400 series stainless steels are about the most brittle knife steel there is, which is fine for most knives because they're not intended to be struck against hard stuff like this tool is likely to be struck against if used for its intended purposes. For many years, Gerber didn't even list the (unbelievably cheap) steels they used, so this is an improvement over that, but whoever's picking the steel for this tool should be fired. The design seems useful enough, but the steel makes it so I wouldn't take this tool if someone tried to give it to me. My junk drawer is already full.
BlueTomIt's not the most brittle, it's the softest steel they use, meaning it's more flexible, meaning it's actually *less* likely to break when struck against hard stuff. The downside to softer steel is they lose their edge faster, but they're pretty easy to sharpen. Harder steel is more stiff, and much more likely to break, but they hold their edge far longer. Point being, the 420HC steel is the most suitable steel that Gerber offers for this particular tool, and it's certainly not brittle.
katiedidOK, I stand corrected, it's soft, not brittle. There are valid reasons to run away from this hawk like your hair's on fire, but you're right I did misspeak so I won't go into 'em now, except to say, $180 bucks? Really?
BlueTomEspecially considering you can find it much cheaper elsewhere...*cough* Amazon and eBay...
I have had this in my cart since it came out, I am having a really hard time picking it up.