Gerber Paraframe II Tanto Folding Knife

The Paraframe II Tanto is a full-blade folding knife with a tanto-style profile, built for those who carry a working knife every day and cannot afford to have it let them down. Closed it measures 12.06 cm, open it reaches 20.65 cm with a 8.89 cm blade; total weight is 122 g, light enough to go unnoticed in a pocket and not drag on a belt over extended wear.

The 7Cr17MoV steel blade is finished with a black titanium nitride coating that eliminates unwanted reflections in low-light conditions and protects against oxidation under daily use. The tanto profile concentrates strength at the tip, making it suitable for penetrating hard materials without deflecting, while the partially serrated spine handles fibrous materials and cordage without switching tools. This trade-off is the key point to understand: those who prefer a plain edge along the full blade will find field sharpening easier, but will give up the serrated section's effectiveness on tough materials.

The skeletonised 3Cr13 frame reduces weight without sacrificing structural rigidity. The frame lock holds the blade open through direct contact between the frame and the tang: a solid system that relies on no additional springs or pins, but requires deliberate lateral pressure to disengage, which increases safety in use. Dual knurled thumb studs allow one-handed opening from either side, and the pocket clip keeps the knife accessible and in a consistent position on clothing.

Key points

• The 8.89 cm tanto blade in 7Cr17MoV combines a reinforced tip for penetration tasks with a serrated section for fibrous materials, without needing to switch tools.
• The black titanium nitride coating reduces the blade's visual signature and protects it from corrosion in humid environments or with exposure to sweat and dirt.
• The 3Cr13 frame lock secures the blade without additional wear-prone components, providing direct engagement and a release that requires intentional action.
• Dual knurled thumb studs allow fast one-handed opening, workable even with thin gloves or wet hands.
• The skeletonised frame keeps weight at 122 g while maintaining blade balance for extended use without wrist fatigue.
• The pocket clip holds the knife in a fixed position and makes the draw consistent every time.

In the box

• Gerber Paraframe II Tanto knife