Prototypes and One-of-a-kinds

Item No.	Description	(P)hotograph or (S)can
126	This Set of 5 knives was a styling project to determine blade function,  handle comfort and security. This set dates to 1974 before the release of the Armorhide series. The stickers on the knives are mine, they show the whole set in order. they come with green snap sheaths similar to those on the custom series nylon and ebony knives. the handles are green armorhide and the blades are High Speed Tool Steel. the knives have many unique features such as thumb grooves on the top spine of the blade, curved handles (and blades in some cases). all are pristine mint with sheaths.
169	this is a custom magnum folding hunter made by al mar for a Gerber Salesman out of 440-C Stainless. It has yellow micarta-like handles (early zytel?) and was engraved by Ron English. it has an unusual sheath with a metal clip similar to the guardian series. The engraving is very detailed and is impeccable. the knife is in pristine condition along with the sheath and early version gift box.
206	Gerber Handmade River Shorty. A pre-production prototype and marked as such on the blade. This knife features a 440-C HandGround blade by Blackie collins himself. the sheath is also a hand fabricated version of zytel materials - handmade Clip-It. the knife and sheath are in pristine mint condition.
215	Pre-Production prototype and marked as such on the blade. handle is a see-through version of the production model, however, they never put this into production. This project was a Custom order for the OSHMAN's Sporting goods chain in Texas. the Salesman handling the order was Harold Bramer who I received this knife from. The steel in this knife is 440-C stainless with a bead blasted finish. It is in Mint condition along with the sheath.
229	Pre-Production Prototype Magnum Folding Hunter made for NASA as a candidate duty tool for Astronaut use. It never saw it's intended use. It has a High-Speed Tool Steel Blade with Aircraft quality Aluminum handles. VERY lightweight and in pristine condition along with sheath.
242	This is one of the Crown Jewels of my collection. It is a Pre-Production R.W. Loveless Custom Folder with rubber handle inserts in Solid Walnut presentation box and marked w/SN 0000. Exquisitely Engraved by GEORGE SHERWOOD, then President of the Engraver's Guild. I have Authenticity documentation on this knife. It is in pristine condition.
203	Custom Presentation Mark I - SN 000662 - Handmade by factory custom shop as a gift for a factory worker. When I received it, it had his initial "M" stamped into the sheath as shown in the photo. I have since replaced it with a new unmarked sheath. THe handle is a beautiful burled hardwood with a curved and Fluted head. Very difficult to describe, soon I'll have more pictures to do the talking. this piece is in mint condition.
277	Very Unusual Gerber   Magnum Hunter in Green Armorhide with FLATTENED handle and ribbed spine for thumb guard. The blade is High-Speed Tool Steel. This is a prototype knife made within the same period as the set in #126. The knife is in pristine condition and is a One of A Kind. The sheath is like new with a few "rub" marks where the handle meets the leather - ULTRA - RARE !!
281	Another OSHMAN's Sporting Goods Custom Project initiated by Harold Bramer. It was intended for the Heavy Duty Saltwater fisherman and sports a HUGE 10" blade of 440-C Stainless and a very large Gut Spoon with a neoprene "Cushion Grip" handle. It is in pristine condition with a deep leather sheath in mint condition. A Truly remarkable example of Gerber's creative vision. One of my Favorites!!
345	Eddie Bauer Filet Model 450. I don't know whether this is a prototype or not, as I have an advertisement showing the eddie bauer series of knives in an outdoor life issue from 1974, but I have never seen another example besides this. If anyone has knives marked "Eddie Bauer" please contact me. I am interested in getting more info. the knife has NO gerber markings and has a large gut spoon on the butt similar to #281. When you have studied Gerber knives it is obvious who made this. It is in pristine condition with a "eddie bauer" marked sheath, yet it came in a Gerber Box?
785	Folding Sportsman III w/ Ironwood, cocobolo and turquoise inlays by David Yellowhorse as a project before signing with Buck. One of a kind with Awesome scenes on both sides. only factory sample and it is in pristine condition. more photos to come soon.
786	Another Folding Sportsman III presented to the Governor of Alabama as a gift. It was comissioned by the Alabama State Troopers Association and has the seal of the state of Alabama inset into the bolster. it is marked "alabama state troopers association" and is marked SN 1/1000. It is in mint condition with a beautifully chosen cocobolo inlay. very elegant.
807	Prototype Gut Hook - made for Sportsmen and is featured in the Gerber factory Walk of Fame. Very limited edition of 12, made for salesmen as samples to present to large volume customers. It is in mint condition with a nylon sheath. it is made from 440-C Stainless and is incredibly cool. WHY didn't this one succeed?
808	Prototype LST (Light, Strong, Tough) Tie Clip - Pete had these made for his Office staff and as salesman samples to introduce Customers to the new line of manmade materials that were the hallmark of his '80's product line. Very cool. It is in mint condition.