"Gerber Mark II and Command II" by Nutnfancy

Published on June 14, 2011
Duration: 28:39

This review compares the Gerber Mark II and the limited edition Command II, highlighting their historical significance as combat daggers. The Command II features premium S30V steel praised for edge retention, while the standard Mark II uses 420HC, noted for durability but arriving dull. Both knives have cast aluminum handles and a rat-tail tang construction, with excellent balance. The Mark II is considered a collectible with high historical value, despite limited utility as a survival knife.

Quick Summary

The Gerber Mark II is primarily a combat dagger designed for thrusting, not a survival knife. Its limited edition counterpart, the Command II, features superior S30V steel for edge retention, while the standard Mark II uses durable 420HC steel that may require sharpening.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Cold Steel Peacekeepers
  2. 01:29Gerber Mark II Historical Context
  3. 03:02Gerber Command II Limited Edition
  4. 05:43Philosophy of Use (Combat vs. Survival)
  5. 07:24Blade Design Evolution
  6. 11:34Steel Quality: S30V vs 420HC
  7. 15:25Handle, Balance & Construction
  8. 19:49Sheath Options Comparison
  9. 22:25Competitive Knife Alternatives
  10. 27:42Conclusion & Value Proposition

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary intended use of the Gerber Mark II knife?

The Gerber Mark II is primarily designed as a combat dagger or backup weapon. Its blade shape is optimized for thrusting attacks, offering limited capability for slashing. It is not generally considered a practical survival knife.

What are the key differences in steel between the Gerber Mark II and Command II?

The standard Gerber Mark II typically uses durable 420HC steel, which is rust-resistant but can arrive dull from the factory. The limited edition Command II features premium CPM-S30V steel, known for its excellent edge retention and sharpness.

How is the handle and tang construction of the Gerber Mark II and Command II?

Both knives feature cast aluminum handles and utilize a rat-tail tang set in epoxy. While not full-tang, this construction has proven durable and contributes to the knives' excellent balance and fast handling.

Is the Gerber Mark II considered a good survival knife?

No, the Gerber Mark II is primarily a combat dagger. While serrations were sometimes added for marketing as a 'survival' tool, its design is optimized for thrusting, not general survival tasks like chopping or batoning wood.

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