Gerber Gear · Pocket Knives · Folding Knives
Gerber LST Mini Pocket Knife
Lichen Green
14 grams. 4.8 cm blade. Lockback safety. The pocket knife you forget you're carrying—until you need it.
A classic with a new look – it doesn't get any lighter than this
There are knives that have found their place in your outer pocket, backpack, or on your keychain – and never leave. The Gerber LST Mini is one of them. The LST – Light Slim Trim – was designed in 1980 by Pete Gerber and knife designer Blackie Collins as one of the first folding knives with a fully synthetic handle. The Mini distills this philosophy to its absolute minimum: 14.2 grams, 11.7 cm open, a precise Modified Wharncliffe blade, and a lockback mechanism that holds the blade securely in place. The color Lichen Green – a muted lichen green – is more than just a visual feature: it blends harmoniously into natural environments, making the knife the ideal companion for hiking, on the water, and in the forest.
Blade geometry · 440A stainless steel
Modified Wharncliffe: Precision in the smallest of spaces
The modified Wharncliffe blade of the LST Mini has a straight, horizontal cutting edge and a blade top that slopes continuously from the tip to the handle. This geometry allows for extremely precise work on flat surfaces: cardboard, paracord, food packaging, foil. The 440A stainless steel with a stonewash finish offers good corrosion resistance, is easy to resharpen, and discreetly hides signs of use thanks to its matte surface. The blade length of 4.8 cm remains well below the relevant carrying guidelines in Switzerland.
GFN handle – lighter than metal, more robust than plastic
The handle of the LST Mini is made of glass fiber reinforced nylon (GFN) in the natural color Lichen Green. The name refers to a muted shade of green reminiscent of moss and lichen on rocks. The glass fiber additive significantly increases stiffness and impact resistance compared to unfilled polymer, while the material remains moisture-resistant and temperature-stable. The surface texture ensures sufficient grip even with wet or cold hands. Lichen Green is not a bright neon color, but a muted natural green: inconspicuous enough for outdoor use, yet distinctive enough not to be confused with everyday black or gray objects.
Lockback & Grab Tab – open safely, carry safely
The lockback mechanism is one of the most reliable blade locks for folding knives. It locks the blade in the open position and only releases it when the back spring lever is deliberately pressed – effectively preventing accidental closure under load. No pocket knife clip? No problem: the LST Mini is equipped with a grab tab lanyard at the end of the handle, a short rubber band with a tab that serves both as a pull tab when opening and as an attachment point for carabiners, backpack loops, or key rings.
Who is the LST Mini Lichen Green made for?
The LST Mini Lichen Green is the ideal knife for anyone looking for a reliable everyday tool that blends in with nature and is simply not noticeable – until it is needed. Its compact size, weight of only 14.2 g, and closed length of 6.9 cm make it the perfect companion on multi-day tours, when fishing, in your carry-on luggage, or as a first pocket knife for younger users under supervision.
- Knife type: folding knifeone-handed knifepenknife
- Blade shape: Wharncliffe blade
- Blade cut: Smooth blade
- Tools: blade
- Features: blade lock
Technical Specifications – Gerber LST Mini Lichen Green
| Model | Gerber LST Mini Lichen Green |
|---|---|
| Blade Shape | Modified Wharncliffe |
| Blade Steel | 440A Stainless Steel |
| Blade Finish | Stonewash |
| Blade Length | 1.9 in (4.8 cm) |
| Handle Length (closed) | 2.7 in (6.9 cm) |
| Overall Length (open) | 4.6 in (11.7 cm) |
| Weight | 0.5 oz (14.2 g) |
| Handle Material | Glass-Filled Nylon (GFN) |
| Color | Lichen Green |
| Locking System | Lockback |
| Opening | Thumb Hole / Nail Nick |
| Extras | Grab-Tab Lanyard |
| Manufacturing | China |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty + 2 Years Swiss Statutory Warranty |
Frequently Asked Questions – Gerber LST Mini Lichen Green
What does «LST» stand for?
LST stands for Light, Slim, Trim. The concept was developed in 1980 by Pete Gerber and knife designer Blackie Collins and was one of the first folding knives with a fully synthetic handle. The LST Mini takes this philosophy to an even more compact level.
What is a Modified Wharncliffe blade?
A Wharncliffe blade features a straight, horizontal cutting edge and a spine that curves continuously from the tip down to the handle. The «Modified» version on the LST Mini is slightly adapted for precise work on flat surfaces – ideal for cardboard, paracord, film packaging and food wrappers.
Is the Gerber LST Mini legal to carry in Switzerland?
The blade length of 4.8 cm is well below the relevant guidelines in Switzerland. The LST Mini is a straightforward everyday carry knife. It is nonetheless advisable not to carry it openly and to use it only for practical purposes.
What is the difference between GFN and regular plastic?
GFN stands for glass-filled nylon. The addition of glass fibres significantly increases stiffness, impact resistance and temperature stability compared to unfilled polymer, while keeping the material lightweight and moisture-resistant – which is why GFN is used in high-performance knives and tools.
How much does the Gerber LST Mini Lichen Green weigh?
The LST Mini weighs just 14.2 g (0.5 oz) – less than a handful of coins. This makes it one of the lightest folding knives in its class, barely noticeable in a trouser or jacket pocket.
What is the Grab-Tab lanyard?
The Grab-Tab lanyard is a short rubber strap with a tab at the end of the handle. It serves as a pull tab when opening the knife and as an attachment point for carabiners, backpack loops or keychains. The LST Mini has no pocket clip – the Grab-Tab replaces this function.
What does «Stonewash» mean for the blade finish?
In the stonewash process, the blade is tumbled with abrasive stones. The result is a matte, slightly textured surface that visually conceals fingerprints and minor scratches during use. Stonewash blades look well-kept even after extended use.
How does the lockback mechanism work?
The lockback secures the blade in the open position via a spring in the spine of the handle. The blade can only be closed by deliberately pressing the spine release lever. Accidental closing under load is effectively prevented – the lockback is considered one of the most reliable locking mechanisms in folding knives.
What tasks is the LST Mini best suited for?
The LST Mini is ideal for light everyday tasks: opening packages, cutting cord or paracord, opening food packaging, trimming fishing line or making small repairs on the go. The Wharncliffe blade is particularly well-suited for precise cuts on flat surfaces.
What warranty does the Gerber LST Mini come with?
Gerber provides a Limited Lifetime Warranty on the LST Mini, covering defects in materials and workmanship. In addition, Swiss statutory warranty of 2 years from the date of purchase applies when buying from a Swiss retailer.
