Gerber Gear Gator Machete 25" with Plain Edge Blade and Saw, Gator Grip and Protective Sheath for Gardening, Survival, Hunting, Camping and Bushcraft, Black

Let's start out by shouting from the rooftops that this little guy rocks! There are a couple of minor issues, but it's definitely getting 5 stars for an amazing value at $15.59.Let's go over the good stuff first (and there's plenty of it):The Gerber junior has several attributes that take it way beyond just a good deal.As said above, the price is right. At $15 - $20, it's a total bargain ... Your argument is invalid.While this mini machete certainly isn't made of the finest, imported, hand crafted materials (refer to price), if used within its limits, it seriously gets the job done. Because it's lightweight and half the length of a full size machete, you can easily carry it on your belt, or strap it to a pack and you'll barely know it's there until you need it.That being said — Don't let the smaller size fool you. OK sure. You probably won't get far cutting through towering oaks or sequoias, but it will chop right through a 3/4 in diameter branch with one clean shot. You can take down one inchers with a couple more chops, and you can get through branches that are 2 in in diameter or more if you have a little patience and throw in a dab of elbow grease. Somehow they definitely found a pretty solid balance between being light enough to take backpacking but heavy enough to chop through some decent branches.Another rare and good thing to find in a cheap cutting tool (despite some reviews that say otherwise) is that the blade comes out of the factory pretty sharp. After a few minutes with a decent sharpener, you can get the edge to cut through Kryptonite. No complaints in that department. Especially for the price.To protect and haul your blade, the nylon sheath is decent enough. It seems like it should stand up to some punishment while still being light enough that it doesn't add any noticeable weight when the blade is sheathed and on your hip. The velcro strap isn't particularly sturdy, but hopefully it will hold up. For the money, you can't ask for too much more than that.Now on to the bad (just a couple of minor non deal breakers):The machete is not full tang. For those that are new to knives and machetes, the tang refers to how far the metal blade runs up the grip. The Gerber jr. is not a full tang blade. This could become problematic somewhere down the road and could potentially lead to a broken blade or grip if you are using your blade as a rock hammer. Don't forget that you aren't paying big bucks for a product that will last you generations. Despite it's ... lacking of tang, if you treat the blade right and use it properly and within it's limits (that means NO prying), it feels like it will last through many outings in the woods.The other little hiccup in an overall awesome product, is the saw function. It's a great idea (note the use of the word "idea"), and if absolutely necessary, you could use it to (eventually) saw through larger pieces of wood. However, I think that this one looks a little better on paper and is exactly as I said before. A great "idea." It just isn't that practical. The saw blades are sharp and staggered like a saw is supposed to be. The problem is that they are too thick to efficiently saw through large diameter material. When trying to saw back and forth, you seem to have to devote a lot of energy and attention to avoid getting the saw teeth stuck in the log every other stroke. It can become frustrating and time consuming, and if you're backpacking or camping, your time would probably be better spent searching for dry tinder or picking a guitar by the fire. Now remember. This is far from a deal breaker. How much sawing are you really planing on doing with your MACHETE anyway?The conclusion is simple. This Gerber jr. is a serious bang for your buck. It works. It looks solid. It feels solid, and it hasn't failed yet. Overall this blade is absolutely ideal for taking on the trail to help gather fire wood or clear a site for a shelter. Although it seems to be born to be taken into the mountains on a trek, it can also be used around the yard for small to medium sized clearing jobs. If you are looking for a smaller answer to a full sized machete and don't want to dull up the blade of your hunting knife, this bitchin' little piece of hardware is definitely for you.

I recently got my hands on the Gerber Gear Gator Machete, and I must say, it’s a fantastic tool for anyone who loves the outdoors. The first thing you’ll notice is the excellent grip on the handle. The Gator Grip texture ensures that it stays firmly in your hand, even in wet conditions, making it incredibly reliable.The blade is razor-sharp right out of the box, allowing for clean and precise cuts. Whether you’re clearing brush, chopping wood, or just feeling like a jungle explorer, this machete swings effortlessly and gets the job done efficiently.Overall, the Gerber Gear Gator Machete is a must-have for anyone looking for a durable, sharp, and easy-to-handle tool. Highly recommended!

Amazing machete with a very sharp blade. It has started to get some surface rust but it's been a very damp and unpredictable camping season in Michigan, and I'm willing to bet that's more my own fault than anything else. Also, nothing a quick stone or wheel can't take right off.Another great USA made product by Gerber!

Sturdy, Comfortable, and Effective – Just a Few Minor DrawbacksI’ve been using the Gerber Gear Gator Machete 25" with the plain edge blade and saw for a few weeks now, and overall, it’s a solid outdoor tool that delivers on most fronts. The first thing that stands out is the Gator Grip handle. As someone who spends a lot of time hiking and clearing brush, a comfortable and secure grip is essential, and this handle definitely delivers. Even when swinging repeatedly or using it in wet conditions, my hand feels secure, and I don’t experience the fatigue or slipping that I’ve had with cheaper machetes.The 25-inch blade provides excellent reach, and the weight is well balanced—it’s heavy enough to cut through thick brush efficiently but light enough to carry and maneuver without tiring quickly. The plain edge blade is sharp out of the box and maintains a decent edge with routine maintenance. I’ve used it on small branches, thick weeds, and general trail clearing, and it has performed reliably every time.The saw on the spine is a nice addition. While it’s not a replacement for a dedicated saw, it works well for smaller branches or quick cuts when you don’t want to carry multiple tools. I’ve found it useful in emergency situations or for trimming smaller limbs, though it’s definitely secondary to the main blade.The sheath is functional but slightly bulky. It holds the machete securely, but carrying it on longer hikes can feel a little cumbersome. Additionally, the finish on the blade could be smoother. There are minor rough spots near the tang that aren’t a performance issue but do make it feel slightly less refined than I expected from Gerber.Overall, this is a dependable and durable machete that balances comfort, reach, and cutting power. It’s ideal for campers, hikers, and anyone who needs a versatile outdoor cutting tool. I’m giving it 4 stars rather than 5 mainly due to the sheath bulk and minor finish imperfections, but these are relatively minor complaints. For the price and performance, it’s a tool I’d recommend without hesitation.