Although there are several knives and tools in Gerber Gear’s Myth collection, the two fixed blades (one is a gut blade) and the folding lock back are great choices for many uses. They are lightweight, built well, and offer confidence in their performance during many survival and outdoor tasks.
THE MYTH FOLDER
With a 3-inch drop point blade, the Myth folding knife weighs only 2.7 ounces. The blade is hollow ground and sufficiently broad to give the knife durability, while studs on either side of the blade are placed so that thumb pressure can be applied to assist opening. A conventional pivoted lever with the release in the middle of the handle provides a sturdy means of locking the blade open. The blade is sufficient for the uses to which a folding knife is appropriate and is given a durable coating that gives it a dull gray appearance.
The Myth folder has virtually no side-to-side movement and seems perfectly rigid. Ridges are placed on the forward section of the blade lock lever, and the back edge of the blade also has jimping just forward of the soft rubberized handle in order to provide a secure grip with the ability to apply thumb pressure.
THE FIXED BLADE/GUT MYTH
My interaction with the Gerber Myth knives began with the fixed blade model. It appealed to me as a knife of convenient size and weight. Although not necessarily the best choice for constructing shelters or splitting firewood, the 3.75-inch blade is just about the right size for general use.
This fixed blade Myth has full-tang construction and has a very sturdy feel. It measures 8.5-inches in length and weighs 4.9 ounces. At the thickest section of the spine, the blade measures 0.135 inches. Like the folding model, the blade has a dark gray, non-reflective coating.
THE FIXED SHEATH
The fixed blade Myth comes with a sheath made of rigid plastic. It also features a drain hole at the bottom and a carbide sharpener is incorporated on the backside at the bottom of the sheath. At the forward end of the handle are two grooves, one on either side. When the knife is inserted fully in the sheath, these grooves mate with two ridges molded on inside edges of the sheath to provide a friction lock of the knife in the sheath.
For situations in which the knife is to be held even more securely, a rubber latch is provided. This heavy rubber strip is attached to the back of the sheath and has an opening that fits over the butt of the grip to prevent the knife from slipping upward out of the sheath. One negative aspect of the sheath is the fact that the blade is not held securely, which allows it to rattle against the sides.
“These are real, honest working knives.”
THE MYTH HANDLES
In spite of the light weight, Myth knives feature a textured rubber handle that provides a secure grip. The forward end of the polymer handle features a curved descending portion that forms an integral hand guard. The grip is rather flat in cross-section, which helps prevent the knife from turning in the hand.
At the butt of the grip a hole is placed in order to attach a lanyard should one be deemed desirable. This is a feature that I like because I frequently attach a leather thong that I wrap around my wrist during some types of cutting activities.
CONCLUSION
These are real, honest working knives. Their rubbery grips give a good purchase in the hand, and their blades have excellent shapes for general use. Moreover, their light weight makes them convenient to carry, making any of these knives an excellent companion for countless outdoor activities.
Editor’s note: A version of this article first appeared in the Fall 2015 print issue of American Survival Guide.