Savvy. Ingenuity. Craftsmanship. Attention to detail. These are just a few of the company traits that contributed to Gerber's emergence as a world leader in outdoor and military gear.

Joseph R. Gerber started Portland, Oregon's Gerber Advertising back in 1910. For client Christmas gifts in 1939, he hired a local knife maker to craft 25 sets of kitchen cutlery. The knives and presentation walnut boxes and literature were so popular, Mr. Gerber asked his sons Ham and Pete to launch a new business, Gerber Hand-Made Blades, which became what we know today, Gerber Legendary Blades.

It makes sense, really. An idea man gets the idea of a lifetime and turns it into a major outdoor brand. One that commands respect among knifelovers and knifemakers alike. And now that high regard is spreading in new directions, in the form of many outstanding products. Such as tools, personal L.E.D. lighting, and backpack hydration.