First Production
The first Gerber Guardian II knives were designed by the R.W. Loveless Company and produced in 1982. Those earliest versions were black sheath-style knives, nearly a foot in length with 6 3/4 inch blades. The knives featured both boot and belt clips for easy carrying.
Camouflage Introduced
Beginning in 1983 through 1987, the Gerber Guardian II knives were produced with black blades and several different handle covers including camouflage and black handles. Starting in 1988 and for the next three years, the company produced the knives with a Cordura nylon sheath made specifically for Gerber by the Dupont Corporation.
Blade Change
In 1992, Loveless introduced a major change in blade materials as it began producing stainless steel, double-edge blades for the Gerber Guardian II Knife collection. Changes in the knife handle were also made, now being covered with a Santoprene nylon handle, a model which was still being produced in 2010.