Gerber’s Iconic Utility Knife Just Got Even Better (and Cheaper)

The Exhange-a-Blade has been a staple of the EDC brand’s catalog for years. It’s finally been given a pair of significant overhauls.

Gerber EAB Mini Slim EDC Utility Knives closeup

By Sean Tirman

Published May 2, 2025

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Updated May 2, 2025

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A utility knife can make an excellent addition to your EDC when well-executed. Using disposable razor blades, they’re relatively inexpensive but useful tools that can easily tackle most everyday cutting tasks.

Case in point, Gerber’s EAB (short for Exchange-a-Blade) is one of the brand’s most iconic and affordable cutting tools, costing just $18 (or $19 if you get the Lite version).

But thanks to a pair of sneaky drops, it got even cheaper and arguably better. Introducing: the Gerber EAB Mini and EAB Slim.

Gerber EAB Mini Utility Knives — The EAB Mini comes in silver and black versions, each with its own topographical-inspired design.

Sometimes, smaller is better

The first of the pair, the EAB Mini, is named (perhaps obviously) for its small stature. At 4.2 inches and 1.3 ounces, it’s small enough for keychain carry. In fact, it has a keychain attachment for exactly that reason.

However, it’s still made from sturdy, solid stainless steel and houses a full-sized razor blade. Since that blade is removable and replaceable, it’s easy to pop it out for travel or swap it when it gets dull.

At 4.2 inches and 1.3 ounces, [the EAB Mini is] small enough for keychain carry.

However, it’s not just freely sliding around inside the utility knife’s handle. The EAB Mini also has a slide lock to ensure security whether you’re actively using it or stashing it in a pack or pocket.

Perhaps most excitingly, the EAB Mini is far less expensive than its predecessor, priced at just $11. For reference (and as mentioned), the previous EAB is larger, weighs almost twice as much and costs $18.

Gerber EAB Slim EDC Utility Knives — The EAB Slim has an integrated bottle opener, adding another level of utility.

Slim shave-y

Don’t let the names fool you. Although the Gerber EAB Slim isn’t quite as small as the EAB Mini, it’s still quite lean and lightweight.

Like its Mini sibling, the Slim is built from solid stainless steel. It measures 4.4 inches long (only 0.2 inches longer than the Mini) and weighs 1.4 ounces (Only 0.1 ounces more than the Mini).

The EAB Slim also has an integrated bottle opener, lending it some extra utility.

It also has a secure slide lock to protect you in and out of operation. While it doesn’t have a keychain-specific attachment, it does have a lanyard hole and a pocket clip.

The EAB Slim also has an integrated bottle opener, lending it some extra utility, although I’d stop short of calling it a multi-tool. Although not quite as inexpensive as the Mini, it’s also more affordable than the standard EAB, costing $16.

Gerber EAB Mini Slim EDC Utility Knives — Both of these utility knives offer easy and quick blade swaps.

Availability and pricing

Remember: the Gerber EAB Mini is $11 and the Gerber EAB Slim is $16. Both utility knives are now available on the brand’s site and come in black and silver colorways.