Gerber Applegate-Fairbairn Combat Folder — First Production (1996)
Like new condition
This is a first-production Gerber Applegate-Fairbairn Combat Folder from 1996 — the original factory run of Col. Rex Applegate and W.E. Fairbairn’s fighting-knife design translated into a folding format.
Bill Harsey and Butch Vallotton developed the folder from Applegate’s prototypes. Gerber put it into production in the mid-1990s; this example is from that first run, marked accordingly. Later versions differ in grind, markings, and details. First-production pieces carry the period blade etches, including the Combat Folder marking and the Applegate and Fairbairn signatures.
The blade is a broad spear-point interpretation of the A-F dagger profile in ATS-34 stainless. Dual thumb studs allow one-hand opening. A liner lock secures the blade. The handle is black glass-filled nylon with the distinctive A-F grip shape. Approximate specs: 4.3–4.5″ blade, about 5.5″ closed, roughly 10″ overall.
This knife is in like-new condition. A serious collector or user piece from the first factory run of one of the most recognized American combat-folder designs. Comes with original carry pouch.
