
Just exactly what the casual knife user thinks is military. And that’s who it will sell to.
Tanto blades have their disadvantages: they lack belly, cant make sweeping cuts like dressing a game animal, are wedgy in the cut from the overly thick blade. In this case, it’s not full tang, actually stabbing something tough will likely damage the lock and it will eventually fail. The grip has to be oversized to house the blade, and allowing it to retract means no matter how well designed, the blade lock is weak.
The strongest design in a large knife is fixed, and if you need one, you don’t compromise precisely because it has to have a no-fail design. It’s the entire point.
Otherwise, pick any of a dozen 4″ flatground liner locks to open your MRE, all available at the PX cheap. It’s what soldiers really do, because maxed out tacticool bad blades are wannabe, even in the service.
Or in the case of the Corps, not always the time and money because you wouldn’t be allowed to carry any largish fixed blade knife into the little PX on Camp Wilson, 29 Palms. Of course, that was back when I was in during the 90′s and we had walk everywhere with out deuce gear (so we had our canteens with us) on when in uniform so you’d have to take the knife off of your pistol before taking a walk to the PX. I’d imagine that it might a be different now that everyone is using Camel Backs and no more deuce gear.
More Chinese S**t metal from Gerber. Knife made just for show. If it was made from plastic, I’d give it to one of the kids and tell them it was from a Tyco G.I. Joe set.
its not a bad idea, though i prefer a fixed blade for dressing game and a benchmade for carry.
It is not a fixed blade, I don’t care how you present it. I hope it is not as loose fitting as the Alliance Auto I have.