Gerber Gear · Pocket Knives · Folding Knives
Gerber LST Ultra Pocket Knife
Black
56.7 grams. 6.9 cm blade. Drop point precision. Pocket clip. Made in the USA. The classic LST in its most mature form.
The LST in its strongest form – more blade, more control
The Gerber LST Ultra is the logical evolution of a cult folding knife. The LST – Light, Slim, Trim – was created in 1980 by Pete Gerber and knife designer Blackie Collins and was one of the first folding knives with a fully synthetic handle. The Ultra model carries this DNA into a larger, more everyday-friendly format: 6.9 cm drop point blade made of 420HC steel, ergonomic GFN handle in classic black, lockback mechanism, and an ambidextrous stainless steel pocket clip for tip-up carry. And the key thing: the LST Ultra is manufactured in Portland, Oregon, in the USA – a genuine American working knife with 45 years of tradition behind it.
Blade geometry · 420HC stainless steel
Drop point: versatility meets precision
The drop point blade of the LST Ultra features a flat blade top and a wide, controllable tip. This geometry combines cutting performance on larger surfaces with a robust tip geometry optimized for everyday use – ideal for outdoor tasks, camping, and crafting. The 420HC stainless steel with a stonewash finish offers solid corrosion resistance and is easy to maintain with standard sharpening tools. With a blade length of 6.9 cm, the Ultra offers noticeably more cutting edge than the LST Mini – without sacrificing the slim, lightweight character of the series.
GFN handle in black – lightweight, robust, non-slip
The handle of the LST Ultra is made of glass fiber reinforced nylon (GFN) in classic black. The glass fiber admixture significantly increases stiffness and impact resistance compared to unfilled polymer – while remaining lightweight and fully moisture resistant. The surface texture of the LST Ultra ensures sufficient grip even with wet or cold hands. Black is the most inconspicuous and versatile color choice for everyday use: discreet in urban environments, functional in the field.
Pocket clip & lockback – carry safely, use safely
Unlike the LST Mini, the LST Ultra has a removable, ambidextrous stainless steel pocket clip with tip-up carry: when clipped in, the knife blade points upwards, allowing quick and easy removal from your pocket. The clip is suitable for both left- and right-handed users and can be completely removed if necessary. The lockback mechanism locks the blade in the open position and only releases it when the back spring lever is deliberately activated – effectively preventing accidental closure under load. In addition, a lanyard loop is integrated at the end of the handle.
Who is the LST Ultra Black made for?
The LST Ultra is aimed at anyone who appreciates the elegant slimness of the LST design but needs a more mature blade for more demanding everyday tasks. With a blade length of 6.9 cm, a weight of 56.7 g, and a pocket clip, it is the ideal EDC knife for crafts, outdoor activities, and travel – and, as an American quality product, a compelling gift for knife enthusiasts.
- Knife type: folding knifepenknife
- Blade shape: Drop point blade
- Blade cut: Smooth blade
- Tools: blade
- Features: blade lock
- Accessories: Knife clip
Technical specifications – Gerber LST Ultra Black
| Model | Gerber LST Ultra Black |
|---|---|
| Blade shape | Drop point |
| Blade steel | 420HC stainless steel |
| Blade finish | Stonewash |
| Blade length | 6.9 cm |
| Handle length (closed) | 9.7 cm |
| Total length open | 16.3 cm |
| Weight | 56.7 g |
| Handle material | Glass fiber reinforced nylon (GFN) |
| Color | Black |
| Closure | Lockback |
| Opening | Nail notch |
| Extras | Pocket clip (removable, ambidextrous, tip-up) · Lanyard loop |
| Manufacturing | USA |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty + 2-year Swiss warranty |
Frequently Asked Questions – Gerber LST Ultra Black
What is the difference between the LST Ultra and the LST Mini?
The LST Ultra is the larger model in the LST family: with a 2.7" blade, 2.0 oz weight and an integrated pocket clip, it is aimed at users who need more cutting edge and a more comfortable grip size. The LST Mini, on the other hand, weighs only 0.5 oz, has a 1.9" Wharncliffe blade and no pocket clip – it is the more compact, lighter everyday knife. The Ultra is also made in the USA, while the Mini is manufactured in China.
What is a drop point blade?
A drop point blade has a gently sloping spine that curves continuously down toward the tip. This geometry results in a broad, robust tip with a large cutting edge – ideal for versatile everyday tasks such as carving, cutting food, paracord or cardboard, as well as light outdoor work. The drop point is considered one of the most universally useful blade shapes available.
What does «420HC» mean and how does it differ from 440A?
420HC is an American stainless steel with a carbon content of around 0.5%, hardened to 56–58 HRC. It offers very good corrosion resistance and can be easily resharpened with standard sharpening tools. 440A – as used in the LST Mini – has a slightly higher carbon content and is also well corrosion-resistant. In practice, both steels are well suited for EDC knives in this price range; 420HC is the classic Gerber steel for American-made models.
Is the Gerber LST Ultra legal to carry in Switzerland?
The blade length of 6.9 cm falls within the usual range for everyday knives in Switzerland. The LST Ultra is a folding knife that cannot be opened one-handed and has no push-button locking mechanism – it does not fall under the prohibited categories of Swiss weapons law. It is nonetheless advisable not to carry it openly and to use it only for practical purposes.
How does the tip-up pocket clip work?
With tip-up carry, the blade tip points upward when the knife is clipped to the pocket. This allows for a natural, quick draw: the knife is grasped with the fingers and the blade is pulled directly in the opening direction. The clip on the LST Ultra is ambidextrous – it can be mounted for both right- and left-handed users – and can be fully removed if desired.
Does the LST Ultra need to be opened with two hands?
Yes, the LST Ultra opens via a nail nick in the blade and requires two hands. This is a deliberate design choice across the entire LST range – no one-hand opening system, no spring mechanism. This simple, reliable concept has been part of the LST DNA since 1980 and is easier to carry legally in many cantons and countries than assisted-opening or one-hand knives.
What does «Stonewash» mean on the LST Ultra?
In the stonewash process, the blade is tumbled in a drum with abrasive stones. The result is a matte, slightly textured surface that visually conceals fingerprints, minor scratches and signs of wear during use. Stonewash blades look well-kept even after extended use and require less maintenance than polished blades.
Why is the LST Ultra made in the USA?
The LST Ultra is part of Gerber's American-made line from Portland, Oregon, where Gerber has been based since 1939. US manufacturing stands for higher production standards, shorter supply chains and continuity of the original LST craftsmanship. The LST Ultra thus shares the same origin as the original knife from 1980.
What tasks is the LST Ultra particularly suited for?
Thanks to its 2.7" drop point blade, the LST Ultra is more versatile than the LST Mini: cutting food, slicing cardboard, shortening paracord or rope, light carving and fieldwork, everyday camping tasks and general handiwork. With a pocket clip and lanyard loop, it can also be carried flexibly – in a trouser pocket, on a belt or in a backpack.
What warranty does the Gerber LST Ultra come with?
Gerber provides a Limited Lifetime Warranty on the LST Ultra, 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.
