Just wondering what the pros opinions are on this survival knife from Gerber. Blade is 420 HC and the price of under $100 sounds great if the overall quality is sound. Anybody have any experience with it or care to comment on it's overall usefulness. Many fine choices out there and would be great to find a knife like this that will not break the bank.
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Gerber strongarm
- Thread starter mauser9
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These go for anywhere from $47.42 to $86. I could see getting one under $50 (ebay), but if it is going to cost a lot more than that I think there are better choices, like the Becker BK16 ($68) that has an excellent reputation as a field knife.
However, I do get that the Strongarm is a neat package with the locking sheath and all that. Gerber is more of a company making attractive consumer products rather than designs built for their usefulness, but the Strongarm might be a step in the right direction. It really depends on whether the blade has a useful grind or is too thick. Schrade has a few knives in this class, as does SOG.
For less "tactical" offerings, look to Scandinavian brands like Enzo, Ahti, Marttinni, Helle, etc for super functional knives are reasonable prices.
However, I do get that the Strongarm is a neat package with the locking sheath and all that. Gerber is more of a company making attractive consumer products rather than designs built for their usefulness, but the Strongarm might be a step in the right direction. It really depends on whether the blade has a useful grind or is too thick. Schrade has a few knives in this class, as does SOG.
For less "tactical" offerings, look to Scandinavian brands like Enzo, Ahti, Marttinni, Helle, etc for super functional knives are reasonable prices.
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IMO, a good knife for the $$$. My son and I each have one. I have used it on beach hikes, car camping, food prep, general purpose stuff. For it's design, it does do well in the hand for very basic wood carving, bushcraft you stuff. Not as comfortable as a mora, but the Strongarm is not trying to compete with a pure bushcraft knives.The 420 is, IMO, as good as the Buck stuff. Sheath is handy and works well.
I like mine and plan to buy a couple more to add to my stock of "knives that companies make that are pretty good but discontinue" box.( original gerber yari, for example!).
Good knife...go for it !
Can be found in black with plain edge for less that 60 shipped.
I like mine and plan to buy a couple more to add to my stock of "knives that companies make that are pretty good but discontinue" box.( original gerber yari, for example!).
Good knife...go for it !
Can be found in black with plain edge for less that 60 shipped.
Tenbeers
Gold Member
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If you go by folks who have actually used the knife it is very well done. Gerber knows how to get the most out of 420. Watch the gauntlet reviews on YouTube. They beat the hell out of it and it is still in use by the original purchaser. You'll probably get suggestions for knives that offer better cutting/slicing ability but I'd bet there aren't many who can "out tough" it for the money.
Don't let steel snobs deter you. In the real world the 420 steel will do all you would probably ever need in overall performance, especially in terms of durability. At the average price level for the SA you can add a mora and still be well under $100. You'd be covered for about any situation possible IMHO.
Don't let steel snobs deter you. In the real world the 420 steel will do all you would probably ever need in overall performance, especially in terms of durability. At the average price level for the SA you can add a mora and still be well under $100. You'd be covered for about any situation possible IMHO.
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Everything I've seen indicates that it's a solid knife, but I wouldn't pay anywhere close to $100 for it. At that price you open up the door to designs and steels that I strongly prefer. For around $50 it seems like a reasonable option, though, at that price, I would probably lean towards one of the Brian Griffin designed Schrades or, if stainless is a must, a Buck Selkirk.
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I'm a big fan. There are a few nits to pick about it, but the design is very, very nice for a general purpose field knife.
Thanks for the feedback and opinions. Was a bit surprised by the low cost and a bit skeptical as well as pleased. As I said trying to start a small but "Quality" collection and have been browsing the forum as well as checking out the offerings from different manufacturers. Realize the cost of superior steels models are often higher but some with the 420 HC are often more affordable and quite durable. Some great choices out there and this newbie is having a blast checkin em out.