Gerber has made an indelible mark in the world of tools, outdoor gear and bushcraft equipment. Over its 85 years of operation, the company has transformed from a small family business producing culinary knives into a global leader, best known for its knives and multi-tools. Now, with the imminent launch of its ComplEAT camp cookware in Australia, Gerber is seemingly coming full circle – returning to its roots while continuing to innovate and expand its product range. This journey, spanning nearly nine decades, stands as a testament to Gerber’s commitment to quality, ingenuity and adaptability.
Humble beginnings
Gerber’s story begins in 1939 in Portland, Oregon, with the founding of Gerber Legendary Blades. Initially, Joe Gerber’s business focused on advertising, but his path took an unexpected turn when he decided to give handmade kitchen knife sets as holiday gifts to his clients. These knives, crafted by a local knife maker named David Murphy, were so well-received that Joe Gerber shifted his focus entirely to producing and selling high-quality cutlery.
The demand for Gerber’s knives grew due to their quality craftsmanship and innovative design. By the mid-1940s, Gerber was no longer just a small business but a thriving company with knives that were sought after across the United States. This reputation for quality and reliability would become the cornerstone of the Gerber brand.
Outdoor gear
As the company grew, so did its product offerings. In the 1950s and 1960s, Gerber expanded beyond kitchen knives, venturing into producing knives designed for outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and military personnel. This period marked a significant shift in the company’s trajectory as it began to establish itself as a premier manufacturer of outdoor gear.
A key milestone in 1981 turned the pocket knife industry on its head with Pete Gerber’s introduction of the LST (Light Smooth Tough). Designed by Blackie Collins, the LST was revolutionary because of the way its handle was made – glass-filled nylon and moulded instead of being shaped.
In addition to knives, Gerber began producing a variety of other tools, including hunting knives, fishing tools, and general campsite tools. Each product was crafted with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality that had characterised the company’s original kitchen knives.
The rise of multi-tools
The 1980s and 1990s were transformative decades for Gerber, as the company once again expanded its product line to include multi-tools. The multi-tool, a versatile and compact device that combines several functions into one, was a natural fit for Gerber’s expertise in crafting durable, reliable gear.
Gerber’s multi-tools quickly became favourites among outdoor enthusiasts, DIYers and professionals alike. Known for their robust construction, innovative features and ergonomic designs, one of the most popular models, the Gerber Multi-Plier, was introduced in the late 1980s. The Multi-Plier featured one-handed opening pliers, a range of built-in tools, and a durable design capable of withstanding the rigours of outdoor use. As multi-tools grew in popularity, Gerber continued to innovate, introducing new models with additional features and improved designs.
“We’ve really expanded into the multi-tool space,” says Katherine Dagg, Fiskars Australia Marketing Manager. “We have tools that are job site / DIY specific, such as the Dual-Force, Center-Drive. Featuring key tools required for any task.
“Then there are ones focused for outdoor adventuring, like the Armbar Scout, which has tools including a mini saw. This is absolutely perfect for the campsite.
“The product and design team has really thought about what are the tools that somebody might need for a particular activity, and included it in a compact, versatile way.”
Expansion and diversification
Throughout the 2000s, Gerber continued to expand and diversify its product offerings. The company introduced a wide range of new products, including bushcraft tools and axes. Gerber’s commitment to innovation was also evident in its approach to product design. The company invested heavily in research and development, seeking new ways to improve its products and meet the changing needs of its customers.
These days Gerber products can be categorised depending on activity, of which there are three main ones: Camp Cook, Explore and Everyday, each with a sub-category that displays how comprehensive the Gerber range is.
“We are an outdoor brand with problem-solving tools. Dedicated to encouraging people to adventure and enjoy the outdoors,” explains Katherine Dagg.
Gerber returns to the beginning, with a twist
In recent years, Gerber has come full circle, returning to its roots with the introduction of the ComplEAT utensils and camping products range. The ComplEAT range, which has just launched in Australia, is a modern take on the company’s original culinary knives. However, unlike the simple knives that Joe Gerber gave to his clients back in 1939, the ComplEAT line-up includes a versatile and innovative tool designed specifically for outdoor cooking and dining, as well as cookware, tableware and, of course, knives. (We recently tested the Gerber 16-Piece ComplEAT Cook Set, and you can read our thoughts on it here.)
“The ComplEAT range launched earlier in the year in the US, and we’re launching it here [in Australia] now, leading into spring and the outdoor season’” says Katherine Dagg. “We’ve widened Gerber collections and categories over the past years.”
The ComplEAT utensil set is a compact, lightweight set of utensils that includes a spoon, fork, spatula, and a multi-functional tool that can be used for opening cans, peeling vegetables and more. The utensils are designed to nest together, making them easy to carry and store, and are made from durable, heat-resistant materials.
Gerber has also introduced a range of other camp cooking products, including a 16-piece cook set, cutting board set, knife set, griddle, and tableware, which can double as storage. These products are designed to meet the needs of modern campers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The launch of the ComplEAT and other camp cook products represents a return to Gerber’s origins, but with a modern twist. It is a nod to the company’s history as a maker of high-quality culinary knives while also showcasing Gerber’s commitment to innovation and adaptability. The ComplEAT is not just a set of camp cookware; it reflects Gerber’s journey over the past 85 years – a journey that began with a simple kitchen knife and has evolved into a legacy of cutting-edge tools and outdoor gear.
Looking ahead
As Gerber celebrates over 85 years in business, the company’s legacy is clear. From its humble beginnings as a small kitchen knife manufacturer to its current status as a global leader in outdoor gear, Gerber has consistently demonstrated a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
Over the decades, Gerber has built a reputation for producing products that are not only durable and reliable but also thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of their users. Whether it’s a tradie on a job site, an angler on the beach, or a camper enjoying a meal under the stars, Gerber’s products have become essential tools for those who rely on them.
Looking to the future, Gerber continues to innovate and expand its product offerings, and the launch of the ComplEAT camp cookware in Australia is just the latest chapter in Gerber’s story.
The ComplEAT camp cookware is available at Anaconda.
See Gerber for more info on all the brand’s outdoor gear.
