They say that there are no new ideas in the world. While our constant flow of new product ideas tends to disprove
that theory, we agree that there are very few new questions. Here then are the questions folks tend
to ask most often, with the corresponding answers.
Q: I live outside the United States, how can I buy your products?
A: As a division of Fiskars, Gerber products are sold all around the world. Check your local phone directory for a list of cutlery and knife stores. You can also forward an email to
sales@gerbergear.com, for assistance with locating a retailer.
Q: Can I buy factory-direct?
A: Sorry, we do not sell directly to the public. We provide a 'Buy Online' feature that can assist you with finding a retailer that carries our products.
Q: Can you tell me where I can find and purchase Gerber kitchen cutlery?
A: Due to our continuous product redesign and innovations, Gerber no longer manufactures kitchen cutlery. We currently manufacture outdoor recreation products.
Q: You used to have a BYO website where I could build my own Multi-Plier, is that still available?
A: Due to unforeseen circumstances the design shop is no longer available. Currently, there are no plans to return the 'Build Your Own' design shop to our website. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Q: I would like to sell Gerber products. How do I become an authorized dealer?
A: To help you get off to the right start, please email us at
sales@gerbergear.com and provide us with information on the state you plan to operate from and the type of business you plan on operating.
Q: I would like a product catalog of all your new products, how can I get one?
A: You can call 1-800-950-6161 and prompt 4 will direct you to leave your name, address, city, state, and zip code. Or send an email to us at
sales@gerbergear.com with your name and address.
Q: My Gerber product failed under normal use, is this covered under the warranty?
Q: I do not live in the United States. Is there a place I can return my Gerber for warranty repair?
A: Currently, we are only completing repairs at our main factory in Portland, Oregon. Please refer to our
warranty section for warranty coverage and the address to return the product.
Q: I returned my Gerber for warranty, how long will it take until I have my Gerber back?
A: Normal turnaround time is approximately Three to Four weeks. During the late summer and early winter, the turnaround time can be upwards of six to eight weeks during the hunting and holiday seasons.
Q: If you use stainless steel, why has rust occurred on my Gerber product?
A: Our products use a 100% high-grade stainless steel. Stainless steel is not completely resistant to rust, but rather is more corrosion resistant to rust. Corrosion can occur in the absence of proper maintenance. Your Gerber product should be cleaned, dried, and re-oiled periodically to inhibit rust and corrosion; this is especially true in a damp or marine environment. If your Gerber product comes in contact with any substance that you are uncertain about, it is always a good idea to wash your blade off with tap water, dry it, and apply a light coat of oil. If your Gerber product comes into contact with saltwater you must flush it with tap water immediately after use and coat it with a good quality lightweight oil. Salt water is extremely corrosive and will attack and destroy any type of steel. After cleaning, re-oil your Gerber product with a good gun oil or 3-in-1 oil. Buff stained areas with a polishing cloth or a non-metallic scouring pad.
Q: My Gerber product was lost or stolen. Will you replace it?
A: Sorry, but stolen or lost products are not covered under the warranty. Our warranty covers material and manufacturing defects.
Q: I broke a blade and would like to replace the part myself, can you send me the part I need or can I get it from a Gerber retailer?
A: For liability reasons, we do not sell or send individual blades, jaws, or bits, anything that would require disassembly of the product, through the mail. Our products are designed to be disassembled by our factory-trained personnel only. Repaired tools are reassembled by our personnel to ensure the most optimum tool performance. Attempting to disassemble your Gerber product yourself could result in lost components, compromise tool functionality and void the warranty.
Q: The sheath on my Gerber was lost or has worn out can I get a replacement?
Q:The pocket clip on my Gerber knife broke, how could I get a replacement?
A: We can send you a replacement pocket clip, pocket clip screws, and/or handle screws on applicable products. Please call 1-800-950-6161 or email us at
sales@gerbergear.com, and provide your name, address, phone number, the model of knife, and the requested parts.
Q: I own a Gerber Multi-Plier and want a different blade installed in place of another part, can this be done?
A: Each model of Multi-Plier contains a group of tools that are designed to meet the needs of a vast array of interests and needs. We cannot substitute different blades or tools from one model to another.
Q: If you cannot send replacement blades, can you send me the c-clip, spring, button that are used to retract the pliers?
A: Yes, that does not require disassembly of the Multi-Plier to repair. Please call 1-800-950-6161 or email us at
sales@gerbergear.com. Please provide your name, address, phone number, the model of Multi-Plier, and the requested parts.
Q: The triangular tungsten carbide cutters on my Gerber Multi-Plier have worn out or broke, where can I get replacements?
A: The carbide cutter inserts are the same cutters used on lathes, mills, and CNC machines used in the metal fabrication industry. You should be able to find them at industrial supply stores or machine shops. Please check the yellow pages in your phone book for these merchants.
Q: How often should I sharpen my knife or tool?
A: How often depends on what you were cutting and how many times you cut with the blade. However we highly recommend frequent light sharpenings. This will ensures that your blade is always sharp. Dull blades are far more dangerous than sharp blades.
Q: I own a Gerber knife. Can I send it in for factory to have it sharpened?
A: We do provide our sharpening service that will put that factory edge back on to your knives. The charge is $3 per knife for single edge knives and $6 per knife for double-edged knives. Plus, there will be a $3 total charge to ship the knives back to you. At this time we are unable to sharpen the serrated edges. To obtain our sharpening service, send the product, along with an explanation of you request, your name, address, and phone number, and check or money order to the address below:
Gerber Legendary Blades
Attn: Service Dept.
14200 SW 72nd Ave
Portland, OR 97224
It is recommended that you send your package via UPS, FedEx, or insured mail. Gerber Blades is not responsible for lost or damaged warranty returns in transit.
Q: I own a Gerber knife with a serrated blade. How do I sharpen the serrations?
A: Use the Gerber Diamond Sharpener or Multi-Quick Sharp and lay the shaft of the sharpener in the serrations at a 15-degree angle and file up and down in each serration along the entire blade. When sharpening of a serrated blade is sufficient, a burr can be felt on the flat, or reverse side, of the knife blade. You can feel the burr with your fingernail. This burr should be removed by rubbing that side of the knife on the Gerber Diamond Sharpener or Multi-Quick Sharp with a circular motion. If no burr appears, then the angle was too small, and the work on the grooves must be repeated using a larger angle.
Q: What is the difference between the diamond sharpening steel and the honing steel?
A: Between professional sharpenings, tiny metal fibers bend down on a blade, dulling the surface. The purpose of the honing steel is to straighten up those fibers, maintaining the sharpest edge possible for daily use. Honing steel serves a vital role by realigning, or "resetting," a knife's edge, which bends when contacting a cutting surface. Steel does not sharpen unless it is diamond impregnated. So a diamond sharpening steel would be used to "sharpen" a dull blade.
Q: Why so many different types of knives?
A: We produce a wide variety of knives in order to give you options for locating the right knife for the right job. It's important to ensure that you have the knife that fits the job, as well as your hand.
Q: What's the best all-purpose knife?
A: This is dependant on your personal preference. Whether you like a fine edge or serrated edge knife or a clip knife or a folding sheath knife; it really comes down to what feels best in your hand.
Q: If I'm not in the military, can I still purchase a military knife?
A: Yes and no. All our knives, except those that are fully automatic are available for purchase.
Q: What's the difference between the blade types?
A: The difference is the shape of the blade. Our encyclopedia describes the various types that we manufacture.
Q: Should I oil my blade?
A: Yes. Oiling the blade, especially after use in wet conditions will help in reducing the risk of rust. Your knife can be rinsed in clear tap water in order to remove most of the debris. If you still see dirt or grime in the grooves, handles, etc, use a q-tip or soft brush. Make sure to dry the tool completely than apply the oil. Stained areas can usually be buffed out using a polishing cloth or non-metallic scouring pad.
Q: Can I put the sheath in the washing machine?
A: If your sheath does get dirty, we recommend that you hand wash it with warm, soapy water. Rinse it well and make sure it is completely dry before placing your knife, tools, light, etc back in it.
Q: What's the best all-around multi-plier?
A: The best all-around mult-plier is one that has all the tools you need or want.
Q: Why are there so many different kinds of multi-pliers?
A: We produce a wide variety of tools in order to give you options for locating the right tool for the right job. It's important to ensure that you have a tool that fits your hand as well as accomplishes all you need it to do.
Q: Should I oil my Multi-Plier?
A: Yes. Use a lightweight 3-in-1 oil. But before you do, make sure that it is clean of debris and moisture. Your Multi-Plier can be rinsed in clear tap water in order to remove most of the debris. If you still see dirt or grime in the grooves, handles, etc, use a q-tip or soft brush. Make sure to dry the tool completely than apply the oil. Stained areas can usually be buffed out using a polishing cloth or non-metallic scouring pad.
Q: Can any blade work in your saws?
A: Most of our saws are designed by Gerber and use specific blades to ensure the best cutting ability. Spare blades for most of our saws can be purchased at several retailers.
Q: Does your folding spade fit in the hydration packs?
A: Yes. The one exception is the various models of the Reserve pack.
Q: How do I clean my gear?
A: Maintaining your saw, pruner, spade, etc is important. You'll want to make sure that you clean it after each use. Rinse the gear in clear tap water, dry thoroughly and lightly oil the metal and pivot ares-using a lightweight 3-in-1 oil.
Q: Do you still offer the original Infinity Task Light?
A: No. The Infinity Task Light is no longer available. The Infinity Ultra, which is twice as bright as the original Infinity, is now available in three body colors (Green, Black, and Silver) with White L.E.D. and Black body/ Red L.E.D.
Q: What is your brightest light?
A: The LX 3.0 & TX 3.0.
Q: Do you offer any incandescent lights?
A: No, at this time we do not manufacture any non- L.E.D. based lights.
Q: Which lights are suitable for keychain or pocket use?
A: The O-4, Sonic Task Light AAA, and Infinity Ultra Task Light AA all offer the same initial brightness and are suitable for keychain or pocket use.
Q: Can you send me a replacement LED?
A: The LEDs are not replaceable. For warranty reasons, we do not send or sell the LED and/or circuit boards. Also, attempting to disassemble your Gerber light yourself may result in lost components and compromised the overall performance, plus it may also void your warranty.
Q: Can you send me replacement parts for my Gerber Light?
A: Most definitely. We can send replacement clips for the Infinity Ultra, lanyards, lens caps or the rubber switch covers for the Bonfire and Bonfire Blaze. You can either call Gerber Blades at 1-800-950-6161 to leave your name, address, phone number and what you need or you can email that information to
sales@gerbergear.com.
Q: What type of batteries does the O4 Mini Task Light require?
A: The O4 Mini Task Light takes 2 CR2016 3-volt coin cell batteries.
Q: On my Bonfire Blaze, the red light does not work but the white does, is it defective?
A:After the batteries are drained, the red LED will stop working, while the white LED will continue to work. That is because, on the Blaze, only the white lights are regulated. First, check to see if new batteries resolve your question.
Q: Which of your lights are regulated?
A: Infinity Ultra, Sonic, Bonfire Blaze (white L.E.D. mode), and Tracer Headlamp.
Q: Can I use Lithium batteries in your products?
A: In all our lights EXCEPT the Reactor 3.
Q: Can I use Lithium batteries in your products?
A: In all our lights EXCEPT the Reactor 3.
Q: Are the packs waterproof?
A:No, actually, most traditional back packs and hydration packs are technically not water proof, but are made of water resistant materials. Water proof usually means an
item can be submerged under water without any leakage to the inside of the pack. Our packs are made of water resistant materials and trims, which will resist water, such as from rain or splashing, from getting your gear wet. Our Medal line of packs also feature an integrated rain flap for a little extra protection.
Q: Are the reservoirs really dishwasher compatible? Won't they melt?
A: Yes, the LIQUIFUSION reservoirs were designed to be cleaned in the dishwasher. So long as all parts are kept away from the heating element, the reservoir and components can be safely cleaned in the dishwasher without damage.
Q: What is 1000D Cordura®:
A: 1000D Cordura® is a type of branded nylon fabric made from high tenacity yarns which are extremely abrasion resistant. 1000D refers to the size of the yarns used to make the fabric- making it easy to imply thickness and durability given the size of the yarn used.
Q: What is polyester pack cloth?
A: Polyester pack cloth is a general term given to a variety of fabrics that fall within a given range of textures and weights. Generally, most pack cloths use between 400D and 600D yarns (see question "What is 1000D Cordura?") and are made from either nylon or polyester fibers. Pack cloth is almost always coated on the back with a water resistant coating that provides water resistance as well as structure to the fabric.
Q: What is quiet sueded cloth?
A: Quiet sueded cloth is actually a combination of three different materials that make op one fabric. The "quiet" part of the fabric is a soft knit, called tricot. Because the knit fabric is soft, it reduces the amount of noise created when rubbed against other objects. To make the fabric more sturdy and long lasting, the tricot is backed with PVC plastic then bonded to a solid fabric on the inside. These additional layers provide excellent water resistancy and structure to the fabric.
Q: How do I care for my packs? Can I put them in the clothes washer?
A: Generally, the first step to cleaning should be to wipe the pack down with a damp cloth and soap. If you feel machine laundering is necessary to remove stains or odors, wash the pack inside out (if possible), using cold water, with like colors and a gentle cycle. Be sure to secure buckles, Velcro and any other trims that may be damaged or abrade other objects. If you have a mesh garment laundry bag, place your pack inside the bag to prevent damage from other articles in the wash.
Q: What does it mean "adjustable straps?"
A: Adjustable straps simply means that the straps can be adjusted to various lengths to accommodate different body sizes.
Q: What are sliding pockets?
A: Sliding pockets are just what they seem- pockets that actually slide! Yes, these pockets are constructed to move along plastic rails permanently attached to the pack that allows the pockets to move from the rear of the pack to the front with little effort. As you need small gear, like shells, calls, a camera or even a quick bite to eat, slide the pockets towards the front for easy access without removing your pack.