Gerber Harsey Air Rangers: Speed Need
Light and fast. That pretty much describes the Gerber Harsey Air Ranger knives. These folders are great examples of why I say an automatic knife really isn't necessary. Just a purpposeful flick of the thumb brings these blades out FAST. You have to actuate an Air Ranger to appreciate the balance of the pivots which use Teflon washers for increased lubricity. Other upsides include: functional clip blades with good belly, atractive milled aluminum handles (matte grey standard, other colors previously issued), good thumbstuds. and reasonable cost. Possible downsides would include: AUS-8A steel that tends towards the soft side (but sharpens easily), squared shoulders on the handle, non-moveable tip down carry clip, and somewhat thick blade doesn't silice as well as a thinner blade (for EDC use) and may need reprofiling of the relief edge for true sharpness. The Air Ranger II is a hard find now, being discontinued, but makes a good 4.0 oz tactical knife choice with its 4" blade (and I got it for a steal of a price). But for the money spent, the Gerber Air Rangers are fun, fast, and light and excel in both usefulness and enjoyability./////////////////Nutnfancy Likeability Scale: 7 out of 10 for Ranger 1, 8 out of 10 for Ranger II