Gerber Gear · Pocket Knives · Folding Knives
Gerber LST Ultra folding knife
Drab Red
39.7 grams. 6.9 cm blade. Drop point precision. Pocket clip. Made in the USA. The classic LST in a muted red tone—striking without being obtrusive.
The classic LST in Drab Red – more blade, more character
The Gerber LST Ultra Drab Red combines the proven design of a cult folding knife with a handle in a muted red tone – striking enough to immediately catch the eye in any pocket or backpack, yet subtle enough for everyday use. 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 Drab Red, lockback mechanism, and an ambidextrous stainless steel pocket clip for tip-up carry. Manufactured in Portland, Oregon – a genuine American working knife with 45 years of tradition.
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 Drab Red – muted red with a practical advantage
The handle of the LST Ultra is made of glass fiber reinforced nylon (GFN) in Drab Red—a muted, matte red tone that is far from bright signal red. The color has a clear practical advantage: The knife can be found at a glance in any pocket, backpack compartment, or on any camping table – faster than black or coyote brown, more discreet than neon colors. The glass fiber additive significantly increases stiffness and impact resistance compared to unfilled polymer – while remaining lightweight and fully moisture resistant. The surface texture ensures a secure grip even with wet or cold hands.
Pocket clip & lockback – carry safely, use safely
Unlike the LST Mini, the LST Ultra features a removable, ambidextrous stainless steel pocket clip with tip-up carry: the knife blade points upwards when clipped in, allowing for 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 Drab Red made for?
The LST Ultra Drab Red is the ideal knife for anyone looking for a reliable, American-made EDC knife that is easy to find in everyday use thanks to its color – whether in your jacket pocket, backpack, or on the camping table. With a 6.9 cm drop point blade, a weight of 39.7 g, and a pocket clip, it is the perfect everyday companion for outdoor activities, crafts, and travel – and a compelling gift for knife enthusiasts who appreciate individuality and American quality.
- Knife type: folding knifepenknife
- Blade shape: Drop point blade
- Blade cut: Smooth blade
- Tools: blade
- Features: blade lock
- Accessories: Knife clip
Technical data – Gerber LST Ultra Drab Red
| Model | Gerber LST Ultra Drab Red |
|---|---|
| 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 | 39.7 g |
| Handle material | Glass fiber reinforced nylon (GFN) |
| Color | Drab Red |
| Lock | 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 Drab Red
What does «Drab Red» mean as a colour?
Drab Red is a muted, matt red tone – far removed from bright signal or neon red. The term «drab» refers to something understated and toned down. This colour has a clear practical advantage: the knife is instantly visible in any pocket, backpack compartment or on any camping table – faster to spot than black or coyote brown, yet more subdued than brightly coloured alternatives.
What is the difference between the LST Ultra Drab Red and the other LST Ultra colour variants?
The technical specifications of all LST Ultra colour variants are identical – same blade, same steel, same pocket clip, same US manufacturing. The only difference is the handle colour. Drab Red stands out from Black (classic and discreet) and Coyote Brown (field-ready and military-inspired) with its muted red tone, making it the most easily located variant for everyday use.
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.
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 Drab Red particularly suited for?
Thanks to its 2.7" drop point blade, the LST Ultra Drab Red is highly versatile: cutting food, slicing cardboard, shortening paracord or rope, light carving and fieldwork, camping and outdoor tasks, and general handiwork. The eye-catching handle colour makes it the ideal working knife for anyone who needs to locate their EDC knife quickly.
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.
