Customer Reviews

Gerber 06435 Chameleon III Large Serrated

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There are several qualities that commend this knife which I have had for several years:

1. this knife is capable of being opened with one hand by applying your thumb against the projections on either side of the blade near the pivot area.

2. the quality is first-rate and the one I have was made in USA. Expect it to be durable and long-lasting.

3. the handle fits very comfortably in a medium to large-sized hand. Most of the weight is in the handle and the blade is just under four inches, legal in most jurisdictions.

4. if I recall correctly, the handle is made of glass fibers, impregnated in a nylon type plastic, which makes it waterproof and very strong.

5. what makes this knife unique is the hole in which you place your index finger, which greatly reduces the chances of the knife slipping and cutting yourself.

(Of course, you will want to exercise care with this knife or any other sharp instrument.)

I own 2 of these, one serrated, one fine edge. I prefer the fine edge for ease of maintenance. The large finger hole provides for an ultra secure grip, the knife is extremely well fit to my hand, and i love the balance.

Unfortunately, the "one handed opening" doesn't work very well, on both of the ChameleonIII's I own, the action is quite stiff. I suspect that this is largely due to the sheer surface area of the blade pivot. causing the chameleon's biggest reccomendation, to also produce my biggest problem with them.

I love Gerber blades, they are always made of damned good steel, and always come with the best factory edge I have seen in my price range. But, I am still undecided about the balance of the extra safety vs. impeded opening on the ones i own. The stiff action makes little difference in daily use, but when i have a "one hand open" blade, i want to be able to open it quick enough to be mistaken for a switch blade, (which i can and have had happen with both a gerber EZout and a Buck Liner lock) instead of having to fiddle with it.

This is a fantastic knife, I mean, what other knife can you spin on your finger like a gun? I quality is excellent, great gerber blade and pantented lock system. Cant go wrong, just order it.