cleaver - BladeReviews.com

I’m a big fan of ESEE knives. They tend to be strong, well made, and designed to last. On top of that their knives tend to be very affordable and very simply made. Their target audience is often the outdoorsman, the hunter, the prepper, and general adventurer. The Expat line is a specialty line of knives designed outside of the typical ESEE crew.

Buy the ESEE Libertariat at BladeHQ

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I’ve previously reviewed the Expat Cleaver and I was a big fan. The second Expat blade is the Libertariat, which is a compact machete designed for a few different purposes. This is a blade that is lightweight, easy to use, and can be used for a variety of purpose outside of hacking down a path.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The ESEE Libertariat has a 9-inch blade and an overall length of 14 inches. The blade is two inches wide and .12 inches thick. The handle is 5 inches long and 1.125 inches thick and made from wood. The Libertariat ways 13.08 ounces and comes with a canvas sheath.

It’s a very small, but also a very lightweight knife. The Libertariat doesn’t have a lot of weight to it, but it can still handle underbrush, vines, and limbs. I’ve even cut down some small trees without issue. The Liberariat lacks a point and is cleaver like. The lack of a point has never been an issue in my use of this tool.

The blade is made from SAE 1075 steel. It can get very sharp and is a good hard and tough steel. It can take a real beating when used as a machete is intended to be used. Of course, it doesn’t hold that edge for a long period. I find myself touching it up before any kind of daily use or yard work.

The blade has a Condor classic finish. This is a hammered finish that gives it the appearance of a tool built a long time ago. While it’s stylish its also effective, I rarely apply oil even though I live on the coast, and have yet to see rust.

As I mentioned this small machete is designed more or less as a bush tool more than a yard working machete. It can serve as a machete, as well as a general survival knife. It’s small and handy and could be used to clean game in a pinch.

The spine is a flat 90-degree surface that makes it easy to strike a ferrous rod with. The flat surface also makes it easy to baton wood into pieces if needed. I ‘ve batoned several pieces of pine wood without a problem. The hole at the tip of the blade allows the insertion of a rod to make what is basically a draw knife from this mini machete.

The Little Libertariat can do it all, or at least try to. Most importantly it’s an impressive machete. It chops and slices without issue and chew through some seriously thick material. As a small blade with little heft, you really have to know how to work a machete. Even an expert is going to expend more energy using the short and light Libertariat than a standard machete though.

With such a small blade you are using more energy, and losing reach causing you to bend over a bit to reach ground level. That’s the price to pay for a smaller, lighter, and handier machete.

Handle and Ergonomics

The handle is made from wood and very smooth. In over a year’s worth of use I’ve never felt it slip from my hands, but I would see why some would want some form of checkering. I also haven’t developed hot spots when using the Libertariat heavily.

However, I did notice after one long day my hand got quite tired of handling it. The small handle requires a tight hold and that will cause fatigue to set in quicker than a full, thick, hand-conforming handle.

The angle of the handle is perfect for machete work. It tilts the blade slightly forward and gives you an angle that maximizes your swing. This makes your swing more natural when you use a proper technique or flicking the wrist prior to contact you’ll use less energy and cut deeper.

The Sheath

The sheath is very simple and made from a khaki colored canvas. It feels quite strong and very durable. Four metal snaps run along the seam of the sheath and hold it all together should the stitching rip or fail, or become cut all to hell from inserting and removing the machete over and over.

There seem to be two styles on the market. One that leaves most of the handle exposed and then mine which covers a good portion of the handle.

With mine the sheath covers the majority of the handle and drawing the Libertariat is not a fast endeavor. I have to pinch, pull, then grip the handle properly. I see why some of the newer models come with a sheath that allows a full grip.

A small thong secures around the handle and keeps the machete in the sheath. It attaches the belt through a loop and that is really all she wrote. It’s simple, but it works.

The ESEE Expat Libertariat Mini Machete Review – Final Thoughts

The Libertariat can do everything a bigger machete can do… with a lot more effort anyway. Its small size makes it easy to use for a variety of tasks outside of just hacking and slashing brush. It’s very light and would be a great camp tool, or for a hiker looking to cut pounds.

For the price, it is hard to go wrong. Plus ESEE backs it with their lifetime, no questions asked warranty. The Libertariat is a potent little tool that will serve you well for a long time.

Expat Libertariat Machete

Crafted from the highest quality materials
Built for performance and durability
Made in El Salvador

I recommend purchasing the ESEE Expat Libertariat at Amazon or BladeHQ. Thank you very much.

What’s with the rise in popularity with cleaver knives? It just seemed like one day they were everywhere. We had options from Spyderco, Boker, Kershaw, CRKT, and of course the Gerber FlatIron. The FlatIron made a big showing at SHOT, and it makes sense why. Gerber is a massive company, the FlatIron looked cool as hell, and Gerber promised a low price tag. Once the FlatIron hit the streets, they were tough to find, and in December I got my hands on one. For 31 bucks I didn’t have massive expectations, but I have plenty of budget knives that perform beyond their price tag.

Buy the Gerber FlatIron at BladeHQ

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The Gerber FlatIron comes in two different grip styles, a hunter green aluminum grips and FDE colored G10 grips. The knife is a folder and pushes full size to its limits. Gerber makes lots of knives at lots of different price points, some hit, some miss, but how does the FlatIron come out?

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Gerber FlatIron gains its unique name from the flat, cleaver blade it has. The blade is 3.8 inches, with an overall length of 8.5 inches. It’s a big knife and weighs 5.6 ounces. That’s a bit heavy for a folding knife. As a cleaver the blade is quite broad, it sits at 1.125 inches wide and is .15 inches thick. It’s a big knife, and a cleaver has to be.

Cleaver knives have become quite popular these days due to their robust blade design and just how thick they are. The cleaver blade is designed for cutting, slicing and chopping and the Gerber FlatIron has a very sturdy blade. The lack of a point is a downside to some and limits the knife’s versatility. The benefit is the knife less aggressive looking and lower profile in case that is a concern. In some situations, you may not want a point. I know a few first responders who carry Sheepshead blades to cut and slice near people while reducing the chance of stabbing someone if the knife slips.

The blade is made from the always fun to type 7Cr17MoV steel. This is cheap steel, and the FlatIron is an affordable, Chinese produced, knife. It dulls relatively fast but sharpens easily. This is good because Gerber has dull blades when purchased. I’ve put it through my Smith’s Pocket Pal a time or two, and it edges right up. From what I’ve read this steel is pretty tough and resists corrosion well.

Once sharpened it cuts well. My use for a cleaver has always been the kitchen, and the FlatIron separated meat from bone pretty easily. It cuts smooth and deep through meat and might make an excellent field kitchen knife. Additionally, as a cutting blade, it does excel when sharpened for cutting through tougher materials like thick cardboard, and plastic straps. The FlatIron was my go-to for opening Christmas present boxes for the kids this year.

The blade has a worn, stonewashed finish that’s plenty attractive from a purely aesthetic standpoint. The whole knife looks cool, and that’s likely one of its most significant selling points. It’s like a straight razor that locks.

The knife has a hollow grind, which isn’t a problem itself. However, the grind is very uneven. Looking down the tip of the blade shows a highly irregular and crude grind.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The FlatIron sports an odd, but comfortable handle. One side features a grip panel, either aluminum or G10, and the other side is stonewashed aluminum that incorporates the frame lock and pocket clip. It’s a big handle that fills the hand which I do enjoy. The G10 grips provide more of a gripping surface, and the aluminum grips are smoother and better looking.

The blade has a large choil that allows you to choke up on the knife for increased control and leverage for tougher cuts. It’s certainly deep enough to keep your finger from slipping out. The handle is also completely open. This makes it easy oil and clean. It is a small, but a nice feature I appreciate it living around sand and salt water. The rear of the blade has zero jimping which is odd.

The pocket clip has a lot of good to it, but a bit of bad to go with it. First off, I like the short, but thick design. It’s low profile and also subtle. Best of all it doesn’t get in the way of your grip on the knife. It looks good too. It’s pretty tight though, and it’s difficult to get onto my jeans. Also, its right side, tip up only. You can’t reverse it in any way due to handle’s design. A bit of a downside in my book.

Lock and Deployment

The frame lock is simple, and in my experience, these locks are robust and handy. When you squeeze the grip, the lock is reinforced which means its a safe knife for hard work. Once opened the blade is locked in solid. There is no play left to right or back and forth. The frame lock is robust and does its job well with the big blade. The lock has a full inch of texturing where the thumb naturally falls, and this makes it easy to defeat the tight lock and fold the blade.

The blade opens via a thumb hole. This design isn’t bad, but the blade is a bit tight when new. A little blade oil helped as did some use and now I can flick it open with ease. The blade will open smoothly, even when stiff. There is no grit or stop and go feeling as the knife opens. The thick blade makes the thumb hole easy to use. It’s a deep hole, so your thumb isn’t likely to slip out.

The Gerber FlatIron Review – Final Thoughts

The Gerber FlatIron’s greatest strength is its looks. It’s not particularly special outside of looking nice. You can’t demand much from a 30 dollar knife, but I’d expect at least an even hollow grind. I do see one solid purpose for this knife, and that would be for a younger, new knife owner.

Follow my logic here:

The blade lacks a point which reduces the risk for young and new knife users.
The 7Cr17MoV steel is sturdy and corrosion resistant, so it can take the abuse, and since it dulls fast they’ll be learning to sharpen it, and it sharpens easily enough.
The frame lock is very safe for heavy or clumsy work.
While the knife can be flicked open it’s still slower than a Kershaw with speed assist or anything crazy. It’ll never be accidentally opened.
The FlatIron is tough and robust so it will resist abuse.
It’s easy to clean.
It’s affordable in case it is lost or broken.

For people who are used to nice, high-end knives, the FlatIron might be a disappointment. I like the knife personally, but that’s because of my inner mall ninja. It doesn’t do one any one task well, but it is affordable, safe and tough.

Sale

Gerber Flatiron - Folding Cleaver Pocket Knife - Desert Tan G-10 Handle [30-001495]

Arguably the most prominent feature, the cleaver blade is bold and trend forward
The sleek thumb-hole opening allows for smooth one-hand engagement while operating
A large finger coil ensures solid hand placement for secure control when choking up
The pocket clip is specifically designed for low profile carry that doesn't draw attention
Textured G-10 handle provides a confident grip in any situation

Editor: I recommend purchasing the Gerber Flatiron at Gerber Flatiron or BladeHQ. Please consider that buying anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.