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Striking the balance between precision and polish, the Gerber Fastball fine-edged knife features a utilitarian Wharncliffe blade and intuitive opening for quick, smooth deployment every time.
Made in USA.
View all Gerber Pocket KnivesBest Use | Camping |
---|---|
Knife Blade Type | Straight Edge |
Locking Blade | Yes |
Number of Blades | 1 Blade |
Max Blade Length (in.) | 3.1 inches |
Closed Length | Unavailable |
One-Handed Opening | Yes |
Handle Material | Aluminum |
Blade Construction | S30V stainless steel |
Lanyard Ring | Yes |
Dimensions | Unavailable |
Weight | 2.7 ounces |
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I really like the overall style and fast opening mechanism of this knife, however, the edge is incredibly soft. Needs constant sharpening. I dropped it once and the tip broke off. Accidentally hit it on another piece of metal today and the edge is chipped and rolled to the point that I wouldn't be able to buff it out unless I put a whole new bevel on it. The last Gerber folding knife (don't think they make it anymore, it was skeletonized similar to the Paralite though) that I had I got for significantly cheaper was a workhorse and could withstand anything. Overall, I'm disappointed with this knife solely because of the softness of the edge.
I dont ever have it but i like it. Maybe one time i owned it ;)
Bought this for my 70th birthday, always wanted a flip out knife. VERY difficult to flip open, so I sat and did that hundreds, probably a thousand times. Meanwhile the clip came loose, screw wouldn't go in, other screw came out, no clip now. Had kept it clipped in pocket. Then it got easier, but knife would not come out all the way. Air blew the insides, applied a little oil. No luck. It is a poorly designed pocket knife for suckers that go for cool names like Fastball. Yes, this knife says something about me. I am a sucker for marketing after all. Never again, Gerber.
I love this knife and it was amazing for the first year I had it. Within a month or so of owning it, the pocket clip fell off and when I closely examined it, the threads were completely destroyed. I never tightened these or messed around with it. I could live with this since I don't use the pocket clip that much. The worst part is right around a year after buying it, the pivot screw broke and the knife fell apart. I am careful to my knifes because I want them to last as long as possible but if even delicate handling broke my knife, I cannot recommend this knife.
Definitely a must for your EDC and anytime you need something tough and reliable to handle your cutting needs. The fastball's overall all shape and size makes it one of my favorite blades and is now with me when I'm on the move. Whatever gerber did to improve the deployment mechanism is awesome. I find in most cases I require a one handed deployment a must. If you're looking for a low profile, easy opening, non-printing blade that can tackle any job you have for it, I highly recommend checking out the fastball.......and the flat sage color is on point!
Not sure about the reviews saying it is hard to open. I've had the knife for about six months and other than wearing it in the first day, I've never had an issue opening/closing it with one hand. I really enjoy the click it makes and fiddle with it every night while winding down until the wife tells me to stop. I took the clip off and then decided I wanted the clip on and have never had a problem with it coming loose. I have it clipped in my pocket everyday and never notice it. It is a dependable, light, and slim knife that I would recommend to others.
Just passing the one year mark carrying the fastball as my EDC and here's my take: it breaks in like a nice pair of gloves, I can have it out and open quickly and when I open it it positions itself in my hand for use, an understated design element. Clip is strong, doesn't get snagged on sticks in the woods like other knives. It's easy to clean, soap and water, wd40, drop it into a sonic cleaner, compressed air, it'll clean out rapidly with almost any attention. It's the right size, it looks great, its durable, and it's easy to use
I've already posted a review after I initially received my Fastball custom with copper scales. This is a follow up on that previously positive review. I absolutely love this knife. It has broken in so we'll! At first the action was a little stiff and sluggish. It's typical for most new knives to be that way. After a little over a week it now has amazing action and improved detent. I did nothing but flip it. No maintenance at all. I'll be buying another one. You simply can't go wrong with this knife. Not at this value.
I have been a fan of Gerber knives and tools for years. I have used everything from their pocket knives to multi tools and axes. I got a custom fastball and I am severely disappointed. The clip screws stripped out, the clip came off and broke. The blade does not have very good edge retention and the cerakote has been wearing off, especially with the repeated sharpening needed to keep an edge. Very unhappy with the recent quality of Gerber products and I will be looking elsewhere for future knives and multi tools.
I was really looking forward to getting this knife. But I was very disappointed. I shouldn't have been, I had read reviews pointing out issues but figured they were anomaly's. I was wrong. The blade rested to the side when closed. It would barely flick open. When it did, the locking mechanism was so tight I literally had to use something to pry it off the blade so I could close the knife. The only explanation is lack of QC. Anyone at the factory could have visually seen the offset blade. Very disappointed.