Gerber seems to use 420 on their entry level blades. Something about their heat treat makes it particularly tough to put a good edge on (though as you grind deeper into the blade the steel actually improves).

The better models use a 440A, which is much nicer to work with. It's still fairly soft, so you can expect to sharpen often. But the steel responds quickly and takes a decent edge. I don't mind it for a working blade. YMMV.