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Head to head

Gerber Fastball vs Gerber Forefront Folder

Gerber Fastball runs a 3″ wharncliffe blade in CPM-S30V; Gerber Forefront Folder runs 3.2″ of drop point in 420HC. The Gerber Forefront Folder is the lighter of the two by 0.40 oz.

01234567 in
  • Gerber Fastball · Wharncliffe
    3″ blade · 0.11″ spine · 2.7 oz · ~0.9″ tall
  • Gerber Forefront Folder · Drop Point
    3.2″ blade · 2.3 oz · ~0.78″ tall (derived) · family outline
Spine thickness, same scale
0.11″
Length and spine thickness drawn to true scale from published specs. Outlines traced from makers' photos, except where marked as the shape family's.
SpecGerberGerber FastballCheck priceGerberGerber Forefront FolderBuy from Gerber
Blade length3″3.2″
Spine thickness0.11″—
Overall length7.1″7.7″
Closed length4.1″4.5″
Weight2.7 oz2.3 oz
Blade shapeWharncliffeDrop Point
SteelCPM-S30V420HC
GrindFlat—
LockLinerBack Lock
Handle materialAluminumGlass-Filled Nylon
Country of originUSA—
Price bandMidBudget

Tinted rows are where these two differ.

The steel difference

CPM-S30V

The long-time American benchmark. Holds an edge far longer than 420HC and still sharpens on ordinary stones. Chippy if you pry with it.

420HC

Buck's Paul Bos heat treat is what makes this ordinary steel good. Dulls sooner than premium steels and takes ninety seconds to fix.