# Cleaver-Style Pocket Knives The Gerber Flatiron is the First Affordable Knife of Its Kind By Justin Lam | Published 2018-07-06 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gerber-flatiron References: [hiconsumption](http://hiconsumption.com/2018/02/gerber-flatiron-folding-knife/) & [gerbergear](https://www.gerbergear.com/Activity/EVERYDAY/Flatiron-Grey_30-001494) [Cleaver](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aluminum-keyboard)-style knife blades are starting to become more popular in the [EDC](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allmetal-pocket-knife) community and the [Gerber](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gerber-terracraft-micarta) Flatiron is a perfect entry into the unique knife shape. Sporting a robust and uncommon blade, the Gerber Flatiron introduces the cleaver style to a larger market and showcases just how useful this blade shape can be. The blade itself measures in at 3.6 inches and features a stonewash finish on 3CrMoV steel. A thumb hole is milled into the blade and makes opening fairly simple and convenient. Two versions of the Gerber Flatiron are currently available; one with tan G10 scales and the other in a black anodized aluminum. A frame lock holds the blade in place when open and an overtravel nub stops users from bending the lock when closing the blade. The pocket clip is also new for Gerber and incredibly low-profile and is set in the tip-up position when in the pocket. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 59% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Cleaver-style Knife Blades:** Cleaver-style knife blades are gaining popularity in the EDC community, presenting an opportunity for knife manufacturers to create unique and innovative designs. - **EDC Community:** The EDC (Everyday Carry) community is growing, creating a demand for versatile and functional tools, such as the Gerber Flatiron pocket knife. - **Thumb Hole Opening:** Thumb hole openings in knife blades offer a convenient and user-friendly way of opening the knife, providing an opportunity for knife manufacturers to incorporate this feature into their designs. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Knife Manufacturing:** The knife manufacturing industry has the potential to capitalize on the rising popularity of cleaver-style knife blades, by introducing affordable and functional models like the Gerber Flatiron. - **Outdoor and Adventure Gear:** The outdoor and adventure gear industry can incorporate cleaver-style pocket knives into their product offerings, catering to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts who value versatility and durability in their tools. - **E-commerce Retail:** E-commerce retailers can tap into the demand for EDC tools like pocket knives by offering a wide range of options, including knives with thumb hole openings, to cater to the preferences of different customers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Oversized Blade EDC Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cjrb-cutlery-tigris-folding-knife.md) - [Intuitive Safety Pocket Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leatherman-blazer.md) - [Chromatic Aluminum Pocket Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wesn-x-glidr-microblade.md) - [Small-Batch American EDC Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gerber-terracraft-micarta.md) - [Limited-Edition EDC Pocket Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crkt-facet-viral.md) - [Celebratory Pocket Knife Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gerber-savvy-back-on-black.md) - [Minimalist EDC Pocket Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-james-brand-the-ellis-slim.md) - [Pocket Utility Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elementum-ii.md) - [Minimalist EDC Pocket Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-james-brand-the-wells.md)