Gerber drew on the experience of U.S. military personnel and its own expertise crafting technical knives and tools to develop the Propel Downrange AO knife.

The result is a tactical folder with assisted opening and a full-size blade that’s as easy to handle and carry as it is durable and capable in the line of duty.

Premium Quality Built in Portland, Oregon
There’s no question you’ll be hard on this knife. Gerber built it in Portland, Oregon, using premium S30V steel to offer the most reliable edge possible. The partially serrated blade adds utility when cutting stubborn materials like stout nylon rope or tough plastics, but it’s the premium quality of the steel and durable nature of the G-10 composite handle that sets this knife apart from others.

Swift Action
The smooth pivot of Gerber’s Assisted Opening 2.0 mechanism offers seamless, one-handed opening, while the reliable plunge lock and safety switch secure the blade where you want it. Think easy, one-handed operation matched with a slim profile that sits comfortably in your pocket, whether you’re travelling on-base or off. The tanto style blade’s matte-black oxide coating adds a stealth element where a stainless blade might give you away.

Customizable Carry
Personal preference dictates how you carry your knife, so Gerber designed the Propel AO with a three-way adjustable clip to customize the knife’s orientation in your pocket or on your belt. You can set it for tip-up or tip-down storage and left-hand or right-hand bias.

Discreet and Comfortable
Gerber knows that to earn daily-use status, a folding tactical knife needs to fit your hand and pocket. The Propel’s composite maintains a slim profile that complements the knife’s balanced feel and still provides secure handling in all conditions. Maybe more importantly, you get a full-size tactical knife that carries discreetly and comfortably on the job and off.

Features:

• Designed and built in Portland, Oregon
• Blade uses premium S30V Steel for the best in durability and edge hold
• Full-size tanto style blade is partially serrated for slicing and cutting tough surfaces
• Black oxide coating adds corrosion resistance and low reflectivity
• Desert tan G-10 handle provides sure grip and durability in slim package
• Pommel with lanyard hole adds utility
• Gerber’s Assisted Opening 2.0 design delivers smooth, one-handed blade deployment
• Plunge lock and safety switch fix the blade in place, open or closed
• Adjustable, three position pocket clip allows customizable stowage
• Backed by Gerber’s Lifetime Warranty
• Overall Length: 8.52" (21.64 cm)
• Blade Length: 3.5" (8.89 cm)
• Closed Length: 5" (12.7 cm)
• Weight: 4.28 oz. (121 g)
• Steel Type: S30V
• Handle Material: G-10

S30V is a hardened powder-made wear and corrosion resistant stainless steel. Its chemistry promotes the formation and even distribution of vanadium carbides, which are harder and more effective at cutting than chromium carbides. These vanadium carbides give the steel a very refined grain, further improving the sharpness and toughness. Despite some difficulties with a consistent heat-treat, knifemakers use S30V because its composition makes it easier to grind than other powder steels.

S30V is considered a premium grade knife steel. It is largely used in higher-end production and custom knives. Some knifemakers call it "the absolute best blade steel available" and claim it might be the ultimate high-end all-around stainless steel, due to high performance coupled with easier machinability and sharpenability than the other steels in this class.

Please Note: It is the customer’s responsibility to be aware of any federal, state, or local restrictions and regulations that may apply when purchasing and carrying a knife.