The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·13209·Announced 2013-06-06

Gerber Recalls Bear Grylls Parang Machetes with Stitched Sheaths

Gerber is recalling Bear Grylls Parang Machetes with stitched sheaths because the blade can cut through the stitching, posing a laceration hazard.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (machete) with reported injuries (lacerations requiring stitches), but no deaths or serious injuries are reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for injury reports without fatalities.

Plain-English summary

Gerber Legendary Blades is recalling Bear Grylls Parang Machetes with stitched sheaths. The recall involves about 80,000 units sold in the U.S. and 11,000 in Canada. The specific hazard is that the machete blade can cut through the stitching of the black nylon sheath when the blade is removed or replaced, which poses a laceration hazard to the user.

Gerber has received eight reports of lacerations to users' hands or fingers, including three injuries that required stitches. The affected products were sold as a set or as part of the Gerber Apocalypse Survival Kit from February 2012 through February 2013. The machetes were sold at sporting goods stores nationwide and online for approximately $43 for the set and $349 for the Survival Kit. Model numbers include 31-000698, 31-001507, 31-002289, and 30-000601.

Consumers should immediately store the covered Parang machete in a safe area away from children. To receive a free replacement fully-riveted sheath, consumers should contact Gerber Legendary Blades toll-free at (877) 314-9130 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit www.gerbergear.com and click on "Product Notifications".

The recalled product

Product
Gerber® Bear Grylls Parang Machete with stitched sheaths
Affected units
80,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.