Comparing the Gerber DMF and LMF II

Comparing the Gerber DMF and LMF II

Gerber has been making great knives for many years. The company makes many different types and styles of knives. They make folding knives, automatic knives, fixed-blade knives, and a wide range of multipurpose knives and tools. This article is going to do a comparison of two Gerber knives, the DMF, the dual multifunction, and the LMF II, lightweight multifunction, knives. To start off let us just say that both of these knives are great tools for outdoor and other uses, which one you choose will come down to personal preference.

Automatic Blade vs. Fixed-blade The Gerber DMF knife is an automatic style of knife. With an automatic knife the blade is stored inside of the handle when not in use. When the blade is needed, one push of the release button ejects the blade from the handle for use. This can be very useful for outdoor applications, the blade is safely stowed until needed, and can then be deployed with one hand, and the knife is designed to be used equally well with either hand. On the other hand the Gerber LMF II is a fixed-blade knife.

Many believe that a fixed-blade configuration is stronger and more durable than an automatic configuration. This is one of the differences that come to personal preference and what the primary use of the knife will be.

Blade Composition Both knives feature stainless steel blades. The DMF has a 3.5 inch blade made of S30V stainless steel. The LMF II has a blade that is 4.84 inches in length, but since the knife is full tang the steel runs the entire 10.59 inch length of the knife. The LMF blade is thicker and designed for heavier usage. Both knives have combination blades, the front section is a standard blade while the back is serrated for sawing applications. The DMF blade has a tanto design while the LMF had a drop point design. For outdoor applications most people prefer the drop point configuration.

The Handle

The handles of these two knives is where you will find the largest difference, and may be the difference in which of these knives you would choose to own. First let in be said that both handles are made to provide excellent grip and comfort while using the knives. The DMF has a hollow handle, to allow for storage of the blade, that is made from two pieces of G10, with a steel liner under each piece of G10. The handle also features a steel strike pommel for breaking glass and plexiglass. The LMF handle is rubber coated steel to give positive grip in all conditions. The handle also has the plexiglass punch but it is also rated to be used as a hammer. The handle of the LMF is also designed in such a way that it can be tied to a handle of some sort and used as a spear.

The Sheaths The DMF has a standard nylon sheath while the LMF has a hardened plastic sheath. The LMF comes with different straps which allows it to be strapped to the waist, arm, leg, or a MOLLE pack. The LMF sheath also has an integrated sharpener. When you handle the LMF sheath you will have the feel that it could be nearly indestructible under any conditions. The sheath of the LMF is extremely durable.

Conclusion

As stated in the beginning of this article both of these knives are great tools for outdoor use. Both knives have their pros and cons, but for outdoor uses a slight nod must go to the LMF II. The size, weight, and durability of the tool would make it more useful for chopping, sawing, shelter building, and other outdoor/survival situations.