GERBER MARK II™ BROCHURES/PAPERS

The brochures/papers presented here are organized into several groups and then into what I believe is their order of introduction. However, there is a lot of uncertainty in some of my dates as I had so few Mint-In-Box knife examples to draw from.

For each item, two or three images are shown. The first image is of the paperwork as one would encounter it (usually folded). An additional one or two small thumbnail pictures are shown to the right or bottom of the first image. By clicking on the thumbnail, you can access a high-resolution image of the front or back sides of the document.

I have assigned a unique ending letter code to each of the brochures, cards, folders, tags and certificates of authenticity shown below. The ending letter codes are as follows:

Letter Code ending in F is a FOLDER
Letter Code ending in S is a SHEET
Letter Code ending in C is a CARD
Letter Code ending in T is a TAG
Letter Code ending in CA is a Certificate of Authenticity

Listed below are all the brochures/papers used for Mark II knives that I am aware of:

Photo: Dave Yancosky

Photo: ebay 12/2010

Orange Combat Folder / Order envelope - This is the earliest printed matter included with the Gerber Mark II. As well as containing information, the one-piece folder also was a pre-printed order form and envelope. The size is 6-1/2 X 3-3/4 inches folded and 13 X 11-1/4 inches (W x H) when opened. No printed date. I believe this folder was used between 1967 and 1968.

The first two pictures show the front and back of the Orange Combat Folder / Order envelope that is normally encountered.

The third picture shows a version that is identical to the normal version with the exception of the word Legendary which is in a different typeface in the address printed on the Business Reply Mail envelope face. I don't know if this is an earlier or later version than that shown above.

The bottom picture shows a rare version of the Orange Combat Folder. It is identical to the normal version with the exception of the address printed on the Business Reply Mail envelope face. Instead of the address of the Gerber factory, the address of Frank Drew is printed. Frank Drew was the owner of Shaw Stationery, operating at 729 Main St. in Klamath Falls, OR since the early 1920s. I was told by another advanced collector that Mr. Drew was one of Gerber's really early dealers and advertised fairly heavily in a number of gun magazines in the late 60's.

Earliest Sharpening Folder - This folder is the earliest of the Sportsman's Steels knife sharpening instructions. The folder was included with the unmarked NGSC steel and the early scabbard, marked only with the Gerber name. The size is 2-1/8 X 5-1/4 inches folded and 8-1/2 X 5-1/4 (W x H) inches when opened. No printed date. I believe this folder may have been used prior to and up through 1967.

Knife Sharpening Folder - This folder is the second knife sharpening steel instructions and the first to be included with the Gerber Mark II. The size is 2-3/4 X 4-3/4 inches folded and 21-1/4 X 4-3/4 (W x H) inches when opened. No printed date. I believe this folder was used between 1967 and 1970.

Combat Knife Folder - This folder is an earlier knife folder when Gerber still advertised the Mark II as a Combat Knife. The size is 3-1/2 X 7 inches folded and 7 X 14 inches (W x H) when opened. No printed date. I believe this folder was used between 1968 and 1970.

Hunting Knife Folder - Has a bear head, trout and small RV camper on front. This folder emphasizes the Gerber hunting knife line. However it is often found with the five inch Gerber Steel with scabbard. The size is 2-7/8 X 5 inches folded and 11-1/2 X 5 inches (W x H) when opened. No printed date but the listed price of the steel with scabbard of $7.50 dates it to around 1970.

Survival Knife Folder 1 - This folder is the first knife folder after Gerber started advertising the Mark II as a Survival Knife. The size is 3-1/2 X 7 inches folded and 7 X 14 inches (W x H) when opened. The printed date is 10/70. Note the folder is similar to the Combat Knife Folder shown above. It doesn't show a blade with serrations as does the later Survival Knife folder SKF2. I believe this folder was used between 1970 and 1972.

Suit of Armor Folder 1 - This folder is the first of three with a picture of a suit of armor and a hunting and kitchen carving knife on the cover. This folder emphasizes the Gerber kitchen knife line. It also has sharpening and care instructions. The size is 3 X 6 inches folded and 21 X 6 inches (W x H) when opened. The printed date is 9/71. This folder was enclosed with some of the Gerber Mark II Dive knives. It was also enclosed with kitchen knives and some sharpening steels. NOTE: There is a second Suit of Armor Folder SKF2 dated 5/74. The third Suit of Armor Folder with a printed date of 8/77 does not depict the Mark II knife and is not shown.

Survival Knife Folder 2 - This folder is the second knife folder after Gerber started advertising the Mark II as a Survival Knife. The size is 3-1/2 X 7 inches folded and 7 X 14 inches (W x H) when opened. The printed date is 12/72. I believe this folder was used between 1972 and 1974.

Hunting Knife on Blue Background Folder - This folder, showing one of the Gerber Presentation Hunting Knife models against a blue background, is one of the Sportsman's Knives folders included with the Gerber Mark II. The size is 3 X 5-1/4 inches folded and 15 X 10-1/2 inches (W x H) when opened. No printed date. I believe this folder was used between 1974 and 1976. NOTE: The red-brown PT1 Mark II sheath is shown in this folder.

Field Sharpening Kit Folder - This folder has the title "Gerber Stone & Steel Field Sharpening Kit" with a drawing of a 2-part stone and LGRC sharpening steel. The folder lists sharpening directions. I don't know the size. No printed date and I'm only guessing the date is somewhere around 1972-1976.

Suit of Armor Folder 2 - This folder is the second of three with a picture of a suit of armor and a hunting and kitchen carving knife on the cover. This folder emphasizes the Gerber kitchen knife line. It also has sharpening and care instructions. The size is 3 X 6 inches folded and 21 X 6 inches (W x H) when opened. The printed date is 5/74. The front of the folder is identical to the front of the SAF1 folder. The back side has some differences. This folder was enclosed with kitchen knives and some sharpening steels. It was also issued with some 1974 Mark II knives as well as some of the Gerber Mark II Dive knives. NOTE: The third Suit of Armor Folder with a printed date of 8/77does not depict the Mark II knife and is not shown.

River Pebbles Folder - This folder, showing the Gerber Magnum Folding Hunter model resting on river pebbles, is one of the Sportsman's Knives folders included with the Gerber Mark II. The size is 3 X 5-1/4 inches folded and 15 X 10-1/2 inches (W x H) when opened. No printed date. I believe this folder was used between 1976 and 1978. NOTE: The green PT2 Mark II sheath is shown in this folder.

Sportsman's Steel Folder - This folder, showing the Gerber Sportsman's Steel with handle was included with both the Gerber folding steels and some of the later Sportsman's Steel with scabbards. The size is 3 X 6 inches folded and 6 X 6 inches (W x H) when opened. No printed date, just Form 7715. Possibly the form number indicates the year 1977.

Blue & White Folder - This folder is solid blue with white lettering. It emphasizes Gerber knife quality and contains sharpening and care instructions. No knives are pictured. The size is 2-7/8 X 4-3/4 inches folded and 11-1/2 X 4-3/4 (W x H) inches when opened. No printed date and 5/79. I believe this folder was used between 1979 and 1980.

White & Brown Folder - This folder is white with brown lettering. It emphasizes Gerber knife quality and contains sharpening and care instructions. No knives are pictured. The size is 2-7/8 X 4-7/8 inches folded and 11-1/4 X 4-7/8 inches (W x H) when opened. The printed date is 6/80. I believe this folder was used between 1980 and 1981.

White & Orange Folder - This folder is white with orange lettering. It contains sharpening and care instructions as well as showing the line of Gerber knives. The size is 1-1/2 X 4-1/2 inches folded and 12 X 4-1/2 inches (W x H) when opened. The printed date is 9/81. I believe this folder was used between 1981 and 1982.

Hunting & Penknives Folder - This folder pictures hunting knives and penknives suspended over a stream. It contains a catalog order form as well as showing the line of Gerber knives. The size is 1-1/2 X 4-1/4 inches folded and 12 X 4-1/4 inches (W x H) when opened. There are two printed dates, 5/83 and 9/84. I believe this folder was used between 1982 and 1985.

Kitchen Knife Folder - This folder, picturing a Gerber kitchen knife and vegetables laying on a cutting board, is one of the Sportsman's Knives folders included with the Gerber Mark II. The size is 1-1/2 X 4-1/4 inches folded and 12 X 4-1/4 inches (W x H) when opened. There are two printed dates, 3/86 and 7/87. I believe this folder was used between 1985 and 1988.

Gerber Sportsmen Knives Folder - This folder was included with some of the early stainless steel Command II knives. The size is 2-3/4 X 5-1/4 inches folded and 16-1/2 X 10-1/2 inches (W x H) when opened. No printed date but it would have to be somewhat after Fiskars bought Gerber in January 1987.

70th. Anniversary Folder - This folder is included with the wooden cased 70th. Anniversary Gerber Mark II knife/sheath. The size is 2-3/8 X 3-1/4 inches folded and 14-3/16 X 3-1/4 inches (W x H) when opened.

Straight Blade Sheet - This little paper strip was included with the Gerber Mark II when Gerber eliminated the angled blade. The size is 8-1/2 X 7/8 inches (W x H). The back side is blank. No printed date. I believe this sheet was used for a short time in 1967.

Serrations Added Sheet - I believe this sheet was included when Gerber started adding serrations to the Mark II. I do not have a copy of the sheet and only noted it seemed orange in color. Unknown dimensions. Unknown date. Probably used between 1971 and 1972.

Early Dive Sheet - This sheet was included with the very early Gerber Mark II Dive Knife. The size is 8-1/2 X 5-1/2 inches (W x H). The back side is blank. No printed date. Probably used in 1969.

Dive Knife Sheet - This sheet was included with the later models of the Gerber Mark II Dive Knife. The size is 8-5/8 X 5-1/2 inches (W x H). The back side is blank. No printed date. Probably used between 1970 and 1974.

Handle Color Sheet - This sheet was included with the Gerber Mark II when Gerber changed the handle color from gray to black. The size is 4-1/2 X 3-1/4 inches (W x H). The back side is blank. The printed date is 11/77. I believe this sheet was used between 1977-1978.

"T" Serial Number Sheet - This is one of only two items that document L-6 tool steel "T" serial number knife care. The size is 5-7/8 x 2-1/4 inches folded and 5-7/8 X 4-1/2 inches (W x H) when opened. The printed date is 2/84. I believe this sheet was used between 1983 and 1984.

Harness Instruction Sheet - At first, it seems odd that this instruction sheet for the shorter bladed Gerber survival knives would be included with the Gerber Mark II. However, this is one of only two items that document L-6 tool steel "T" serial number knife care. The size is 7 X 3 inches folded and 7 X 6 inches (W x H) when opened. Some of these sheets have no printed date. Others have a printed date of 6/84. I believe this sheet was used between 1983 and 1986. NOTE: This sheet is found in a surprising number of Mark II knife boxes.

20th. Anniversary Care Sheet - This is the blade care sheet included with the 20th. Anniversary Mark II Knife. It is found folded very small and wedged under the knife's handle in the recess inside the Anniversary's Black Box. The sheet is a 4 X 1-1/2 (W x H) white paper with black lettering. The back side is blank. The printed date is 9/86. This sheet was used exclusively on the 1986, 20th. Anniversary Mark II Knife. NOTE: The sheet mentions that the blade has been coated with a protective coat of lacquer.

Gerber Warranty Sheet 1 - This sheet is a white paper with black lettering. The warranty is printed in five languages. The sheet size is 2-3/4 X 1-1/4 inches folded and 5-1/2 X 5 inches (W x H) when opened. No printed date. I've only seen these sheets included in the blue boxes and am only sure they were included between 1994 until near the end of production. However they may have been used earlier.

Gerber Warranty Sheet 2 - This sheet is a white paper with black lettering. This sheet has been yellowed. They are included in the blue boxes with very late production knives. I saw one example with a 1998 knife, S/N M7194S.

Protective Coating Sheet - This sheet was included with some of the late BA5 (Black Blade) type knives. I estimate the size is 4 X 1 (L x H). The back side is blank. No printed date. The one example I saw was included with Mark II N1853S.

A. G. Russell Sheet - This sheet was included with some of the 100 A. G. Russell Limited Edition knives. The size is 8-1/2 x 11 (L x H). The back side is blank. No printed date but probably late 2001 or early 2002.

ALL PAPERS
FOLDER FRONT (8-1/2 x 11 inches)
FOLDER BACK (8-1/2 x 11 inches)
COLOR PICTURE (11 x 8-1/2 inches)
BLADE ETCHINGS (11 x 8-1/2 inches)
GERBER LETTER (7-1/4 x 9-1/2 inches)
RESERVATION FORM (11 x 8-1/2 inches)
AHF LETTER (8-1/2 x 11 inches)
DISPLAYS ORDER FORM (11 x 8-1/2 inches)
FREE BOOK (5-3/8 x 8-1/2 inches)
ORDER ENVELOPE (9-1/2 x 4-1/8 inches)
LARGE ENVELOPE (12 x 9 inches)

ALL PAPERS
FOLDER FRONT (8-1/2 x 11 inches)
FOLDER BACK (8-1/2 x 11 inches)
COLOR PICTURE (11 x 8-1/2 inches)
BLADE ETCHINGS (11 x 8-1/2 inches)
MEMBER LETTER (8-1/2 x 11 inches)
RESERVATION FORM (11 x 8-1/2 inches)
AHF LETTER (8-1/2 x 11 inches)
ORDER ENVELOPE (9-1/2 x 4-1/8 inches)
LARGE ENVELOPE (12 x 9 inches)

White/Green Care Card - This is the earliest care card. It is a 5 x 3 inch (W x H) white thin cardboard card with green lettering. There are two versions. The front side of both versions is the same. The rear side of the first version is blank. The second version has Military Discount pricing listed. No printed date on either version. I believe these cards were used between 1967 and 1970.

Yellow Care Card 1 - This is the first of 3 yellow care cards. It is a 2 X 4-1/2 (W x H) yellow thin cardboard card with black lettering. The back side is blank. There are three printed dates, 8/76, 10/77 and 5/80. I believe this card was used between 1976 and 1980.

Yellow Care Card 2 - This is the second of 3 yellow care cards. It is a 2-1/4 X 5-1/2 inch (W x H) yellow thin cardboard card with black lettering. The back side is blank. The printed date is 1/81. This card is a revision needed for the blade material change to 440C stainless steel. I believe this card was used between 1981 and early 1982. NOTE: Strangely, some of the late 1980 L-6 tool steel knives have this card included.

Yellow Care Card 3 - This is the third of 3 yellow care cards. It is a 2-1/4 X 5-1/4 inch (W x H) yellow thin cardboard card with black lettering. The back side is blank. No printed date. I believe this card was used between 1981 and 1984.

20th. Anniversary History Card - This card is included with the 20th. Anniversary Mark II Knife. It is found inside the Anniversary's Black Box. The card is a 16-1/4 x 6-1/4 inches (W x H) gray card with a picture of a scroll on which the history of the Gerber Mark II is depicted. The back side is blank. No printed date. This sheet was used exclusively on the 1986, 20th. Anniversary Mark II Knife.

President's Collection Certificate of Authenticity - There are four different versions of these cards, each corresponding with the four different walnut boxed Mark I and Mark II President's Collection knife sets. All the cards are 3-1/2 x 2-3/8 inches (W x H) folded and 3-1/2 x 4-3/4 inches (W x H) opened.

The wording of the first paragraph of all 4 versions is the same. The second paragraph states the handle material and whether the set is engraved.

The four sets are:

1) Zebrawood
2) Zebrawood Engraved
3) Stag
4) Stag Engraved

The cards have an embossed Gerber Stamp and are signed by Pete Gerber. The serial number of the knife set is also shown. No printed date.

Army Vietnam Tribute Certificate of Authenticity - These certificates are glued to the inside lid of the Army Vietnam Tribute Gerber Mark II wood case. It is a 4 X 3 inch (W x H) square with tan background and black lettering. No printed date. Each certificate is stamped with the individual serial number of the knife. I believe these knives were issued in 1982.

Marine Corps Vietnam Tribute Certificate of Authenticity - These certificates are glued to the inside lid of the Marine Corps Vietnam Tribute Gerber Mark II wood case. It is a 4 X 3 inch (W x H) square with tan background and black lettering. No printed date. Each certificate is stamped with the individual serial number of the knife. I believe these knives were issued in 1982.

Navy Vietnam Tribute Certificate of Authenticity - These certificates are glued to the inside lid of the Navy Vietnam Tribute Gerber Mark II wood case. It is a 4 X 3 inch (W x H) square with tan background and black lettering. No printed date. Each certificate is stamped with the individual serial number of the knife. I believe these knives were issued in 1982.

Air Force Vietnam Tribute Certificate of Authenticity - These certificates are glued to the inside lid of the Air Force Vietnam Tribute Gerber Mark II wood case. It is a 4 X 3 inch (W x H) square with tan background and black lettering. No printed date. Each certificate is stamped with the individual serial number of the knife. I believe these knives were issued in 1982.

20th. Anniversary Certificate of Authenticity - These certificates were included in the Gerber Mark II 20th. Anniversary Knife black box. It is a 3 X 3 inch (W x H) square with gray background and silver and black lettering. The printed date is 8/86. Each certificate is hand numbered with the individual serial number of the knife and has the signature of Pete Gerber.

35th. Anniversary Certificate of Authenticity - These certificates were included in the Gerber Mark II 35th. Anniversary Knife black box. It is a 3 X 3 inch (W x H) square with white background and silver and black lettering. The printed date is 11/2001. Each certificate has a printed individual serial number of the knife and has the signature of Pete Gerber.

2002 Limited Edition Certificate of Authenticity - These certificates were included in the Gerber Mark II 2002 Limited Edition Knife black box. It is a 3 X 3 inch (W x H) square with white background and black lettering. No printed date. Each certificate has a printed individual serial number of the knife.

A.G. Russell Limited Edition Certificate of Authenticity - These certificates were included in the Gerber Mark II A.G. Russell Limited Edition black box. It is a 3 X 3 inch (W x H) square with white background and black lettering. Each certificate has a printed individual serial number of the knife. No printed date. This COA was used in 2002.

70th. Anniversary Certificate of Authenticity - These certificates were included in the wood display case of the 70th. Anniversary (1939-2009) of the Gerber Legendary Blades Company. It is a 3 X 3 inch (W x H) square with white background and black lettering. There are several printings of the paper certificates. The Limited Edition version has a printed individual serial number of the knife. Others have just the letters GLB for Gerber Legendary Blades. These COA's were used in 2009.

I was also told of a COA that is a gray metal, laser etched plate with the exact lettering of the paper ones with the exception that there is no serial number line.

New Cordura Scabbard Tag - These small adhesive tags were stuck on to the orange box end labels. They are a small 1/2 X 1/4 inch (W x H) red tag with black lettering. No printed date. These tags were used in 1985 when Gerber switched to Cordura sheaths.

U.S.A. Tag - These small adhesive tags were stuck on to the blades of Mark II knives. They are a small 1/2 X 3/8 INCH (W x H) white tag with blue and red lettering. No printed date. These tags are found on 1985 to 1988 knives sold through Gerber dealers as well as some 1989-1990 knives sold through the Cutlery Shoppe.

Steel Heat Treat Tag - These adhesive tags were stuck on to some of the folding handle sharpening steels. It is a small 1-1/4 X 1/2 INCH (W x H) silver tag with blue lettering. No printed date. I'm guessing these tags are found on Sportsman's Steels somewhere around 1985 to 1988 as the one I have also has a USA tag on it.

Vietnam SAIGON POST Newspaper ad in the early years of the war. I'm pretty sure it was the Dec. 21, 1966 issue.

I don't know the date of this ad but from the Mark II price it's a very early ad.

This ad was placed by Frank Drew in the April 1967 issue of Guns & Ammo Magazine.

This ad was placed by Frank Drew in the June 1968 issue of Guns & Ammo Magazine.

This ad by Phoenix Assoc. was placed in the January 1978 issue of Soldier Of Fortune Magazine.

This ad by Phoenix Assoc. was placed in the June 1979 issue of Soldier Of Fortune Magazine.

This ad by the American Historical Foundation was placed in the Sept-Oct 1982 issue of Blade Magazine.

This ad by Gerber Legendary Blades, for the 20th. Anniversary Gerber MarkII, was placed in the September 1986 issue of Soldier Of Fortune Magazine.

This ad by Gerber Legendary Blades, for the 20th. Anniversary Gerber MarkII, was placed in the November 1986 issue of Soldier Of Fortune Magazine.

This ad by the Cutlery Shoppe, for the 20th. Anniversary Gerber MarkII, was placed in the December 1986 issue of Soldier Of Fortune Magazine.