Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The Gerber Fastball Knife Should Be Your New EDC Knife

We have the ancient Romans to thank for the invention of the folding knife. The tool that now seems timeless was, in that day, an innovation on a par with the smartphone. It took an essential accouterment for living amid a politically turbulent and religiously barbaric culture and made it safer to carry and easy to conceal. By the 16th century, pocket knives were a standard part of a man’s uniform, be he a soldier, sailor, merchant, farmer, or anything in between.

There are those who carry a pocket knife and there are those who carry a Gerber.

Even in this far gentler day and age, the pocket knife is just as essential as it was in antiquity. True, you’re unlikely (not to mention ill-advised) to use your knife as a form of personal defense (for that, we have Twitter). However, while online tech may be the best way to brandish your aggression, it can’t do much to help you sharpen a pencil, open a letter, or tighten a screw. Enabling everything from picking a lock to get out of a train station bathroom (yes, that’s happened to me) to cutting a flower to offer a pretty lady, the pocket knife confers a signature stamp of manliness upon its owner. The man who carries a pocket knife is a man who is ready for anything.

Today, there are those who carry a pocket knife and there are those who carry a Gerber. This American heritage company, which turns 70 years old this year, makes the kind of knives that no one should carry until they’ve ruined a few blades with careless use and learned to respect this small but indispensable element of being a grown-ass man.

Further Reading

Gerber’s latest release, the Fastball, follows in that same proud lineage while boasting a few trend-forward features. This EDC (that’s “everyday carry” for you noobs) folding knife features an aircraft-grade aluminum handle with an oxide-coated S30V Wharncliffe blade that flips open with the flick of a finger. That quick, smooth deployment comes courtesy of Gerber’s trademark B.O.S.S. technology (again for the noobs, that’s “Balls of Stainless Steel”). This unique ball-bearing system reduces frictions for consistent and seamless opening. The three-position pocket clip allows for ambidextrous carry—you can also remove it entirely if stealth is of the essence.

Weighing in at just 2.7 ounces, with a blade length of 3 inches and an overall length of 7.1 inches, the Gerber Fastball can be ordered in three handle colors: green, gray, and black. No matter which you choose, the Fastball will complement your style and keep you ready for whatever life throws your way.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Chelsea Batten
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Chelsea Batten is a writer, photographer, and Kerouac groupie. One of the original digital nomads, she was seduced from life…
Tissot’s T-Race MotoGP Chronograph is a watch racing fans will love
Tissot debuts new Chronograph for MotoGP anniversary
Tissot MotoGP Chronograph on model

Tissot revs up the excitement in the world of watches for men with its latest release, the T-Race MotoGP Chronograph, marking the 75th anniversary of the legendary MotoGP competition. As the official timekeeper of MotoGP for a quarter-century, Tissot brings forth a timepiece that not only pays homage to this remarkable partnership but also celebrates the adrenaline-fueled legacy of MotoGP.

Tissot T-Race MotoGP Chronograph: A 75th-anniversary celebration
In a blend of mechanical prowess and aesthetic finesse, the T-Race MotoGP Chronograph embodies the spirit of the race track with its dynamic design cues. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this watch is a true reflection of the thrill and passion that define both MotoGP and Tissot watches.

Read more
Burberry sale: Up to $550 off jackets, wallets, scarves, and more
Burberry Kensington

Gilt is hosting a huge sale on all things Burberry with extensive discounts on a little bit of everything that the designer brand has to offer. Whether you’re looking for one of the best designer wallet sales, a new jacket hoodie, or simply a new belt, you can find it here. There are over 160 different items in the Burberry sale so there isn’t room to list everything. Instead, we’ve picked out some favorites below and also provided you with the button to press to see the full sale for yourself.

What to shop for in the Burberry sale
Burberry is a hugely popular brand for all kinds of things. One of the best suit brands around, it’s also a big name in the best trench coat world. One such highlight is the classic

Read more
Brooks Brothers sale: Suits, shirts, ties, and more, from $40
Someone wearing the Brooks Brothers Herringbone Knit Sport Coat.

Suit up this spring with new dress shirts, ties, suits and blazers from Brooks Brothers. All of these items are a great way to spruce up your wardrobe with high-end and dressier options. Luckily for you, you can grab all of these types of apparel on sale at Gilt for a limited time.

Starting at $40, you can find anything you need to wear to the office, a dinner party or to a wedding reception. Brooks Brothers is a great brand to incorporate into your closet for a fresh, crisp and all-American style. Click the button below to start shopping over 400 styles that are on currently on sale.

Read more