Gerber is releasing two new American-made hunting knives just in time for the fall hunting season in 2026. The Forefront Series is a powerful duo with a pocket folder and a fixed blade knife, which will join the long tradition of Gerber’s legendary hunting blades. Gerber has been making knives in the USA since 1939, originally starting in culinary knives. They soon became an icon in the outdoor industry and a leading brand in establishing Portland, Oregon as a knife hub in America.

Part hunting knife, part everyday blade, the American-made Forefront pocket folder is built as a light and portable hunting knife that can also handle the EDC life. This lightweight lockback knife is centered around comfort and confidence in every cut and slice. All Forefront models feature a 420 high-carbon stainless steel blade. 420HC is a solid, durable steel that can be sharpened quickly in the field so hunters have a sharp blade at all times.

A lot of work goes into a successful hunt, for those who seek a sturdy and durable knife, we built the Forefront fixed-blade knife. In general, a fixed blade knife can handle harder and tougher cuts due to the full tang design, making durability a key component for this knife. It features a slim and versatile sheath that can easily be equipped to your belt or pack–making it easier to have handy at all times. On both knives, you’ll find a textured TPE grip. The textured grip was designed with field dressing in mind, so those who prefer to wear gloves or bare-handed when you’re deep in the gutting process, will retain full control as things get messy. Overall, it’s a lightweight, ergonomic, full-tang knife you can put to use after a long pursuit.

One quality that both knives share, and something that hunters will delight in, is the dual-jimping on the blade. Jimping is the slight ridges and notches on the blade that allow for heavier finger pressure and control in wet conditions. Both Forefronts have two jimping areas, allowing you ultimate control and varied grips when you’re field dressing or back at camp butchering.

Gerber’s first hunting knife started in 1947 with the AF Hunter—a large hunting knife made exclusively for Abercrombie & Fitch. It sold out quickly, but a bigger expansion into the hunting space came by request. One day in 1948, a letter came across Joe Gerber’s desk from an outfitter in Montana by the name of Hale Woolf. He requested a small hunting knife and even included a small sketch of what he was thinking. Gerber obliged and sent off the knife, but it prompted them to continue production and start making knives for Outdoorsmen.

In more modern times, plenty of Gerber hunting knives have been a great success, like the fan-favorite Gator or the Randy Newberg collection. The Forefront is the next generation in a long legacy of American-made hunting knives built for the American hunter.

You can find the Forefront Pocket Folder and Forefront Fixed Blade Knife in two colors at gerbergear.com or at an outdoor retailer near you.