Ask knife enthusiasts all over the country what they think about the reputation of Gerber. Some of the words you’ll undoubtedly hear back from them will be: quality, strength, durable, and long-lasting, not to mention heavy-duty. Joseph Gerber started Portland, Oregon's Gerber Advertising back in 1910. One Christmas, he hired a local knifemaker to craft 25 sets of kitchen cutlery as client gifts. The knives were so popular, Mr. Gerber ultimately left his agency to launch Gerber Legendary Blades in 1939. By
2003, the company employed 300 people and had revenues near $100 million, and was the second leading seller of multi-tools in the United States, trailing just behind Leatherman.
Gerber has influenced the knife and multi-tool market by making use of new technologies and materials mostly found in custom or one-off premium brand knives, such as Zytel handles, Kraton handles, ATS 34 and AUS 8 high carbon stainless steels, and titanium nitride coatings. In the 70 years since the company’s inception, the quality of Gerber’s blades and reputation has become legendary. Many active duty military and rescue personnel rely on Gerber blades to get the job done.