This episode of GGL is a really cool one. Seth from Gerber stops by to discuss the Fastball, a wide range of industry topics, and Gerber’s efforts to reinvigorate the brand in the eyes of gear enthusiasts. This episode has a pair of companion pieces: my review of the Fastball and Nick’s video trip to Gerber.
VPD:
Nick: Fastball
Tony: Fastball (see a theme?), Strelsov Pen
Seth: Custom Engraved Fastball, iPad Pro
Seth’s Knife Making Process (Fastball took 2.5 years from start to finish, something with all new mechanicals takes longer):
1. Draw on iPad
2. Drop into Illustrator
3. Import existing mechanical pieces
4. Render in Solidworks
5. Engineering Phase
6. Concept Review Process (Marketing, Catalog, Leadership teams all review)
7. Product released
Seth Background
Grew Up in Montana, worked as a rancher, diesel mechanic, truck driver, but had a degree in industrial design. Worked at Calebas, ID firms, and Nautilus
Some Seth Observations:
Fastball was a design victory–new level of detail and performance
Gerber Flatiron is another Seth design, handle has cues from Fastball
Seth and I both hate finger scallops
Seth really likes the Harsey Air Ranger, the XM-18, Ace Biblio Micarta
No 7Cr in Portland, lowest grade steel is 420HC, which he likes because it is easy to field-maintain
Seth understands complaints regarding the liner edging but none of the fixes worked and other fixes would have increased costs beyond what market would support
Engineering team lead by Lyle helped with detent–did a comprehensive study on detent depth, strength, and size, also added the oversized pivot to house the race of bearings
The Fastball clip is a direct import from 39 series folder
Podcast: Download
