Gerber Legendary Blades Recalls Machetes Due to Laceration Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Gerber(r) Gator(r) Machete and Gator(r) Machete Jr.

Units: About 149,000 Gator Machetes and 6,000 Gator Machetes Jr.

Importer: Gerber Legendary Blades, of Portland, Ore., a division of Fiskars Brands Inc., of Madison, Wis.

Hazard: The saw side of the machete can stick in wood during use, and if the user's hand slips off the handle and slides forward across the machete blade, this poses a laceration hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Gerber has received five reports of individuals cutting themselves while using the Gator Machete, all of whom required stitches. Gerber has received no reports of injuries associated with use of the Gator Machete Jr.

Description: This recall involves the Gerber Gator Machete and Gator Machete Jr. with the original handle (see picture below). The Gator Machete is approximately 25 1/2" long and the Machete Jr. is approximately 18 3/4" long. The blade is marked with the "Gerber" trademark. The Gator Machete and Machete Jr. with a modified handle (an extended hand guard) are not included in this recall (see picture in recall announcement). Consumers should visually inspect their machete to determine if it is included in this recall.

Sold at: Retail stores nationwide, including The Sportsman's Guide, Dick's Sporting Goods and Bass Pro Shops/American Rod & Gun, and through on-line stores from March 2007 through February 2010 for between $16 and $25.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled machetes immediately and contact Gerber to receive instructions on how to return the machete for a free replacement machete.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Gerber Legendary Blades toll-free at (877) 314-9130 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.gerbergear.com

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