AO Review: Gerber Savvy Folding Knife – 940 Osborne Competitor?…
Patrik Orcutt 07.01.24
Back in January I reached out to Gerber and asked if they would be willing to send a couple of products my way for my fast-approaching SERE Class Date. Unfortunately, some products did not make it to me in time for the class but once I got home a few cool things were waiting for me in my mailbox. One of those cool things was the Gerber Savvy folding knife and being a big fan of the Benchmade 940 I felt like I needed to try this knife out for research purposes.
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Gerber is a prominent American brand renowned for its high-quality knives and multi-tools. Founded in 1939 by Pete Gerber, the company originally began as an advertising firm before evolving into a knife manufacturer. Gerber’s first product, the “Gerber Legendary Knife,” quickly gained popularity for its craftsmanship and durability. During World War II, Gerber knives were supplied to the U.S. military, cementing the brand’s reputation for reliability in challenging conditions. Over the decades, Gerber expanded its product line to include a wide range of outdoor, tactical, and survival tools. Today, Gerber remains a leader in the knife industry, known for innovation and maintaining a commitment to quality that has made its products a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, military personnel, and everyday users. When I first joined the Miliraty I was issued a Gerber Multitool and I’m still using that thing to this day.
The Gerber Savvy was provided for this review by Gerber and this does not change my opinion on any of their current or future offerings. Gerber has not been allowed to review this article prior to its release. I have been using the Savvy for the better part of 4 months at this point in my EDC rotation. It has been taken on a few day trips to the beach but usually rides in my pocket while I’m riding in helicopters.
Specs – Gerber Savvy Folding Knife
- Blade Steel – 20CV blade
- Aluminum or carbon fiber scales
- Frictionless deployment
- Pivot lock mechanism
- Easy single-handed operation
- Clip plate accent
- Pocket clip
- Ambidextrous design
- Improved Wharncliffe blade
- Blade length: 3.5″
- Length (open): 7.94″
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Weight 2.9 oz
- Country Of Origin United States
- MSRP – $200
Quality and Materials – Gerber Savvy Folding Knife
Right out of the gate this is a very well-constructed knife and comes with lots of quality materials to include the blade steel. If you want superb edge retention and solid corrosion along with a blade that won’t be impossible to sharpen then 20 CV is for you! It’s nearly identical to Bohler M390 and CTS 204P, and is most commonly found on high-end American-made knives. Its also made by crucible industries in the USA. The one downfall of this steel is that it can be susceptible to chipping. In my time with the Savvy I was impressed with how long the blade kept its edge but if I had done my homework prior than I guess I shouldn’t have been. The Aluminum handles give this knife a premium feel and I appreciate the coating on them to keep the traction relatively high.
Performance – Gerber Savvy Folding Knife
Utilizing a pivot lock mechanism, this blade is a dream to deploy with one hand. The opening is fast and smooth and once you get used to it I believe it is faster than most Auto Assist folding knives, but maybe not as much fun. It’s indeed very similar to the AXIS lock from Benchmade and that is a good thing because that system is amazing.
While the Wharncliffe blade shape can be devised to some, I appreciate it for all of the advantages it gives the Savvy. Characterized by its straight edge and slightly curved back The Wharncliffe blade design, offers several notable advantages over a standard drop point blade shape. Its straight edge provides excellent control, making it ideal for precise cutting tasks such as carving, slicing, and detailed work. The design’s lack of a pronounced point reduces the risk of accidental punctures, enhancing safety for tasks where a sharp tip is unnecessary. Additionally, the thick spine of the Wharncliffe blade adds strength and durability, allowing it to withstand heavy use and apply more force without compromising integrity. This blade excels in utility tasks like opening boxes, cutting ropes, and other general everyday chores, making it a versatile option for an everyday carry (EDC) knife. Despite its less aggressive appearance, the Wharncliffe blade can also be effective in self-defense situations due to its ability to deliver powerful, controlled slashes.
Likes
- Made in the USA with Quality Materials
- A great design and opening Mechanism
- Blade steel keeps and edge for a long time
Dislikes
- It borrows a lot from other blade designs
- One-sided thumb stud
- The clip is very overt in the pocket
Wrap Up – Gerber Savvy Folding Knife
In the end the Gerber Savvy is a great knife with a premium feel. It has great materials and designs and I love the inclusion of the Wharncliffe blade shape. It also comes in at a good price at $200 and is certainly a direct competitor to the $240 Benchmade 940 Osborne. The Savvy was certainly designed to undercut the 940 in my opinion. The Savvy is a great higher-end EDC option for those looking for a very sleek and solid folder from Gerber.
