I couldn't wait for Gerber to return mine so I bought a new (and improved) EAB folder.

In case you're waiting for yours to get back or are considering buying one, here are the revisions:

It's thicker overall. It looks like they've added a laminate layer of metal to the original design to make it wider. The gap the blade goes into is wider as well because of this. It's noticeably heavier and feels beefy. I have mixed feelings on this so far. I'm sure it's wider to accommodate...

The new finger guard. Originally it was just a bar but now it is wider, deeper, and slotted so that the blade safely rests inside. This prevents the rear of the blade from coming our and cutting into your index finger as was happening with the original.

The other thing which was changed was instead of a recessed Phillips set screw, it's now a protruding flat head screw with a wide slot. I can finally change blades on the fly with a dime.

I can't remember if my original one was like this but it now looks like the belt clip can be removed if that's what you prefer...could make the whole thing more slim if you don't need the clip.

I'll put a picture up tomorrow.

PS: The fingernail notch is gone on this new model but the protruding screw allows you to open the knife one handed...nice!

Thanks for the review!

I've been looking at the new EAB in the blister package, but couldn't decide if it was worthwhile. It certainly looks safer. If it's thicker and heavier, it may be more usable but less comfortable to carry.

Meanwhile I need to return my original one. (Wish they'd done it right the first time.)

Hi Hacksaw,

I also bought a Gerber EAB today, they are on sale at Canadian Tire for $9.99 (40% off the reg. $16.99).

This is the first one I have handled and I bought it because it does not look like a knife when closed (my wife thought it was a tool or a car starter). I do not know what purpose I am going to carry it for yet, it may just end up in my shaving kit for a spare when I travel out of town.

I think it was just the cool design that attracted me to it.

I also picked up a Victorinox large size, locking blade Rucksack for $20.00 (less than half price) from the sale bin. No one-hand opening but still a good back-up field knife.

Mike

I picked mine up at Canadian Tire on sale too! Sale is on until Oct. 25 for those of you north of the border!

I carry mine as a money clip because where I work weapons aren't allowed and knife=weapon to security.

So far I haven't noticed any appreciable difference in size over the original while it's rattling around in my pocket with my wallet and USB memory key. I'm really loving being able to open it one handed thanks to the new set screw.

I broke down and bought the new version too. Even though it's a third thicker, it seems invisible in my jeans pocket because it's wide and flat. It's a lot safer too, you can use a variety of grips that would be foolhardy with the original. Definitely worth the upgrade.