PORTLAND, OREGON (June, 2nd, 2017) – Gerber, a category leading manufacturer of knives, tools, and equipment returns to the Blade Show in Atlanta, Georgia in 2017. An industry pioneer, Gerber has been crafting world-class knives and tools for decades and the introduction of the new G1 Series of custom knives showcases that dedication. Gerber presents this new collection to showcase the craftsmanship, design, and skill that are ongoing components of its robust American Manufacturing facility.
Each year Gerber will introduce new editions to the G1 Series, reflecting new materials, processes, and technologies. This new series serves to fuel the future development of production-caliber products, serving a large market of both professional and recreational users.
A commitment to excellence in physical form, the introduction of the first knife of the G1 Series – the G1-001 – presents a distinct combination of new materials and processes on a tested favorite – the Propel Auto. Gerber experts provide insightful design, informed engineering, precise machining, and first-class execution to bring the G1-001 to life; a hands-on approach to craftsmanship with an end result that is undeniable.
“The G1-001 is an elevation of the Propel Automatic. Since its release in 2013, the Propel Auto has been heralded as a top product in midsize frame ergonomics and steadfast reliability. After observing the success – both with the military and commercially –the Propel Automatic has achieved, it was clear it would serve as the ideal platform for the first G1 knife.” Karrson Koivisto, Product Manager at Gerber.
All upgrades on the G1-001 were meticulously considered, sourcing first-class materials and leveraging the master craftsmanship of the Portland, Oregon manufacturing facility. Each of the 20 hand built knives underwent a laborious 9 stage process, accumulating upwards of 60 hours each in production, processing, and assembly.
A unique bi-metal blade is the foundation of the knife, each steel bringing different qualities to make the sum greater than the parts. Gerber exclusively sourced a custom-made blade combination of Hitachi Blue steel and 410 stainless steel. Sandwiched between the 410 stainless, the Hitachi Blue core is an oil-quenched steel that offers superior edge retention and acts as the unwavering backbone of the blade. The 410 stainless steel coats the Hitachi Blue and was chosen to improve the flexibility of the blade in use, increase resistance to corrosion and the elements, and the ability to be polished easily.
After using a waterjet to cut the blanks, each blade is ground top and bottom to optimal thickness before machining the tang. Once machining is complete, the blade enters a proprietary heat treat that brings optimal performance to both steels, not just the inner steel as is commonly seen in bi-metal blades. Following the heat treatment, the blade is hand beveled to perfection by a 15 year master craftsman and Gerber veteran. Once the blade processing is complete the knife is assembled by hand.
Custom machined titanium handle scales encase the spear point blade that is housed between two oil-impregnated bronze washers. The washers self-lubricate during use to create butter-smooth deployment over time. The final knife is completed with blue PVD fasteners and spacers and a black DLC custom plunge lock, safety, and pocket clip.
Each knife is hand assembled, double inspected, and serialized for collection.
“The 20 unit serialized run comes with a matching serialized tag cut out of the same bi-metal steel, it serves as a certificate of authenticity and is unique to each knife” says Koivisto. The knife and tag are served up in a custom Pelican case, a welcome addition to any discerning knife collection.
Gerber will be selling the single batch, limited 20 unit run of the G1-001 at the 2017 Blade Show, where 100% of sales will be donated to the AKTI [American Knife & Tool Institute] to support the organization’s ongoing efforts to defend and improve the rights and laws of knife users and manufacturers.
Learn more about AKTI: www.akti.org
See more from Gerber: www.gerbergear.com
