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Looking for a fresh pocket knife that gets the job done with style? Look no further — Gerber’s USA-made folder, the Assert, will appeal to all fans of EDC. Lower profile than its name might suggest, the Assert weighs less than two ounces — and punches well above that weight.
Here are some key Assert specs, at a glance:
I chose orange for my barrel spacers and thumb stud, but if you go the Gerber Custom route, you can swap something else in. Photo by Hayley Helms
That’s right, the Assert’s almost-three-inch blade is made with S30V steel; the plain edge has an almost infinite number of uses indoors and out. At 1.87 ounces, the Assert won’t weigh down your pocket, and it’ll stay put thanks to the deep-carry pocket clip. Other useful features include the adjustable thumb stud, ambidextrous pivot lock and single-handed operation.
The S30V steel blade is an everyday workhorse, but it can stand up to tougher outdoor jobs as well. Photo by Hayley Helms
Made in Gerber’s zero-waste factory in Portland, Oregon, the Assert is available in a wide variety of finishes and designs. There are three standard colorways you can choose from, or you can design your own knife through the Gerber Custom Program.
Gerber let me create my own Assert that way (anyone who purchases the knife can do so, with the cost fluctuating depending on the options you choose). Once I got the knife in hand, I was pleasantly surprised by the haptic action, minimal feel and solid build. The single-handed operation — opening using the thumb stud, closing by pulling down the pivot lock stud and pushing the back of the blade with your index finger and thumb — could be a little smoother, but so far that hasn’t been a real issue.
The honeycomb handle has an ultra-grippy texture that initially took some getting used to — now, I love it. Photo by Hayley Helms
The handle itself is one of the more unique aspects of the Assert. It took a minute to get used to the grippy, almost sandpaper-y texture, but once I did, I found myself wishing for it on some of the other knives in my EDC rotation. The textured grip makes it easy to grab from my pocket, and it makes tougher jobs easy to handle. The honeycomb design cuts down on weight, but adds strength and stability to the experience. Based on first impressions, I’d say this is a top-notch knife for everyday use — with the price to match.
Many of Gerber’s knives are priced between $50 and $125, with a few exceptions — the Assert being one of them. Starting at $175, the Assert falls within the higher range for the brand, and after using it for a few weeks, I can see that the cost reflects the craftsmanship (and no doubt the fact it’s made in the USA).
With its minimal profile, grippy handle and premium pricing, the Assert feels comparable to the popular Benchmade Bugout — for five bucks less. Its ability to even challenge one of the most beloved EDC folders around is why it cracked our most recent GP100.
The Assert is positioned as a luxury knife built not only for outdoor adventure, but for everyday use as well. If you’re willing to splash the cash for a higher-end Gerber that’s reliable as well as fun to use, check out one of the brand’s most exciting releases in recent years.
Gerber
Gerber Assert
Weighing in at less than two ounces, the Gerber Assert is a lightweight, made-in-America wonder that can handle the toughest jobs with ease. The no-nonsense S30V blade and grivory handle can weather everyday abuse, and the deep carry pocket clip, adjustable thumb stud and pivot lock enhance the Assert’s utility.
