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Tuesday, 26 February 2019 14:58

Gerber Versafix Machete

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Gerber VersafixGerber just sent me a cut sheet on the new Gerber Versafix machete, and in the surface it looks quite interesting indeed. Will it hold up? Only time will tell, but it looks like it has just about all the things you want in a machete.

Gerber has this to say about it:

Packed with smart design, the Versafix Pro is a compact fixed blade/machete hybrid that swings heavy with features. The weight-forward, skeletonized blade design gives swift results with less effort while the Chizl'd blade finish offers a sharp appearance. Forward jimping on the top of the blade gives grip when batoning, and the high comfort handle means less fatigue and hot spots. The slender multi-mount sheath has a push tab release for seamless deployment and re-sheathing.

If you can't get the job done with the Versafix Pro, tools aren't your problem. The versatile feature set is ideal for any outdoor adventure, and the multi-mount sheath keeps this lightweight tool close at hand and easily accessible with the push tab release.

  • The multi-purpose blade has 3 functions: chop, cut, and baton
  • Full tang construction adds strength and durability for challenging tasks, and a balanced feel when in hand
  • A lanyard hole offers an additional tethering option when the need arises

For myself, I like the idea of a comfortable handle for extended chopping and the lanyard hole. Both are, in my opinion at least, absolute necessities in a machete that is to be used instead of just looked at.

Gerber goes on to list the vital specs as follows:

  • Photochemically etching keeps blade from getting stuck
  • Unique high durometer overmold provides unprecedented handle comfort
  • Skeletonized, weight-forward design for improved chopping
  • Full tang construction
  • Corrosion resistant stainless steel
  • Lanyard hole
  • Paddle release sheath enables 1-hand operation
  • Positive retention click in sheath, pack compatible
  • Overall length: 14.3”
  • Blade length: 9.0”

I would also likely opt for the red handled version, to make it easier to locate in the woods- I don’t think that low visibility tools are that handy in the woods, at least outside of Columbia.

Further, the blade looks awfully thin just forward of the blade/handle junction, and with the additional skeletonization I wonder just how strong the Versafix Machete is. I am inclined to believe Gerber has done adequate testing, and that it is solid enough to do the job. I have personally torture tested Gerber products (like the Gerber Gorge shovel) in extremely harsh conditions and found them more than capable.

I look forward to giving the Gerber Versafix machete some testing and evaluation in the future to see if it really is as good as it appears.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns about anything you read here on Multitool.org please feel free to contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or have your say on our forum.

Grant Lamontagne

As the founder of Multitool.org Grant has been a collector of Swiss Army Knives and multitools for over 25 years, and a user for over 40 years. 

With a day job working in the field, either out in the woods or on industrial sites, Grant uses tools every day for all manner of different purposes.