Gear Review: Gerber River Shorty
--Product Information--
Product Name: River Shorty
Product Brand: Gerber
Best Use: Kayak Fishing, Safety Knife, Almond Butter spreader
Sizes Available / Specs:
- Overall length: 6.75"
- Blade length: 3.0"
- Weight: 4.0 oz
- Handle: Glass-filled nylon
- Sheath: Molded Plastic
--Test Information--
Location of Test: Most the of Northwest both on water and at camp.
Duration: 4 Months
--Ratings--
Value Rating: 9
Durability Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 9
Full Review: I've been using the Gerber River Shorty safety knife for all my paddling/fishing needs. A safety Knife that can cut easily and quickly is imperative to safe kayak fishing. When you capsize a fishing boat there are a lot of lines in the water, rod leashes, paddle leashes, and your hooked line. This mess is not something you want to find yourself tangled in, and that's where the River Shorty comes in.
The river shorty has become my weapon of choice not only in emergency situations, but trimming line as well. As a fisherman what really sold me on the river shorty is the variety of blade surfaces. While it has mostly serrated, rope cutting blades surfaces, it also has a section of even, straight edge blade that is great for bleeding/gutting fish, making sandwiches, and anything else you would use a blade for. I prefer this over a completely serrated knife.
The Good List: Locally made and easy to get a sharp edge and keep it. Cuts through anchor rope, tow line, braided line, tippet, and mono fishing line. Easy to grab and use without thinking, stays in your hand even when it's turning purple from the cold.
The Not so Good List: I feel like the sheaths connection points could wear out over time, leading to the knife falling out. So far the knife stays completely secure and remains easy to pull out quickly.
The Bottom Line: Great all purpose safety knife. Gerber makes some of the highest quality blades and their safety knives are no exception. Locally made and owned is just the icing on the cake.