Knife Comparison: Gerber Big Rock and Gerber Profile
Kevin Felts 05.21.18
In this article we are going to look at two Gerber knives of around the same size, and close to the same price point. These are the Gerber Big Rock and the Gerber Profile. The reader should not consider this a “versus” style article as both knives have their place.
The purpose of this article is to present the reader with information on both knives. At the end of the article the author will share his opinion between the two. From there, it will be left to the reader to determine which one would suit their needs.
Profile is a group of knives made by Gerber. The knife in this article is the fixed blade Gerber Profile
Specifications are taken from the author’s personal knife collection.
Blade Length
Gerber Big Rock: 4 3/8 inches
Gerber Profile: 3 5/8 inches
Blade Width
Measured around mid-length of the blade.
Big Rock: 1 1/4 inches
Profile: 1 1/4 inches
I was surprised both knives measured the same width.
Overall Length
Big Rock: 9 1/2 inches
Profile: 8 5/8 inches
Weight with Sheath
Profile: 8.10 ounces
Big Rock: 7.85 ounces
Lanyard Hole
Yes, both knives
Full tang
Yes, both knives
Blade Material
Profile: High-carbon stainless steel with a titanium coating (Can not find the exact type of stainless)
Big Rock: 440A stainless steel
Gerber Profile
The bad news about this knife, is seems to have been discontinued by Gerber. However, they are easy to find on eBay. They were sold in mass numbers through Wal-Mart for maybe a decade or longer.
The Gerber Profile has been part of my knife collection for around 12 years. During that time is has been used to skin numerous whitetail deer and for various tasks around the farm. The grip is textured, but not very aggressive. When the hands get blood on them, or become wet, I found the Profile slips in the hand.
Between the blade material and the titanium coating, there is not a speck of rust anywhere n the knife.
Sharpening the Profile is not as easy as 1095 carbon, but easier than some of the other stainless blades on the market.
One thing I like about the profile, it has a large knob at the base of the blade which helps prevent fingers from moving forward and onto the blade.
Grip is not “that” comfortable as it has a large cut-out for the pointer finger.
At the base of the blade there is a ridge for the thumb to rest.
Gerber Big Rock
The Gerber Big Rock has been part of my collection for around 10 years. During that time it has gone on numerous hiking and camping trips.
Sheath is typical nylon with a belt loop.
Grip is textured, but not overly aggressive.
Even though the blade is 440A stainless steel, I found it is fairly easy to sharpen. For an economy knife, it holds an edge better than I expected.
Final Thoughts
Having used both knives on numerous occasions spanning a decade, I feel the Big Rock Edges out the Profile.
While the shorter blade of the Profile is easier to handle while skinning deer, the Big Rock seems easier to sharpen.
Both knives come with a nylon sheath which has a belt loop. So both knives are equal in the sheath category.
The grip of the Big Rock is more comfortable than the Profile. The notch for the pointer finger makes the handle feel a little awkward. Left handed people need not worry, the notch is on both sides.
Let’s put it this way, when I head out on a hiking trip, hunting, or a day fishing on the river, the Big Rock goes in the pack, and the Profile stays at home.
