As someone who’s spent the last decade guiding backpacking trips, running wilderness survival courses, and generally living a life immersed in the outdoors, I’ve tested a lot of knives. When the Harbor Freight Gordon Knife started gaining traction online, I was skeptical. A $20 knife challenging established brands? It sounded too good to be true. But curiosity – and a commitment to finding affordable gear options for my clients – got the better of me. I’ve now put several of these knives through their paces, and I’m here to share a detailed, honest assessment. This isn’t just a review; it’s a guide to understanding the Gordon knife’s potential, its limitations, and how to make it a surprisingly effective tool for your outdoor adventures.
The Gordon Knife, sold exclusively at Harbor Freight Tools, is a full-tang, fixed-blade knife with a 7.75-inch blade made of 7Cr13MoV stainless steel. It features a textured polypropylene handle and comes with a nylon sheath. Its initial popularity stemmed from online communities praising its robust construction and impressive performance for the price. It quickly became a favorite for bushcraft enthusiasts, campers, and anyone looking for a budget-friendly, durable knife. The steel type, 7Cr13MoV, is a common choice in affordable knives, known for its decent edge retention and corrosion resistance. However, it’s not a “super steel” and requires understanding its properties (more on that later).
Out of the box, the Gordon knife isn’t pretty. The factory edge is notoriously dull, and the handle, while functional, feels a bit rough. However, the build quality is surprisingly solid. The full-tang construction means the blade extends through the entire handle, providing excellent strength and stability. The sheath is basic but serviceable. My initial tests focused on common camp tasks: batoning small wood (under 2 inches in diameter), feather sticking, food preparation, and general utility cutting. The dull edge made these tasks significantly harder than they should have been. Sharpening is essential before any serious use. I used a Lansky sharpening system to achieve a razor-sharp edge, and the difference was night and day. REI’s knife skills guide is a great resource for learning proper sharpening techniques.
Don’t even think about using this knife for anything demanding until you’ve sharpened it. The factory edge is truly lackluster. I recommend a sharpening stone or a guided sharpening system. A good angle to aim for is around 20 degrees per side. Be patient and consistent, and you’ll be rewarded with a surprisingly capable edge. Remember to strop the blade after sharpening to refine the edge and remove any burrs.
Once sharpened, the Gordon knife performed admirably. I’ve used it extensively on several backpacking trips in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the Adirondacks. Batoning smaller pieces of wood was surprisingly easy, although I wouldn’t recommend attempting to split large rounds. Feather sticking, a crucial skill for fire starting, was also quite manageable. The blade geometry lends itself well to creating thin, curly shavings. I’ve used it for preparing meals, cutting cordage, and various other camp chores without any issues. It’s important to note that this isn’t a knife designed for heavy-duty abuse. It’s not going to replace a dedicated splitting axe or a high-end bushcraft knife, but it’s a remarkably capable tool for its price point.
The Gordon knife excels at tasks related to fire starting. Its blade shape is well-suited for creating tinder, and the full-tang construction provides the necessary strength for batoning small wood to access dry inner wood. Pairing it with a ferro rod and some natural tinder (birch bark, pine resin, etc.) makes for a reliable fire-starting kit. Always practice fire safety and be aware of local fire restrictions. The National Park Service provides excellent resources on fire safety in the outdoors.
The 7Cr13MoV stainless steel used in the Gordon knife is a good compromise between edge retention, corrosion resistance, and affordability. It’s not as hard or wear-resistant as higher-end steels like D2 or CPM S35VN, but it’s significantly better than many other steels found in similarly priced knives. I’ve noticed that the edge does require more frequent sharpening than knives made from more premium steels, especially when used on abrasive materials like sandy soil or hardwood. However, it’s relatively easy to resharpen, which is a significant advantage. I’ve also been impressed with its corrosion resistance. Even after being exposed to rain and humidity, the blade hasn’t shown any signs of rust. The handle has also proven to be durable and comfortable, even during extended use.
The Gordon knife is a popular platform for modifications. Many users choose to upgrade the handle, sheath, or even the blade. Here are a few common modifications:
While modifications can enhance the knife, they also add to the cost. For many users, the stock configuration is perfectly adequate.
Let’s be realistic: the Gordon knife isn’t going to outperform a $200+ knife from Benchmade or ESEE. However, it holds its own against many other knives in the $50-$100 price range. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Knife | Price (approx.) | Steel | Tang | Sheath |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harbor Freight Gordon Knife | $20 | 7Cr13MoV | Full | Nylon |
| Morakniv Companion | $25-40 | Carbon Steel/Stainless Steel | Partial | Plastic |
| Ontario RAT-3 | $80-100 | 1095 Carbon Steel | Full | Nylon |
The Morakniv Companion is a popular alternative, known for its excellent value and ease of sharpening. However, the Gordon knife’s full-tang construction provides greater strength. The Ontario RAT-3 is a more robust knife, but it’s also significantly more expensive. Ultimately, the best knife for you depends on your budget and specific needs.
Regardless of the knife you choose, it’s crucial to practice responsible knife use and adhere to the principles of Leave No Trace. This includes:
Absolutely. The Harbor Freight Gordon Knife is a surprisingly capable and affordable tool for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s not a perfect knife, and it requires some initial work (sharpening!), but it offers an incredible value for the price. It’s a great option for beginners, a reliable backup knife, or a dedicated tool for camp chores. Don’t let the low price fool you – this knife can hold its own in the wilderness. As a seasoned outdoor professional, I’m genuinely impressed with what Harbor Freight has accomplished with the Gordon Knife. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a functional and durable knife for your adventures.