REVIEW β Hi, my name is Zack and I have a knife problem although Iβd prefer to call myself a knife aficionado. I just reviewed the very expensive Benchmade Bugout 535-09 and of course itβs hard not to love a knife of that quality but sometimes you just need something cheap but reliable. The original Gerber 625 Gator was one of the first folding knives I ever bought and was under $15 if I remember right. Itβs a simple cheap knife that I kept in my tackle box and didnβt care if it got beat up but was always there when I needed it. The Gerber MiniSada is cheaper than the latest version of the Gator and continues the tradition of simple reliable performance.
β¬οΈΒ Jump to summaryΒ (pros/cons)
Price: $49.99
Where to buy: Gerber Gear
What is it?
The Gerber MiniSada is a 3.13β³ D2 tool steel bladed flipper folding knife. It sports a frame lock combined with a slim profile that fits easily in your pocket.
Whatβs included?
-
- 1 x Gerber MiniSada
Tech specs
- Overall Length: 7.2β
- Handle Length: 4.07β
- Blade Length: 3.13β
- Weight: 3.34 oz
- Blade: D2 steel, plain edge, drop point
- Blade Finish: Stonewash
- Handle Material: Aluminum, flat sage green
- Opening: Thumbhole and back flipper
- Pocket Clip: Yes
- Country of Origin: China
Design and features
The Gerber MiniSada is small in size but offers some significant function. A compact 3.13β D2 tool steel blade retains an edge nicely and has a very useful drop point profile with the tip just above center line. It might be cheap but it doesnβt look it.
The ergonomic handle is a flat sage green aluminum and fits in the hand comfortably. The blade tension is adjustable and since it lacks ball bearings you will probably want to loosen it a little like I did. The drab red back spacer adds a touch of color but lacks a lanyard hole.
The frame lock is very secure and locks up nicely. I found it a bit tricky to gain purchase with my thumb to activate though. I would prefer a crossbar or pivot lock as Gerber calls it on their Scout since it keeps your thumb out of the bladeβs travel and is ambidextrous.
The flipper is my favorite opening method and flicks the blade open easily. The thumbhole is a bit narrow for my liking and a little harder to use so the flipper will be my primary opening method. The Gerber MiniSada isnβt a knife youβll write home about but offers everything a budget knife should. At a penny under $50 the MiniSada is a great option for those looking for a deal. The website stated the MiniSada weighs 2.5oz but I weighed it at 3.34oz likely due to the steel frame lock and liner under the green aluminum.
Final thoughts
The Gerber MiniSada is a great no frills EDC knife selling for $49.99. If you want a larger 3.47β blade the SlimSada has you covered for only $10 more but is missing the flipper opening. The Asada offers a cleaver blade and flipper opening but weighs in at a stout 4.7oz. If they added the flipper to the SlimSada I would prefer the larger blade but the MiniSada is a useful size and compact enough to fit in the pocket easily. All three are great options in you are looking for a budget friendly folding knife.
What I like about the Gerber MiniSada knife
- Cheap without feeling cheap
- Adjustable blade tension
What needs to be improved?
- Offer a full size Sada flipper
Price: $49.99
Where to buy: GerberΒ website
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by Gerber Gear. They did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
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