Gerber Fastball Review: MagnaCut Makes a Difference

We got our hands on the original Gerber Fastball back in 2019. More than six years later, I still use that knife on a regular basis. Now, there’s a new MagnaCut version to consider as well. In this review, I’ll share why the design makes it such a solid go-to EDC and help you decide which version is the best for your needs.

Gerber Fastball Blade

S30V vs MagnaCut Blade Steel

The original Fastball uses Crucible Industries’ S30V steel and black oxide coating for the blade. As one of the early “super steel” members, S30V strikes a balance of solid corrosion resistance with moderate toughness, edge retention, and sharpening ease.

Gerber has a bit of magic in their grind with the S30V steel, though. The Fastball seems to hold its edge better than other knives I have that use the same steel.

MagnaCut steel is also from Crucible Industries and has been enjoying wide acceptance as a blade steel. Not only is it showing up on EDC pocket knives, but even kitchen cutlery like my Montana Knife Company Meat Church Chef Knife features it.

MagnaCut is known as being a well-balanced steel for premium knives, highlighted by its exceptional corrosion resistance.

Here’s how Blade HQ quantifies both steel’s characteristics:

As you can see, MagnaCut’s profile is a clear upgrade from S30V. Significantly tougher with better corrosion resistance is great. But wrapping that in with easier sharpening? It’s no wonder so many knife enthusiasts love MagnaCut steel!

Blade Size and Shape

Gerber shapes their steel into what they call a Wharncliffe blade. However, there’s a slight belly in the blade that makes it more of a hybrid between a true Wharncliffe and a modified drop point.

Regardless of what we’re calling it, the design is beautifully functional with excellent piercing characteristics. It daily tackles the chores of opening and breaking down cardboard boxes, opening the mail, cutting into clamshell packaging (the piercing tip is excellent for that!), and whatever else the day tosses my way.

On a blade design like this, the tip is particularly vulnerable to breaking. It’s another reason why I really like the MagnaCut’s higher toughness rating.

Bearing Assisted Deployment

Gerber opts for a bearing-assisted, finger flipper for deployment. It’s an excellent combination of quick opening and cost-efficiency.

Gerber’s B.O.S.S. Tech bearing system lets you open it nearly as fast as a spring-assisted knife, it’s butter smooth, and you save a little on the purchase price. Plus, the 3-inch blade has enough mass to open with ease every time.

Gerber Fastball Handle

Aircraft Aluminum

The Fastball’s handle is made from aircraft aluminum and has a few color options. It’s a good utilitarian material that stands up to most of what you throw at it.

The negative for some people is that it’s slick, making it tougher to grip when your hands are sweaty or greasy. Jimping on the lock and flipper helps keep your finger from sliding forward to the edge, however, there’s no jimping on the top of the blade spine itself.

3 Clip Positions

The clip comes pre-installed in the tip-up position for right-handed use. You can also flip it to tip-down on the same side or tip-up for lefties. There’s no tip-down position for left-handed use.

The clip sits reasonably deep on your pocket, but it’s not going to make it virtually invisible while you’re carrying it. However, it’s a good strong clip that holds well with enough curve to slip onto your pocket without any trouble.

Gerber Fastball Liner Lock

The Fastball’s liner lock works like almost every other liner lock, but engages the blade better than most of the ones I carry. Right out of the box, it fully seats in the center of the blade rather than on the short side where most of my liner locks sit.

I’ve never had a liner lock fail on me (or a frame lock for that matter), but I really like the confidence and security that a well-centered lock offers.

Should You Buy It?

The Gerber Fastball’s size and blade shape make it a highly functional EDC that’s a solid choice for everyday tasks and outdoor adventures. Plus, it’s a Made in the USA product. With how often I reach for it, it’s less a question of if you should own one and more about which blade steel is right for you.

The S30V versions are excellent. After all, that’s what I’ve been using for the past six years.

But if you can swing the extra $25, the MagnCut Fastball is exceptional, and I highly recommend going that route for the best overall experience.

Like what you see? The S30V models run $134.99 – $139.99, and the MagnaCut model is $159.99. There’s also a cleaver version that’s $179.99 – $184.99. They’re all backed by Gerber’s lifetime warranty.

Gerber Fastball Specifications

• Blade Steel: S30V or MagnaCut
• Blade Design: Wharncliffe
• Deployment: Bearing-assisted finger flipper
• Handle Material: Aluminum
• Overall Length: 7.1″
• Blade Length: 3.0″
• Weight: 2.7 ounces