This episode of GGL is a really cool one.  Seth from Gerber stops by to discuss the Fastball, a wide range of industry topics, and Gerber’s efforts to reinvigorate the brand in the eyes of gear enthusiasts.  This episode has a pair of companion pieces: my review of the Fastball and Nick’s video trip to Gerber.

VPD:

Nick: Fastball

Tony: Fastball (see a theme?), Strelsov Pen

Seth: Custom Engraved Fastball, iPad Pro

Seth’s Knife Making Process (Fastball took 2.5 years from start to finish, something with all new mechanicals takes longer):

1. Draw on iPad

2. Drop into Illustrator

3. Import existing mechanical pieces

4. Render in Solidworks

5. Engineering Phase

6. Concept Review Process (Marketing, Catalog, Leadership teams all review)

7. Product released

Seth Background

Grew Up in Montana, worked as a rancher, diesel mechanic, truck driver, but had a degree in industrial design.  Worked at Calebas, ID firms, and Nautilus

Some Seth Observations:

Fastball was a design victory–new level of detail and performance

Gerber Flatiron is another Seth design, handle has cues from Fastball

Seth and I both hate finger scallops

Seth really likes the Harsey Air Ranger, the XM-18, Ace Biblio Micarta

No 7Cr in Portland, lowest grade steel is 420HC, which he likes because it is easy to field-maintain

Seth understands complaints regarding the liner edging but none of the fixes worked and other fixes would have increased costs beyond what market would support

Engineering team lead by Lyle helped with detent–did a comprehensive study on detent depth, strength, and size, also added the oversized pivot to house the race of bearings

The Fastball clip is a direct import from 39 series folder