If you ask me, it seems like Gerber Legendary Blades is really dialed in to the hard-use duty knife market. The company is obviously listening to the requests of real world cops, soldiers, and other operators. Otherwise, how can you explain the new Gerber LMF II fixed blade?

OK. I know that every cop can’t carry a fixed blade on his or her person. Some agencies frown on such things. But if you are with a special unit and can carry a fixed blade, take a look at this one. And if you can’t, you still may even want to carry it in your duty bag—if your agency allows you to do such things. Believe me, the LMF II is the kind of tool that comes in handy on the job.

The LMF II is a big, heavy knife. It’s approximately 10.5 inches long and tips the scales at about 11.5 ounces.

It’s also rugged and utilitarian. The LMF II was designed at the request of U.S. Army aviation units, and it had to be able to meet their needs. In other words, it had to function as a hammer for breaking helicopter canopies; the handle needed to be non-conductive and slip-resistant in all weather and when coated with blood and other fluids; and the blade had to be sturdy enough that it could be used as a pry bar.

To ensure that the LMF can handle most cutting tasks, the blade is partially serrated. This allows the knife to be used as a saw, and it makes short work of webbing.

The blade of the LMF II is 12C27 stainless steel that will take and hold an edge. It has a modified drop-point design that maximizes the tip’s strength and gives the user a sharp point for a thrust.

Gerber was asked to incorporate a line and harness cutter. But the company went a different direction. Instead of trying to add something to the handle and possibly weaken the knife’s structural integrity, it made a separate shroud cutter that attaches to the sheath.

A lot of operators may not want to carry a separate line cutter, but I think this is a great idea. The weight of the cutter is minuscule, and it’s an excellent tool that really reduces the chance of cutting a victim or yourself during a rescue.

A great fixed-blade knife needs a great sheath, and the LMF II’s sheath fits that bill. The LMF II’s sheath is ballistic nylon and kydex, and it’s tough and durable. It even has a built-in sharpener.
 
The LMF II’s sheath can be carried on your belt, attached to a MOLLE vest, or fixed to standard web gear. The sheath allows you to carry the knife handle up or down and has security straps as well as the kydex clip to keep the knife where you put it when not in use.

Gerber’s LMF II was built to meet the demands of some of the company’s toughest customers. If the LMF II can meet the demands of USSOCOM and the Army’s aviation support units, it can survive the rigors of the street.

Scott Smith is a disabled veteran who served as an active-duty Army MP and in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard as a security policeman.