View Full Version : Gerber LHR
This one has caught my attention one day when I was browsing through tactical-life.com. This seems to be a pretty well-rounded weapon and a solid choice for self-defense. Anyone acquired one yet? What do you guys think? I'll probably end up picking one up soon, just wanted to get a few thoughts on it first if possible.
http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y328/hyofoo/gerber.jpg
I also found a quick review that US Cav did on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=568Lo5-mmyQ
I have not held one but I believe the blade is 420 stainless. That seems pretty soft for blade steel, especially these days. For that price you should be able to get into higher quality steel.
From miltimes:
http://militarytimes.com/blogs/gearscout/2009/10/06/gerber-releases-the-l-h-r-combat-knife/
Gerber has finished work on what they hope is the Army’s next generation combat knife. We saw a prototype of the L.H.R. (Larsen, Harsey, Reeve) last year and were impressed with the combat specific features. Unlike many tactical knives on the market, the knife is pedigreed from it’s inception for CQB right down to the retention scabbard. The thumb operated quick-release makes it easy for you to draw, but nearly impossible for an adversary to use against you.
Changes to the knife since we last saw it include a grippier scale material, called TacHide, improved placement of the scale attachment screws, and a black non-reflective coating. The knife will come ready for drop-leg wear and include a PALS compatible option for placement on body armor. Between now and the time you see it in the PX early next year, Gerber may offer it in other colors.
Straight from the spec sheet: The knife is made from 420 high carbon steel and with a blade length of 6.87″ and an overall length of 12.25″. It weighs 11.20 oz. Made in the USA. MSRP $200
I can accept the explanations for 420 which I've read are field sharpening and to resist blade breakage as this is a stabber, not a defang the snake slicer.
The Army is adding more "fighting with a knife" into trainning doctrine per recent published reports and SFC Larsen has been involved in that I am assuming from reading between the lines of the Tactical Knives article about this knife's inception and the new reports of the Army modifying the syllabus at Basic.
Considering the analysis of recent combat involved, the well thought out features, and SFC Larsen's attachment to the project in any fashion; I would find this an attractive addition to a collection.
Thanks for the feedback fellas. I'm thinking about posting up a review once I get the knife. I'm no knife expert by any means, but it's always good to have someone post something on an item they've laid their hands on. :p
Placed the order on Friday.:D Should arrive sometime next week. I'll post some pics once I get back to land. That is......if anyone cares. :confused:
I'd love to hear what you think of the Gerber LHR when you get it!
This one has caught my attention one day when I was browsing through tactical-life.com. This seems to be a pretty well-rounded weapon and a solid choice for self-defense. Anyone acquired one yet? What do you guys think? I'll probably end up picking one up soon, just wanted to get a few thoughts on it first if possible.
http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y328/hyofoo/gerber.jpg
I also found a quick review that US Cav did on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=568Lo5-mmyQ
My personal opinion...... if this is indeed to be used as a CQB knife then I don't like it. The blade design is more of hybrid survival/fighting knife and if that was they're aim then it still could use some work. They're are far better designs for CQB. I'm really glad to see that the government is finally starting to get back to CQB defense by addressing the gap between the handgun and the hands. Even if they decide to stick with this design it can be improved.
1. 420 is a bit to soft and I bet will prove finicky if soldiers are using it for anything other than "dropping tango's", though stain resistance is adequate.
2. Get rid of the serrations. They just get in the way of properly sharpening the knife "in field", and don't offer that much benefit when placed short, and near the hilt.
3. Grind down that jagged finger choil and thumb ramp. NOT necessary, and will easily impede draw stroke by catching on take your pick of gear.
4. Why not sharpen that upper swedge?
Just a few suggestions. It just seems to come across as a fighter in survival clothing. In the interest of full disclosure I've been working on my own design for the last couple of years, for just this very purpose so I've had quite a bit of time to think about it ;)
Do you have any pics of your knife Sluggo?
I had been looking at the LHR too, and didn't like the serrations, etc. either.
I was looking at it as a cheaper version of the Chris Reeves "Neil Roberts Warrior Knife" which I like a lot.
http://www.chrisreeve.com/neilroberts.htm
Do you have any pics of your knife Sluggo?
I had been looking at the LHR too, and didn't like the serrations, etc. either.
I was looking at it as a cheaper version of the Chris Reeves "Neil Roberts Warrior Knife" which I like a lot.
http://www.chrisreeve.com/neilroberts.htm
Unfortunately I don't, and probably won't for a while as the knife is still in the design stage. I'm not a "knife maker" by trade, just a life long knife enthusiast/collector (and as such have a real 9-5 job) so this side project is a labor of love for me and its something completely different from whats out there now. I also have to pull together all the relevant players if I want to provide a first class product (materials, grinding, heat treat, coating, etc.) so it taking me forever but giving soldiers one more option to save their lives drives my passion for this project.
Whenever it does come time, I plan on unveiling it here for review/comment so it gets exposure to its intended audience. The mission driven, dynamic, what works, what doesn't, no fads attitude of this forum is just what the project needs. I believe when it comes to life saving devices that form MUST follow function so it may seem as if I'm overly picky on the LHR but just as with the AR cutting corners can get you killed. The LHR definitely seems like a viable option to the Reeves knife if thats what you want. As with everything else...what is your mission with this knife?
Don't worry guys, I didn't forget about this thread. I'm still working offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Might be another 4 weeks or so out here....don't honestly know right now:confused:.
I promise that I'll put some pics and stuff up as soon as I lay my hands on it.
If anyone else has bought or used this product, feel free to post up pics and thoughts here as well.
I know that it's been a while, but ever since the Deepwater Horizon caught fire, work has been hectic. Now that I've actually has some time to check it out a little, I took some pictures to show everyone. Like I said, I'm no knife expert, but I'm just gunna try to give you my opinion on it so far.
Please note that I purchased this knife with the intention of having a survival/self-defense blade. I was looking for something that was a bit of a mix of the two. I'm not usually in either a survival or self-defense situation, but I figured this knife would be a middle-ground. My intent is to use this knife to learn more about using a knife in both situations. I am still new to the knife world, but if it's one thing that I've learned over the years, just owning a gun or a knife is NOT enough. You need to learn how to be efficient with your weapons. That being said, let's get to the LHR.
http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y328/hyofoo/IMG_3654.jpg
http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y328/hyofoo/IMG_3655.jpg
The first thing I noticed was the sheath. It seemed to be adequate and held the knife in very tightly. It was actually a bit jerky and hard to get the knife out at first. I guess it's something that will get a little smoother with use. I did notice that there is a replaceable locking tab on the release held in by two small nuts and bolts. I guess this could be taken out and filed or ground down to have a little less pressure on the release tab. All-in-all, the straps and sheath body all seem to be of solid quality.
http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y328/hyofoo/IMG_3661.jpg
http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y328/hyofoo/IMG_3658.jpg
After getting the knife out of the sheath I started to examine the grip and the weight. The grip felt rather ergonomic and it gripped my hand rather well. Out of curiosity, I got my hand wet and then grabbed the grip again. Of course it became a little slippery, but with a little bit of movement in my hand, it still seemed controllable.
http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y328/hyofoo/IMG_4640.jpg
(top view)
http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y328/hyofoo/IMG_4638.jpg
I am pretty satisfied so far although I agree with Sluggo on a few things. I feel that the serrations are a bit of a waste and would be a hassle to sharpen in the field.
Something that Sluggo also pointed out, I would like to see this knife without the jagged finger choil and the thumb ramp and have the upper swedge sharpened. They don't really seem necessary, but maybe they could prove useful. I guess I will know after I use it a couple of times.
http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y328/hyofoo/IMG_4639.jpg
(bottom view)
http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y328/hyofoo/IMG_4637.jpg
I'd love to hear anyone else's opinions or experiences with this knife. I'm looking forward to learning more about knives and their proper uses. Again, sorry it took so long guys, thanks for all your feedback.
The fit and finish seem to be pretty good. I agree Jabroni, that the sheath seems to be god awful. Overly bulky, un-streamlined, and poorly designed with the bolt together nylon/plastic system. This is to be expected however with many mass produced knives. I would advise having someone like Okuden kydex make you a sheath to your mission specs. Also, NO thumb break please! Besides the fact I hate thumb breaks in general, for fighting knife their downright dangerous. If you need to get that knife out of sheath then your target is most likely nearly within reach so seconds count. You don't want to have to find the dexterity to find and operate the break "in struggle", and potentially foul the draw stroke by catching those sharp guards on any number of items (clothing, nylon, web-gear, etc.) That said with the other things I mentioned I really like the blade shape forward of the hilt (not so much the handle) and it does appear to offer some good survival/fighting potential. Keep us posted as you use it.
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