Gerber’s 06 FAST is modeled after the company’s most popular 06 auto design. But, since civilians can’t own an auto knife, it’s almost like having the real thing.

By Dan Sanchez

For outdoor enthusiasts who like the style and function of a tactical knife, but aren’t in the military or in law enforcement, the Gerber 06 FAST folding knife can be a practical choice. The name comes from Gerber’s Forward Action Spring Technology that gives this assisted opening knife the feel and speed of an automatic. The ambidextrous thumb studs on the blade only require a nudge past a slight detent (about ten degrees) before it springs into the open and locked position. Although it’s not quite as fast as an automatic knife, it doesn’t take long before you get used to it and enjoy the speed.

The 06 FAST has a Tanto style, black non-glare, stainless steel blade with a Titanium oxide coating for added protection. With a serrated and fine edge, the blade can handle a variety of functions and is incredibly sharp. Essentially this knife is made for self defense, but if you’re like us you’ll also use it outdoors…just make sure it doesn’t get messed up. If you’re not into self-defense knives however, the 06 FAST is not for you.

We liked the black G10 nylon handle that has a tactical design, providing a solid ergonomic grip. Ball milled grooves also keep the knife from slipping out of your hands when wet or muddy. The pointed steel end can be used for breaking glass in emergencies, and has a hole for a lanyard.

The piston lock on the knife works flawlessly to keep the blade in the open locked position until you push up on the safety switch and close it. Our only beef with the 06 FAST is that when closed, the safety switch can easily slide into the unlocked position.

 Without some kind of detent to keep the switch from moving, the knife can open when you are pulling it out from your pocket. This happened to us several times when the thumb studs caught on the stitching on our pocket. To solve the problem you need to get accustomed to grabbing the knife with your thumb on the ramp of the switch. Fortunately, it’s an easy technique to master and we had no problems once we got the hang of it.

Getting the knife into your pocket was also a challenge. The pocket clip was a little too tight, and you have to use your finger to pry it up a bit, before it slips into place. The clip can only be attached on right hand position with the tip up. So if you’re left handed, you’re out of luck. Aside from these things, the 06 FAST is a pretty cool, lightweight and formidable looking knife. It’s also a very inexpensive, retailing under $100.

While we’ve liked and have owned Gerber knives in the past, (back when they were made in Oregon) the bubble packaging and quality are not up to the expectations we’ve had of its past products. The 06 FAST however, seems to be quite a different change in direction. Although this knife is not made in the USA, it does bring back some of the reliability and quality that made the company a great choice for knife aficionados.  For more information, visit www.gerbergear.com