Gerber Knives was founded in 1939 by Joseph R. Gerber, a Portland-based advertising executive. What began as a holiday marketing effort turned into a defining moment in cutlery history. Joseph collaborated with knifemaker David Murphy to create custom kitchen knife sets, which he mailed to his clients as gifts. These high-quality knives, featuring an attractive and durable design, caught the attention of Abercrombie & Fitch, a premier catalog retailer at the time. The company requested the knives for their 1939 catalog, which marked the official birth of Gerber Legendary Blades.

The initial kitchen knives, praised for their unique blend of aesthetics and functionality, featured blades forged from repurposed hacksaws and handles made from recycled aluminum pistons. These knives became popular for their quality and innovative use of materials, setting the tone for Gerber’s future in the industry.

Following World War II, Joseph’s eldest son, Francis Roman “Ham” Gerber, took over as the company’s president. Ham infused a sense of mystique and artistry into Gerber’s products, naming the kitchen knives after legendary blades like Balmung from Norse mythology and Excalibur, the fabled sword of King Arthur. These names not only resonated with customers but also reflected Gerber's dedication to creating enduring and iconic designs.

Joseph R. Gerber

The 1960s also saw Gerber’s collaboration with Al Mar, a renowned knifemaker and former Chief of Design for the U.S. Special Forces. Together, they developed the Mark I, a smaller companion to the popular Mark II combat knife. The Mark II, in particular, became one of the most iconic military knives of its time, further cementing Gerber’s reputation for designing tools that could perform under extreme conditions.

Interestingly, Gerber also served as a launchpad for other prominent names in the knife industry. Pete Kershaw, who was Gerber’s National Sales Manager, left the company in 1974 to establish his own brand, Kershaw Knives. Similarly, Al Mar departed in 1979 to found Al Mar Knives, bringing his expertise and unique vision to a new audience.

By the 1970s, Gerber had discontinued its kitchen knife line to concentrate on outdoor and hunting knives. This shift allowed the company to pioneer advancements in knife materials and design. A major breakthrough came in the 1980s with the introduction of the LST (Light, Strong, Tough) knife. Designed by Pete Gerber and developed with input from Blackie Collins, the LST used a revolutionary glass-filled nylon handle, which was lightweight, durable, and affordable. This innovation set a new standard for knife manufacturing, and Gerber thanked Collins for his contribution by gifting him a Corvette.

Gerber Mark II

In 1987, Finnish company Fiskars acquired Gerber Legendary Blades, providing the brand with additional resources and a global platform. Despite this change in ownership, Gerber maintained its commitment to quality and innovation, continuing to grow its reputation as a leader in outdoor tools and knives. The acquisition also brought a global perspective to Gerber’s operations, enabling it to reach a wider audience and adapt to an increasingly competitive market.

Gerber’s versatility and adaptability were further showcased in 1991 with the introduction of the Multi-Plier, its first multi-tool. This innovative tool featured a signature sliding jaw mechanism, setting it apart from competitors. Over the years, Gerber has expanded its multi-tool lineup, offering a range of sizes and configurations to suit various needs. Today, Gerber’s multi-tools are widely regarded as indispensable companions for both professionals and outdoor enthusiasts.

Gerber Multi-Plier