Gerber Recalls Machetes with Stitched Sheaths Due to Laceration Hazard

Hazard

The Parang machete can cut through the stitching of the sheaths when the blade is taken from or replaced in the sheath, posing a laceration hazard.

Remedy

Consumers should immediately store the covered Parang machete in a safe area away from children. Contact Gerber Legendary Blades to receive a free replacement fully-riveted sheath.

Replace

Incidents & injuries

Gerber has received eight reports of lacerations to the user's hands or fingers, including three injuries that required stitches.

Product description

This recall involves stitched sheaths sold with curved blade Parang machetes. The stitched sheath is made of black nylon, with only stitching on the curved side. There are five rivets on the bottom of the sheath and two rivets bordering the strap on top. The machete measures 19.5 inches with a blade length of 13.5 inches. The sheath measures 16 inches long and 3.5 inches wide and has "GERBER" printed in gray and two Bear Grylls logos in orange. The machetes with sheaths were sold as a set or as part of Gerber's Apocalypse Survival Kit, which includes a Parang machete among other items in a foldable black cloth case with "GERBER" printed on the inside right. The model numbers are on the package. Model numbers are: 31-000698, 31-001507 and 31-002289. Model number 30-000601 is on the package for the Apocalypse Survival Kit. The stitched sheath is the only one of three styles of sheaths sold with the Parang machete included in this recall.

Sold on

Sporting goods stores nationwide and online from February 2012 through February 2013 for about $43 for the machete and sheath set, and $349 for the Survival Kit.

Contact the company

Gerber Legendary Blades toll-free at (877) 314-9130 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at www.gerbergear.com and click on "Product Notifications" at the bottom of the page.