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Gerber LMF II ASEK - Best Survival Knife For The Money?

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Gerber LMF II - Full Review and Video Comparison

Is the Gerber LMF II the best survival knife for the money? We'll, let's take a look...

I've been checking out these knives for a couple of weeks and I must admit, I've been really impressed! So today, we'll zoom in on the three versions of this knife: Gerber LMF II Infantry, Gerber LMF II Survival and Gerber LMF II ASEK.

Along the way we'll check out the design, size, weight, blade materials, construction, handle, sheath and innovative feature of the Gerber LMF II, Infantry, Survival and Gerber LMF II ASEK survival knives.

So let's get started...

Contents At A Glance

Gerber LMF II - Video Review

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Gerber LMF II - Three Options

The only difference between the LMF II Infantry, Survival and ASEK versions are the color and the accessory package that comes with each.The Gerber LMF II is offered in three options. The first option is the Gerber LMF II Infantry. The second option is the Gerber LMF II Survival. And the third option is the Gerber LMF II ASEK.

Let's start with the Gerber LMF II Infantry which is the lowest-end package of the three. However all three of these knives are essentially the same except for their color and the optional accessories that come with them.

The LMF II Infantry knife comes in black, brown and green. It's the same shape, design, the same weight and look as the Survival and ASEK. In fact the brown version looks exactly like the Gerber LMF II Survival. And the green version looks exactly like the LMF II ASEK knife.

The big difference between the LMF II Infantry and the LMF II Survival is that the Survival comes with a safety knife.

So then we have the Gerber LMF II ASEK. Gerber positions this as an upgrade to the LMF II Survival. The ASEK only comes in the green color and in addition to the LMF II Survival's safety knife the ASEK comes with a strap cutter.

Gerber LMF II - Size

The Gerber LMF is considered a medium sized blade and 4.84 inches. The overall length is just a tad over 10.5 inches and it weights just over 11.5 ounces. This is a little heavy for casual every day use. But honestly the weight is the trade off for getting a tactical, military style knife of this quality.

People have commented online that they are more than willing to accept the weight because this means you get a hefty, thick blade that is going to stand up to just about anything.

Gerber LMF II - Best Deals

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Gerber LMF II - Blade

Of course our most important component of any knife is the blade and the Gerber LMF II does not disappoint. This knife has a drop-point-style blade. Drop-point blades are know for being stronger across the entire length of the knife. So you're not going to have to worry about whether this blade is going to hold up.

This is a hefty blade made of 420HC stainless steel blackened to reduce reflection and if you need to remain unseen, this knife is not going to give away your position.

Owner boast of how well this knife holds and edge and sharpens easily even after heavy use.

The Gerber LMF II blade goes from straight to serrated near the handle.

Gerber LMF II - Handle

Gerber LMF II HandleThe handle of this knife if pretty cool. It's a glass-filled-nylon handle that is encased in a rubberized-type grip. This is a really grippy handle that is great for field us in changing weather conditions.

It's also designed to absorb shock and in the event that you need to cut through electrical line you will be insulated from shock. There is also a stainless steel butt-end plate that can be used for hammering and for use as a pommel to break glass.

There's one more kudo for the Gerber LMF II handle. It has three strategically placed holes for lashing this knife to a pole or branch to further it's usefulness as a spear.

Gerber LMF II - Sheath

Gerber LMF II SheathThe Gerber LMF II knife comes with a military-grade sheath. So the whole key of a knife sheath is to hold your knife. Gerber uses quality, low noise snaps to hold the knife in place unlike many lesser sheaths that use Velcro. Velcro can wear out quick and it make noise when you to go to extract your knife. Not so with the LMF II sheath.

The snaps hold the knife tight in the sheath and are easy to snap and undo.

This sheath has a built-in sharpener. This sharpener isn't going to get your knife super-razor sharp but it will keep your blade very serviceable in the field so that you can do what you need to do until you get home with your blade sharpening kit.

Another great thing about this sheath is that it's designed to be carried in a multitude of way. It is MOLLE compatible so it will easily strap onto your pack, vest, or belt. And it's all set up so that it can strap onto your leg.

Owner Reviews
All-in-all owner comment on this knife are fantastic. On most online stores your are going to see a 4 star plus rating on the Gerber LMF II.

Gerber LMF II - Street Price

Gerber LMF II CostThe street price of the Infantry and Survival versions of this knife are generally well under $80 and the ASEK, if you can find one, is usually around $100.

I have included best pricing that I have found for this knife (below) which comes in below $70.

Gerber LMF II - Best Deal Online

I have looked everywhere... including eBay... and I can't find better deals than buying this knife through Amazon.

So here is best pricing for brand spankin' new Gerber LMF II knives from Amazon.

If you are ready to buy, I'd be honored if you purchased from one of the links below...

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One Caution!!!

Gerber LMF II ASEKMany well meaning online retailers are mistakenly advertising Gerber Survival and Infantry versions of this knife as the ASEK version. If you see an ASEK version for sale and it is brown, it is NOT an ASEK. If it is green make sure it comes with a safety knife and strap cutter. If it does not, you are buying a really over-priced LMF II Infantry.

If you really want an ASEK, I recommend that you contact the retailer prior to purchasing the knife.

Who Is This Knife For?

Gerber LMF II - Who Is This Knife For?The Gerber LMF II knife is great for camping, hunting, extreme adventures, tactical use, military applications, emergency preparedness and for those who just what the feeling of having a kick-butt knife around the house just in case they every need it.

I don't know about you guys, but I have had enough field and life experience to know that you don't buy junk when your life may depend on your tool.

I just want to buy a important equipment one time and know that when I really, really need it, that it's not going to break. So for my money this Gerber LMF II is well worth the investment.

Throw in the fact that at the time of this writing the LMF II knife is still made in the Portland, Oregon in the good old U.S.A. with American steel... and you have a knife that should last to pass on to your grandkids one day.

I hope this review was helpful to you. Check out the links that I've provide on this page and check out my website: Gerber Survival Knife for more knife reviews and other essential survival gear.

And... check back often for more reviews on other great products.

Gerber LMF II - Alternative

Gerber Prodigy - Another Fine Survival Knife from Gerber

If the Gerber LMF II is a bit big or pricy for your taste, or is not quite what you are looking for, I would suggest the Gerber Prodigy.

The Gerber Prodigy was inspired by the Gerber LMF II and is around $20 cheaper. It comes in an Original Prodigy version and a Newer Prodigy Tanto. This is an awesome knife!

See my YouTube review video of the Gerber Prodigy vs. the Gerber LMF II knife below.

And again... I have found that Amazon has the best price around. Amazon rocks...

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Gerber Prodigy vs. Gerber LMF II - Video Review

Gerber Prodigy vs. Prodigy Tanto vs. Gerber LMF II - Full Review
by LifeMissionStudio | video info

47 ratings | 10,353 views
curated content from YouTube

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Reader Feedback - Post Your Comments

  • cffutah Nov 3, 2011 @ 9:49 pm | delete
    nice tribute to this sort of knife, 'thumbs up' from this guy.
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drpolc

Hey Guys! My name is David. I'm a husband, the father of two great kids, a business developer and a former Marine.
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