REVIEW: Gerber GDC Line

Everyone knows EDC, everyone does it. For example: underwear. How tacticool is that! Ideal to have a new marketing topic. Gerber is not far off. With its GDC line, the knife manufacturer jumps on the bandwagon. What's it about? Well, the basic idea is to make a knife so small that you can really take it everywhere. Ideally, you can hang it on the zipper of your jacket. So you have it (almost) always with you.

We like the idea. That's why we took a closer look at it. Of all the products in the GDC line, the "Zip Blade" is probably the most inconspicuous. It blends in particularly well with a sporty, modern functional jacket. Bouncers usually don't notice anything. So far, so good. Passed the visual test.

So how practical is such a tiny knife? Well, it can only be opened with both hands. Due to its small size and lack of a blade lifter, it is almost impossible to unfold the knife with just one hand. So, inconspicuous or quick is certainly not the case.

The lock. It is secured by a classic frame lock. However, it does not snap into position on its own, but must be pushed there actively. [Photo: too far!]

Since you have to press the lock in yourself, you might move it too far. Then only the universal tool table edge will help. Not very inconspicuous.

The blade. Too small. For pretty much everything. Except for carving cola cans. Despite the chisel grind, it looks stylish, but too much potential is left behind. What a shame.

The attachment. Consists of a delicate clip and an ultra-thin plastic cord. It won't survive a rough tear.

CONCLUSION: A gimmick that completely misses its intended purpose. But it's stylish and somehow looks cool. So, if you have a weakness for useless but somehow funny stuff, this will expand your collection. Cost point is about 13 euros. (Note: for those looking for a small, still useful knife that they can actually use, take a closer look at the Urban/Mini Pal by Cold Steel.)