I recently acquired a new-to-me Gerber Model A450. It's obviously part of the new line of outdoor knives that were designed by Al Mar when he was working for Gerber in the 70ies.
Lightweight, super sharp and it feels extremely comfy in hand. Comes with a sheath that is top notch, too. Does anybody else have one of these?

I don't have one, Peter, but it looks like it would really excel in the kitchen. Very cool vintage knife!

Thanks, Tom.
They made them from M-2 steel with a Rc 60-62. Very tough to sharpen but holds a great edge.

I've learned the that the Gerber "Armorhide" handled knife "A" series was designed by Al Mar and produced from 1976-1989. The series was produced in five sizes; 400 (4"), 425 (4.25"), 450 (4.50"), 475 (4.75"), 525 (5.25"). Mostly in Armorhide and some in wood or stag (very collectable). Most models were discontinued about 1985, but the 400 and 525 continued.
I also have a Gerber Miming Carving Set with the sword logo for tool steel.

Peter, I wasn't familiar with M-2 steel, so I looked it up. In terms of actual use, it sounds like M2 is a better all around cutter than A-2 or D-2. Finer grain structure, better wear characteristics, easier to sharpen. The down side is M-2 will rust a little easier. Really like the full flat grind as well. The blade looks like a real performer.

I owned several of the Gerber A series. My personal favorite from that era was the Bird & Trout with the small "scoop" to clean trout. They were my go to knives in those days, along with the equally excellent Folding Sportsman series.

In my opinion the 70's era Gerbers were very underated.

Thank you, Tom. This is a very handy knife indeed and the M-2 blade holds an excellent edge. I really like it. Sharpening is tough without a ceramic stone, though.

Jerry, I have a NIB 1983 Gerber "Coho" Fillet knife with a 6" blade and the spoon at the handle. It has the "S"-logo though. I don't think the blade is made of M-2.

Just a caution. I found the M2 to be run too hard for advertised uses of some knives, and suffered some broken tips and chipped edges. They were in the middle of the "highest Rockwell wars" opening battles started by Loveless and his claimed 62Rc.

They saw in M2 a tough tool steel they could push hard, but neglected take into account slicing paper in a paper mill different than more common daily stresses, and especially for combat knives.

They are excellent long lasting cutters, and nothing can take away from that, but most definitely need at least the same respect in limitations which one would accord a very hard D2. This not an indictment against Gerber, but only that they pushed hardness to limit, and what with not near modern precision heat treat controls of that era, some blades might be over the top, while others spot on or just below.

Thanks, Lofty. I'll be careful with mine. It's mainly a slicer anyway. And it works perfectly