The Gerber 06 “FAST” serrated knife is an assisted-opening version of an automatic knife also available from Gerber. It is an a black-on-black “tactical” knife, obviously intended for self-defense, featuring an Americanized tanto blade with a titanium oxide coating.
According to the statistics on Gerber’s website, the knife weighs 5.7 ounces and is 4.75 inches closed. The blade, which is ground on both sides (except for the serrations, which are chisel ground) is 3.8 inches long. My sample was extremely sharp out of the box and held its edge well during light cutting chores. As I see this knife as primarily for defensive purposes, I don’t see much need for exhaustive cutting tests. It will cut through clothing readily enough and won’t be used for daily utility (a self-defense knife simply should not be used that way), so in that regard it is more than capable.
“FAST” is Gerber’s Forward Action Spring Technology, one of the many assisted-opening mechanisms on the market today. (It was designed by Butch Vallotton.) When the blade is started forward, it springs open of its own accord with only a slight push of the ambidextrous, graduated thumb studs affixed to the blade. (According to Gerber, about ten degrees.) I wouldn’t say it opens particular quickly compared to some other assisted openers, but the device is adequate and the blade snaps securely in place. My sample has absolutely no blade play in any direction.
The lock release is a convenient push-button switch set on the handle. If your thumb is on the ramp where it belongs, you won’t have any issues accidentally releasing the lock (the mechanism of which I cannot see on casual examination). Pushing the lock forward releases the knife. It will remain in the forward position, showing a red dot. Pulling the switch down over the red dot activates the safety, and now the knife won’t open. I found that pushing the switch forward to release the safety was a very natural motion.
The blade steel on the 06 Auto is listed as S30V. No blade steel is listed for the 06-Fast, either on the website or labeled on the knife itself, other than “stainless.” There’s no reason to think the blade steel is the same, either; the handle of the auto is machined aluminum, while of course the 06-Fast has grips of G10 (Nylon).
Fit and finish are good overall and the 06-Fast feels very solid. It is not an elegant cutter, nore does it feel particularly nimble in my grip, given its blocky outlines and blade shape, but it is ergonomic and easily retained. Thoughtful grooves have been cut into the G10 on the thumb ramp, the back of the spine, and under the rear portion of the handle (where your pinky and ring fingers go). The grooves in the handle provide good traction and the integral guard is nice and large. The textured, grooved handle surfaces are very comfortable and provide a nicely secure grip. A steel point, suitable for striking or glass-breaking, extends beyond the handle and has a lanyard hole drilled through it.
The pocket clip was very tight out of the box, probably because the lip at the end of the clip doesn’t really rise much. I had to pry it up with a fingernail to get it onto the fabric of my pants pocket. Once in place, the knife carries comfortably (but it is by no means low-riding). The pocket clip can be removed (it is held in place with three Torx screws), but it is suitable only for right-hand, tip-up carry.
This is an excellent tactical folder that is neither too large nor too small. Gerber has not always been quick to respond to changes in the market, but the introduction of a folder like this is very encouraging. It is well made, affordable, and has a good set of features for a defensive blade.