GerberGear Gator Machete JR [31-000759]

Let's start out by shouting from the rooftops that this little guy rocks! There are a couple of minor issues, but it's definitely getting 5 stars for an amazing value at $15.59.Let's go over the good stuff first (and there's plenty of it):The Gerber junior has several attributes that take it way beyond just a good deal.As said above, the price is right. At $15 - $20, it's a total bargain ... Your argument is invalid.While this mini machete certainly isn't made of the finest, imported, hand crafted materials (refer to price), if used within its limits, it seriously gets the job done. Because it's lightweight and half the length of a full size machete, you can easily carry it on your belt, or strap it to a pack and you'll barely know it's there until you need it.That being said — Don't let the smaller size fool you. OK sure. You probably won't get far cutting through towering oaks or sequoias, but it will chop right through a 3/4 in diameter branch with one clean shot. You can take down one inchers with a couple more chops, and you can get through branches that are 2 in in diameter or more if you have a little patience and throw in a dab of elbow grease. Somehow they definitely found a pretty solid balance between being light enough to take backpacking but heavy enough to chop through some decent branches.Another rare and good thing to find in a cheap cutting tool (despite some reviews that say otherwise) is that the blade comes out of the factory pretty sharp. After a few minutes with a decent sharpener, you can get the edge to cut through Kryptonite. No complaints in that department. Especially for the price.To protect and haul your blade, the nylon sheath is decent enough. It seems like it should stand up to some punishment while still being light enough that it doesn't add any noticeable weight when the blade is sheathed and on your hip. The velcro strap isn't particularly sturdy, but hopefully it will hold up. For the money, you can't ask for too much more than that.Now on to the bad (just a couple of minor non deal breakers):The machete is not full tang. For those that are new to knives and machetes, the tang refers to how far the metal blade runs up the grip. The Gerber jr. is not a full tang blade. This could become problematic somewhere down the road and could potentially lead to a broken blade or grip if you are using your blade as a rock hammer. Don't forget that you aren't paying big bucks for a product that will last you generations. Despite it's ... lacking of tang, if you treat the blade right and use it properly and within it's limits (that means NO prying), it feels like it will last through many outings in the woods.The other little hiccup in an overall awesome product, is the saw function. It's a great idea (note the use of the word "idea"), and if absolutely necessary, you could use it to (eventually) saw through larger pieces of wood. However, I think that this one looks a little better on paper and is exactly as I said before. A great "idea." It just isn't that practical. The saw blades are sharp and staggered like a saw is supposed to be. The problem is that they are too thick to efficiently saw through large diameter material. When trying to saw back and forth, you seem to have to devote a lot of energy and attention to avoid getting the saw teeth stuck in the log every other stroke. It can become frustrating and time consuming, and if you're backpacking or camping, your time would probably be better spent searching for dry tinder or picking a guitar by the fire. Now remember. This is far from a deal breaker. How much sawing are you really planing on doing with your MACHETE anyway?The conclusion is simple. This Gerber jr. is a serious bang for your buck. It works. It looks solid. It feels solid, and it hasn't failed yet. Overall this blade is absolutely ideal for taking on the trail to help gather fire wood or clear a site for a shelter. Although it seems to be born to be taken into the mountains on a trek, it can also be used around the yard for small to medium sized clearing jobs. If you are looking for a smaller answer to a full sized machete and don't want to dull up the blade of your hunting knife, this bitchin' little piece of hardware is definitely for you.

My husband love it he is going to engrave in the knife so he can give it to a friend essay going away present. The length is perfect. I’m pretty sure this is gonna be a gift that is going to up be durable.

Love this product! Its got the right weight to swing ratio . But on my last excrison i bent the edeg of my blade . I just wonder ifthis has the Gerber lifetime guarantee? I will be buy another one even if not under the guarantee program

Is it great? No. Is it pretty good? Yes.The steel did take a good sharpening, but it was also not great out of the box. The "saw" side could also use a little TLC and filing to be something resembling useful.The handle is made of a nice material, but even as a guy with small hands... I'd prefer a bit more beef to hold on to. It's not thick enough.That said, I got the blade shaving sharp in ~15 minutes, took another hour to clean up the saw side and give it real teeth, and put some grip tape on the handle. It's OK.

It's a big knife, it's pretty cool. Always keep it in my care in case a tiger breaks in. Satisfying to swing and the saw can take down small trees easily.

EDIT, FEB 10: After fewer than 90 days' use, the blade has folded back on itself on a section about the same size as a quarter. I have a pic of it, but can't figure out how to upload it on this edited review.I filled out Gerber's online warranty form Saturday, Feb 7. Upon submission, the form indicates a "customer service representative will follow up with you shortly." It's now Tuesday, Feb 10, and I haven't been contacted. I'm revising my review down from 3 stars to 1. The blade simply isn't lasting at all. I've only used it once or twice per week, less than an hour at a time, for the light brush duties described below.PREVIOUS REVIEW:I've been using my Gator Junior for a couple weeks. The grip is very good, and the machete has a good feel in the hand. The sheath is OK. Seems durable.The good:I've used the saw on this thing to cut through (green wood) mistletoe branches over 1" diameter. I've also used the saw to cut through dead wood (hard wood) about the same diameter. It works VERY well for a short saw on the back of a knife. Definitely adds to the utility of the tool.It's light. I can carry it on my belt or stuck through my belt (in the sheath--don't be stupid) without interference walking, climbing a ladder, or swinging an axe.It's large enough to be effective. Small enough to be easy to use.I've chopped through small twigs, mowed grass, and chopped through smallish limbs (dead and alive) without a problem. For instance, trimming trees of trunk-level growth to encourage upward growth in the spring is easy and quick.The negative:The blade is NOT DURABLE. I sharpened it when it arrived, and I may have sharpened it too much. However, you can look at the pic I uploaded and see the damage from an hour's use. That's from chopping 1" and 2" dead limbs, some rotten and easy and some dry and hard (I was preparing kindling for the fireplace).In my opinion, the blade should DULL under these circumstances (i.e., hard use means you'll need to sharpen your blade at the end of the day). Instead, I see TEARS and GAPS. I switched to my 70-year-old Plumb hatchet and accomplished the same work without a single scratch, and I'd say the two blades had been sharpened to roughly the same level. The dings in the blade are large enough to be measured (almost 1/8").Conclusion:I'm a Prime member, so my price was about $13. Amazon indicates normal price is $27. For $13, it's a good tool. I'm undecided whether I'd say the same at twice the price. I'll continue to use it until it breaks, and then I'll replace it with something more durable.PS - I've been hearing that Gerber quality has gone down in recent years. I have a Gerber skinning knife that works well, but yes, dulls easily. YMMV.