Terrific fixed blade tactical knife with a couple of special features!! - GerberLMF ll Infantry Fixed Blade Knife by Jeff Freeman

The Gerber LMF is a terrific fixed-blade knife. The 420HC steel that Gerber uses is very strong and capable. Holds an edge well. Do not let the nay-sayers steer you wrong. The steel Gerber uses is good stuff. Also - don’t be fooled. A serrated blade can indeed be strong, durable and have the ability to feather wood if designed properly. This Gerber has that in spades.

Speaking of design, the over-all design of the LMF is special in that it was created by Gerber to be used by flyers in the military, along with those who ride along (spec-ops forces being deployed by helicopter, etc) to be able to punch through tough plexiglass canopies and windows and cut through electrical cable without fear of electrocution. This is accomplished with the over-sized rear butt-cap/glass punch that is all business (and adds quite a few ounces to the LMF) as well as choosing NOT to use full-tang construction. But isn't full-tang the best? Sure - but not always. The LMF blade is roughly 80% the length of the grip with a separation of rubber between it and the butt cap so that electrical current cannot reach the user, even if they are touching the steel butt-end while cutting through electrical wiring. Again, this was a deliberate design choice to help facilitate the requirements of our military flyers. Does this mean the LMF is weak or handicapped without full-tang construction? Hardly. Based on mine and thousands of other LMF users experiences, the manner that Gerber has affixed the blade into the handle is tough, robust and strong.

Yes, the LMF is a beast of a knife but the balance is perfect and the grip is fantastic (at least for my mitts). Add in a really solid and durable sheath that includes a built-in sharpener, attachment points for an optional spark fire-starter (not included) and multiple included options for mounting to belt, leg or vest/backpack. The LMF also has holes to allow attachment of the blade to a pole to make a spear and the ability to use the butt-end as a hammer. All great things.

About the only other gripe I've read about is that removing and re-installing the LMF into the sheath takes quite a bit of force. Again - ask yourself why. It was designed that way to be jump-certified for the military, and in meeting that cert, it is not surprise that a bit of force is required to remove/replace the blade. In use however, I have found it a zero issue and even more, completely reassuring that the blade WILL NOT slip out of the sheath accidentally.

Bottom line: The LMF is one tough, mean, sharp, capable and durable blade. It is well-made, has a great number of useful features and best of all, is made in the USA. The LMF has earned a place in this man’s kit.