Guest - Not logged in | ||||||||||||||||||
Reviews > Cook and Food Storage Gear > Utensils > Gerber Freescape Camp Kitchen Knife > Test Report by Michael Pearl
GERBER FREESCAPE CAMP KITCHE KNIFE
INITIAL REPORT - April 26, 2015
TESTER INFORMATION
I have a great appreciation for the outdoors and get out at every opportunity. I am a three-season, learning to be a four season backpacker and year round hiker. Currently, my trips are two to three days long as well as an annual week-long trip. I utilize the abundant trail shelters in my locale and pack a backup tarp-tent. I like to cover big distances while still taking in the views. I have lightweight leanings but function and reliability are the priority. I mostly travel woodland mountain terrain but enjoy hiking beautiful trails anywhere. PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: Gerber Gear Year of Manufacture: 2015 Manufacturer's Website: www.gerbergear.com MSRP: US $53.00 Listed Weight: 6.5 oz (184 g) Measured Weight: 6.1 oz (174 g), Sheath 1.1 oz (32 g), Combined 7.3 oz (208 g) Listed Overall Length: 9.1 in (23 cm) Listed Blade Length: 3.8 in (9.7 cm) Measured Length confirms listed Features; 7Cr17MoV steel Full tang construction Full fine edge blade Santoku inspired blade Textured rubber grip Dishwasher safe Lanyard hole Sheath with belt loop Lifetime Warranty *in North America only* Product is warranted to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for as long as original consumer owns the product. Designed and engineered in Oregon, USA Made in China INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
READING THE INSTRUCTIONS
The Freescape does not come with any instructions. The nearest to it is the obligatory caution warning of a cut hazard of sharp blades and improper use. No fault of Gerbers but I am always torn between humor and insult when seeing these warnings. TRYING IT OUT I haven't been on the trail with the Freescape yet. But the day I received it I cut up some apples to snack on. The blade sliced smoothly on all cuts. The knife felt well balanced and controlled. The Santoku style made cutting various sized slices neat and easy. I found out later that this is exactly what the Santoku style blade is designed to accomplish. The word Santoku refers to three cutting task of slicing, dicing and mincing. The blade and handle are meant to work in harmony. This is made possible by matching blade width and height to weight of the blade tang and handle. After use the blade cleaned nicely with water and a wipe of a towel. The Freescape moves in and out of the sheath easy enough. The hook and loop closure requires some attention when closing. I find passing the strap through the plastic ring unusual. It requires a threading a needle type finger movement. SUMMARY
The Gerber Freescape camp kitchen knife is well designed and constructed. It has a nice well balanced feel in my hand. I like the full tang construction for strength and durability. The Santoku blade makes cutting feel natural. I think this knife has the potential to make camp cooking a little more homey. FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
Mt Cannon, North and South Kinsman, Franconia, New Hampshire - total of 15 mi (24 km) for two days, from 1520 to 4330 ft (463 to 1319 m). Day one saw 80 F (27 C), cloudy and breezy, overnight thunderstorm and 55 F (13 C). Day two was around 65 F (18 C) with on and off showers. Pack weight 30 lbs (13.6 kg). PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
On the two trips with the Freescape I have prepared three meals. This test has definitely inspired me to take my backcountry cooking up a notch. I usually eat instant or already made meals on one night trips. If out for two or more nights I eat dehydrated (at home) meals. The Freescape is definitely more knife than I ever go backpacking with. Though when car camping with my family we do pack a kitchen knife. We will cut up chicken and veggies for salads and watermelon for snacks. I felt the need to do more than just cutting open a wrapper with the Freescape on my backpack trips. SUMMARY The Freescape is like two knives in one. It looks and feels like a rugged camp knife. It handles and cuts like a kitchen knife. I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to prep the amount of food I did in such limited conditions. The Freescape cleaned up after each use in the field with a wipe of wax paper or paper napkin. I really like the Santoku blade. It makes cutting and chopping feel natural. The blade has remains very sharp and free of defect. The Freescape is more knife than I would ever need on a backpacking trip. On these shorter trips it has added to the in camp experience and raised the level of enjoyment. I think the Freescape will find its most suitable use car camping with family. I am looking forward to just such a trip during the next phase of testing. LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
Appalachian Trail, Vermont - total of 40 mi (64 km) for two and half days, from 1200 to 2600 ft (360 to 790 m). Temperatures ranged from a high of 87 F (30 C) and sunny to an overnight low of 55 F (13 C) and foggy. Pack weight 30 lbs (13 kg). PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
On the AT (Appalachian Trail) I had four meals to prepare, breakfast and dinner each two times. These were all dehydrated meals so prep was minimal at best. The Freescape saw very little use, cutting open one store brought meal and one pack of oatmeal, which I could have ripped by hand. So not much to say here, the Freescape was way more knife than necessary. My knife usage in backpacking situations is extremely basic. I cut open food packaging, tape and/or skin for blister/injury and maybe some cordage. SUMMARY
The Gerber Freescape is a well designed, nicely balanced, comfortable to handle and very sharp camp knife. While it is bigger and heavier than I would use for backpacking, it is perfect for car and/or cabin camping. The Freescape will make nice addition to my cook kit on all my car and cabin based adventures. This concludes my Long-Term Report. I would like to thank BackpackGearTest.org and Gerber Outdoor for the opportunity to participate in this test series. This report was created with the BackpackGearTest.org Report Writer Version 1.5 Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Read more reviews of Gerber gear Read more gear reviews by Michael Pearl Reviews > Cook and Food Storage Gear > Utensils > Gerber Freescape Camp Kitchen Knife > Test Report by Michael Pearl |