The Gerber Versafix Pro Offers Chopping And Cutting Utility In One Blade
On first looking at the Gerber Versafix Pro, I wondered if I would classify this tool as a big knife or a small machete. According to Gerber, the Versafix Pro is a hybrid of the two.
What is the Gerber Versafix Pro?
This is a fixed blade tool with a lot of kukri-like belly forward on the blade. But the Versafix Pro is much shorter than most machetes at just 14.3 inches overall with a 9-inch stainless steel blade. The blade is partially skeletonized and has what Gerber calls a Chizl’d finish. It’s attractive, although that’s not something I require in this kind of tool.
It has a full tang with an over-molded handle. Then the end of the tang is exposed and could be used for pounding fibers for tinder. A lanyard could be added here too. The handle is red – nice for spotting it quickly if you set it down on the ground. That handle is textured so you can maintain a grip during chopping tasks.
Texturing on a chopping tool must achieve a critical balance. You don’t want the tool slipping from your sweaty hand. But if the handle is too grippy, you’ll get hot spots and blisters during extended use. The Versafix Pro’s grip is pretty good. And let’s face it, you’re not going to use a tool this size to clear a road through the Peruvian jungle.
So How Would You Use The Versafix Pro?
Gerber sees three primary ways to use this tool. The recurved edge close to the handle can be used for controlled or detailed cuts. The weighty forward edge of the blade is geared toward chopping tasks. There is jimping on the back of the blade specifically placed for times you might use a baton to tap the back of the blade to cut or split saplings.
I see the Gerber Versafix Pro as being a handy tool for clearing shooting lanes during hunting season, building an emergency shelter, making stakes to secure a tarp, processing kindling, or other camp tasks. The edge seems to have a wider bevel than many bushcraft or survival knives. That would seem to be an advantage when it comes to chopping without as much risk of damaging the blade.
Gerber Gave This A Minimalist Sheath
The rigid plastic sheath that comes with the Gerber Versafix Pro is rather minimalist in that the outside of it covers only the cutting edge. A push tab locks it in places and allows for a quick release should zombies be closing in on you. There’s also a nylon strap with that secures with a hook and loop fastener around the handle. The sheath has loops at the top for attaching the knife to a wide belt. The sheath has lashing points as well if you’d rather attach the knife to the outside of a pack. I wish Gerber had designed a better sheath for the Versafix Pro. Only time will tell how it will hold up. But considering the MSRP is just $46, I’m not going to complain too much.
Versafix Pro Will Be Put To Good Use
Overall I think this is a useful tool that feels good in the hand. For chopping, it’s not as good as a machete, but it is better than dulling or damaging your hunting knife. I can see carrying the Versafix Pro when hunting the backcountry or otherwise traveling light and don’t want to lug an axe or full-size machete. For more information, go to www.GerberGear.com.
Steven Paul Barlow is a retired sergeant/station commander and former firearms instructor with the New York State Police. He is an avid hunter, fisherman, and enthusiast with all things related to firearms, knives, and survival. He has been writing on outdoor topics for more than 35 years. His collections of outdoor humor stories are available at BriarHill Books.