I've been sold on the Strongarm for years. The sheath alone makes it a standout among production knives, especially in that price range. But the overall toughness and utility are big selling points as well. Not only do I have one' I've given them as gifts, especially to my family and friends in the military.
LOL 😂 I do the same thing , I've owned 3 and give them away as gifts. Now I only have the Prodigy fine edge Walmart exclusive which is now discontinued. I love the Strongarm and miss it , so I'm sure I'll buy another cause its way better than the Prodigy . I used like the Prodigy more but the handle gets really slick and damages easy its to soft. Also the sheath SUCKS it dulls the knife , its the worst sheath it must have glass filled nylon cause it ruins the edge after two or three pulls. I agree with ya, the Strongarm is the best deal for a full package midrange knife its unbeatable for the price.
The Prodigy fine edge is still available at some Walmart's and it cheaper than the Strongarm which was meant to be sold for $50 but I always see it for $69.00 and I think the Prodigy is a better value for the price.
7:23 Literally the first thing I did with my new prodigy last month (after sharpening it), was use the knife to cut off the 2nd retention strap that is closest to the sheath lol. It's completely unnecessary given the already solid retention of the sheath itself + the top strap. It just gets in the way.
Hi Brian. Both are great knives, been using my Strongarm as a general purpose bush craft knife for a few months now and it's doing great. I swap it out with my Schrade SCHF36 and both have been taking a beating without an issue. Gave my Prodigy to the wife to use as her camp and bush craft knife and she loves it. Greetings from Prague
I have the Strongarm, LMF and Ultimate. All great blades. Carry the Strongarm in a kydex sheath. I also wrap the handles in camoform for a more comfortable grip. Always enjoy your reviews. Good information.
THANK YOU FOR THE NICE REVIEW BRYAN. I EDC MY STRONG ARM. I LOVE IT . I ALWAYS SEE OTHER KNIVES THAT I'M THINKING OF BUYING, THEN I SEE ANOTHER REVIEW LIKE THIS ON THE STRONG ARM, AND I SAY, WHY BOTHER, WHEN I ALREADY HAVE A GREAT KNIFE THAT CAN DO IT ALL. THANKS AGAIN. STAY SAFE.
Thank you for the great videos, Brian. After watching this one and the Gauntlet series I finally chased down a black fine edge StrongArm. I like everything about this knife and sheath. It's Gerber's best offering thus far.
I picked up a Gerber Prodigy (Tan edition) in a knife shop and it has a sharper in the sheath and on the handle a hammer/ glass breaker on the pommel. I really like doing " knife stuff" with it. I look forward to getting the strong arm. Thanks for the video
Good comparison review. The main reason I'm buying one each of these knives is to shave fat lightered and kindling with one and use the other as a back country camp kitchen knife. Each looks like a good choice for backpacking and ocassional small game and fish cleaning.
Thanks for another great review. The bad thing is that watching your reviews gives me the urge to by more knives which equates to trouble with the 'wifey' ,and usually, she comes out saying, "Are you watching that guy again? You better not be thinking about buying another one!". Lol
@@SurvivalOnPurpose Hello I have been whatching your channel for several years now I really enjoy the videos you do! I bought a Gerber strongarm knife a few days ago do you know what type of material is used to make the sheath?
Hi Bryan. After the "gauntlet" series I bought the black version of the Gerber Strongarm and loved it so much I ordered the coyote one the very next week. To this day and depending on what pack I carry one of these knives is secured to the pack, either using the molle's or affixed with 550. However, I did a modification on both sheaths as I did not trust the one snap to secure the knife. I used one inch Gorilla tape to secure the fabric and the plastic part of the sheath together. The mod is barely visible on the coyote but invisible on the black model. Three years of intensive use and abuse (normal) the mod has held the sheath intact. Both knives have retained their sharpness with an occasional attention using a Smith PP1 sharpener which is always in my ditty bag. My favorite knife used to be a Schrade SCHF 9 which I refer to as my "Chef Nine." I do miss the chopping capability of it which the Strongarm is not noted for; however, can be accomplished using a woven 550 lanyard attached. BTW one Gerber folding knife I've used that was surprisingly impressive is Bear Gryll's folding knife in the black nylon sheath and contains the small folded survival guide. I bought it as a prop for a joke on a buddy but ended up keeping and using it around camp. I prefer my blades to be all blades, no serrations; however, this Gerber can slice rope, meat (thick steak) and small tree limbs with ease.
I have The strong-arm. Great Knife! I always wished that Gerber would have made a version of this knife with a little longer blade(atleast 7 inches) Better for chopping! But otherwise it still does The Job! A Great Knife! Thanks Brian for The Video.
I have quite a number of Gerber Knives. I don't have any of these knives, although I did buy a Gerber LMF. I really liked the sheath for the LMF or should I refer to it as a sheath system. I liked this knife so much that I went out and bought a second LMF, both are in black. They are truly versatile knives. It's my personal feeling that when a knife comes with 2 straps to secure the handle in the sheath. It is probably a knife designed with the hope or intention that it will be adopted for military use. So they put the two straps on so it can be used as a jump knife. There's not a lot of choices for that type of application. But you are so right, the 2 strap sheaths really make fast insertion of the knife into the sheath a slower maneuver. And you have to be careful not to damage the straps with the knife blade as you put it back in the sheath. Another great review of two very well made, versatile, hard working blades. I always look forward to the balance test, thanks so much.
Great Review Bryan ... I have both knives and both are great all around multipurpose knives.... Now if I can convince my wife of the “One is none and two is one” philosophy that will be great!
I pair my fine edge Prodigy with an Esee 6, Buck large Stockman and a old Boker carbon camp knife. The Prodigy ends up being a companion/general purpose blade getting the most use for smaller task and general cutting along with cutting food. The buck is used exclusively for game processing along with the esee and the buck occasionally gets some whittling use but the Boker gets the bulk of the whittling. The esee is just the big processing knife used for the beefy task. I know the gerber could probably do the same things but I find I prefer using it as the abuse knife for the majority of cutting task because it is easy to sharpen and easy enough to keep on a belt.
strongarm is a beast. I have one and it will survive anything. edge retention ain't that great and sharpening it isn't very easy either. but it will never break on you. I hand sharpened a convex grind on it and it carves a bit better now
Great video, Bryan! I enjoy some of the fancier steels sometimes but you just can't beat these for good, tough workers AND made here! I picked up a couple of prodigy models- 1 like yours- one tanto- The tanto is also a hell of a worker. Great focus on value and utility!!
As I was watching you cut those fat wood curls I was thinking "I wish he would use the spine of the knife to see how it did". 2 seconds later you did exactly what I was hoping for. Great job and video as usual. If I didn't already have a few different knives that are in the same class as this Gerber, I would probably get one.
Thank you for clearing this up .I bought a prodigy thinking it was a strong arm ..it's all good we are all knife people. I was looking for something smaller than my cold steel . There is a after market sheath for prodigy
It is thick and has a geometry made for prying,rather than to cut and slice. It feels a bit plasticky, but it is well balanced and deosn't feel very heavy in the hand. It is a great knife, for an urban survival situation or for police special forces. It's not a bad knife and it's steel performs ok. If you want it for your collection,it is more than good,for a survival-tactical knife collection.If you want it ,for use , in the field as a bushcraft knife,you can find more suitable and better knives, at lower cost,for that kind of use. Hope this comment helps you decide
I like the knife with the all regular blade as I don't like serrated blades and I only have one tool with a serrated blade on it and that is the multi-tool from Gerber which I have in my backpack.
I own both, plain edge. I re-profiled each to 20 degrees, made them slice better. The Strongarm seems better built, better sheath, also heat treat seems better? Prodigy edge rolled out of the box. I flattened the pommel "point" a bit. I put both in pocket leather sheaths. You can't go wrong with either one. I just got the Cold Steel SRK compact in mail today ~$40 shipped. I need to do some "stump top" stuff on it :-) Thanks!!!!
Decent comparison,Brian the prodigy knife now is getting harder to find now days, Walmart is always out of on them,I believe they are discontinuing them,I'm getting one an a Strongarm but definitely a prodigy before they disappear an price goes way up,thanks again
I have the prodigy, an absolutely love it, Brain I know they have been out a few days,lol but would love to see you start the same challege you guys did with the strongarm, doing the prodigy's an the L.M.F. Gerber has an absolute fantastic warranty, thanks sir, an all out there stay safe!
Nice review and some good knives. Thanks, Brian. BTW, the link you mentioned for the top right part of the screen isn't showing for Magnesson's (SP?) review.
I bought the StrongArm just for giggles. I don't know like the sheath because of all the snaps that could pop loose plus the knife just wasn't that sharp. I can sew the sheath together or order a leather one. It is cheap enough steel that it should be easy to sharpen up and the knife will be just fine then. The other knife I bought was another Buck knife for around the same price. Doesn't look as "cool" but is sharp right out of the box and the sheath is ready to go and the knife is actually sharpened.
Today is Xmas and guess what ? 😁 yes sir I now have the proilgy and the Armstrong. Can't wait to strap it on and head to the woods. This is an Awsome review on this Armstrong. Thanks for taken the time to share the review. Oh and Merry Xmas from Kentucky land between the lakes. PS I also got a sog super bowie for Xmas to. But doubt I'll find a good review on it because it was so expensive
Thanks for the review! I normally prefer wood handled bushcraft knives and leather sheaths. But these blades caught my attention. Not quite convinced yet Gerber has a ways to go to really get me on board.
ENTERTAINING he says------. Your Videos are always ENTERTAINING Bryan, Loved the quick SOCIAL DISTANCING moves when that knife was coming back at you. I've been doing a bit of the TWO-STEP quick step in the Supermarkets myself, LOL. Keep well.
It seems like everyone loves to hate the Prodigy. Mine does what I need it to do. Does it excel at any individual task? No. Does it do everything that I need it to do? Yes. Mine is the plain edge version and I can keep it shaving sharp in the field. I use it while camping and backpacking, and it just needs to open bags of charcoal, whittle small sticks and prep food. I don't understand why it seems like every reviewer denigrates this knife. I recommend it.
Hey Bryan ! I have the prodigy (no serrations) in the coyote brown. It's my "go to" hiking knife. I gotta agree with you about the sheathes though. The Strongarm gets the win on the sheath, and I'm considering getting one for that very reason and selling my prodigy. They are both awesome knives though.
I have several of each there great knives my favorite full tangs I like when you said if you don't like what I do to my knives don't do it to urs lol America needs more of that lol
I like the proilgy. I put it thrugh hell. It holds an edge and sharpens up good. Its definitely better than the older bear grills knife. Awsome job reviewing these knives. More realistic test than trying to chop thrugh bricks and steel. Thanks for sharing and God bless 🇺🇸
Strong arm is good, but I'll take the prodigy. I have both, my prodigy's (have 2) has coyote brown handle and non serrated blades. Sheaths on both are ehh, they work, one day I'll make a leather or kydex sheath for them.
I had a multi tool of theirs a gift an emailed them on getting a replacement saw for the tool, I recieved one email asking when an where purchanced, It was a gift an I explained that an roughly the year "95" an in a week I receieved a brand new multi tool, with sheath/pouch, an could not of been more pleased!
Is either sheath usable for left handers? I have the Principle, and like it a lot, but the sheath is useless for me because it's only right handed, unless I want to carry it behind me and sideways, which I don't.
Bryan, nothin' wrong with those feathers from what I see. Now, if I can get as good as you at the "balance" test, I'll be doin' well!! Thanks for another very good review!!
Not long got my Strongarm I’m liking it so far but I’ll tell you the sheath is Amazing and I’m thinking if GERBER would use the same sheath with all their knifes from now on!!! They would ingress they sale 100 fold and Start using some Really good Steel for their knifes Mate! I for one would buy way more Blades!…. Just my View
I own both but I prefer the Prodigy over the Strongarm. I like the grip and sheath on the Prodigy better and you can still get fine edge Prodigys at Walmart for $50.
I’ve never used a prodigy but I think I’d prefer the strongarm in most regards. I like how the texture on the grip is less defined on the prodigy - the grip on the strongarm can give some gnarly blisters after heavy use without gloves on. But overall, they seem like very similar blades. I prefer the shape of the grip on the strongarm, as well as the sheath. The sheath for the prodigy seems like a bit of a pain to deal with.
I have the prodigy in fine edge I bought at Wal-Mart for around 50 bucks I was surprised at how good it was for the price it has since became my wife's gardening and around house knife the sheath is a beast though .
Hello Bryan, thanks for the video. I know that my question will be quite objective but could you give me your preference on either the Tops Backpacker Bowie or the Gerber Strongarm? I appreciate all that you do either way so thanks again.
Im not Bryan, but I would go with the Gerber. It's proven, tough, & durable. Plus, you would'nt need to worry about handle scales getting loose. +, it's a little less $. But they are both great knives. I still carry the tan prodigy. 🖒.
I’ve always preferred fine edged blades, for me I’ve never needed the serrated edge except for a few times, the serrated edge just seems to be more trouble than good
I just might get the strong arm. I wish there was a way for me to look at it first. I’ve bought so many knives I ended up not liking. ( not just from gerber)
Hey brother just wanted to share a great deal I seen. The Ontario Blackbird SK5 original with green micarta scales is on EBay for only $89 . Two different sellers have them for new ....I've been knife junky for many years and I gotta say the SK5 in CM154 for $89 is an awesome deal. I have stopped using all my other knives since buying mine last year. The knife started to grow on me esp the full flat grind which makes a perfect all around camp/bushcraft knife . Anyways the older micarta scale version is very hard to find so I thought I'd share it with ya. Maybe ya know some other knife addicted junky who's always wanted one. They usually sale for $115 so at $89 IMHO there isn't a better knife in that range.
Hey there! If you remember? I was telling you back then about the Ka-Bar Mark 1 with Kraton, being my favorite, for the same reasons you describe on this comment! The Blackbird is on 154 CM not a CPM steel. The best full flat grind drop point knife, with CPM 154 with cryo at 60 hrc, is the Manly Drugar! That knife, has the best blade geometry I have ever seen, on any knife. Their heat treatment is also some of the best I've seen, since the edge is so thin but I never had any chip or micro roll on the edge. They also hold their sharpness really really long! That flat grind blade, digs into wood, better than any scandi edge I have tested. They also slice like crazy as you can imagine! Only thing I regreted, is that I got it with G10 and not Walnut scales (walnut, seem just a hair thicker scales too) There are some pictures, you can find on blade forums, that show the details on the Drugar. It never ends! I always find a better knife. For example, the best handle IMHO is on the Lionsteel M4. Only problem with that knife, is that it is very thick behind the edge, while the Drugar, might not have that great handle but it is probably the thinest behind the edge flat grind blade on that style of knives, that also has a better heat treatment on the steel. I recently got a handforged knife, made with ballbearing steel. Just mentioned this too, because I found the most magic steel I have ever worked with! Ballbearing steel! Hope you and your family are well! Stay safe brother,Apocalypse is here.
i picked up 2 Gerber Strongarm for the price of 1, both in OD Green . one of the best deals i found to date . great knives , happy i bought them . i like the grip of the Prodigy , but i'm not a fan of serrated blades .
I think,that the Strongarm comes out in Coyote Brown and Black colour.Are you sure,you got an original Gerber? Are sure,that these are not Chinese copies of the Gerber Strongarm? I just goggled it and I didn't find any OD Green Strongarm.
@@SurvivalOnPurpose . . . i have not seen them in that color anywhere else . only black or flat dark earth/tan . cost $23.80 each . Gearbest . i have been back to the site and they are not offered anymore .
@@greekveteran2715 . . . well they are marked exactly as the black and coyote , same sheath exactly . Brian says they may be a special edition versions . i can't really know for sure . but so far i have zero complaints on them . they were razor sharp out of the box . and i compared them to one a buddy has and can find no difference .
Bought my prodigy at walmart. It has the straight edge, sort of. From the tip back about 1", the angle grind is much greater on one side of the blade than the other. It would neither shave the hair on my arm or cut paper.
Strong arm was the first Gerber I bought since the mid 90s. I was surprised it was as good as it was . Later decided to regrind it to convex to make it a bit more slicey.
Full convex or just the factory sharpened bevel? How things turned out? Did the result, pay out the time you spent to do it? I also think,to do the same, Thanks in advance
I get that Gerber is trying to keep it budget friendly but I wish they would offer the Strongarm in 1095 steel as well. Also maybe make a full size one with a 7 1/2” blade would be cool too. Great review as always. Thx!
My son was an army airborne trooper for 7 years. He loved the Prodigy. He said the serrations really came in handy.
The StrongArm brought people back to Gerber. It's decent.
I've been sold on the Strongarm for years. The sheath alone makes it a standout among production knives, especially in that price range. But the overall toughness and utility are big selling points as well. Not only do I have one' I've given them as gifts, especially to my family and friends in the military.
LOL 😂 I do the same thing , I've owned 3 and give them away as gifts. Now I only have the Prodigy fine edge Walmart exclusive which is now discontinued. I love the Strongarm and miss it , so I'm sure I'll buy another cause its way better than the Prodigy . I used like the Prodigy more but the handle gets really slick and damages easy its to soft.
Also the sheath SUCKS it dulls the knife , its the worst sheath it must have glass filled nylon cause it ruins the edge after two or three pulls.
I agree with ya, the Strongarm is the best deal for a full package midrange knife its unbeatable for the price.
You can get good blades; you can get good sheathes... but very rarely does a good blade come with a good sheath lol
Magnus Andersson is a master with his Gerber Prodigy .But I agree I also like strongarm better .Regards from Norway .
The Prodigy fine edge is still available at some Walmart's and it cheaper than the Strongarm which was meant to be sold for $50 but I always see it for $69.00 and I think the Prodigy is a better value for the price.
The Prodigy is a better value. They're virtually the same knife!
I was gonna say they made a prodigy fine edge. Would be a better comparison
The Strongarm gets my vote. I prefer the fine edge, blade shape & sheath.
Yeah but I read the reviews and I guess it rusts easier than other knifes
Hi Brian
I've had my Strong Arm for about six months now. Absolutely love it. It's a fantastic knife.
Thanks for a great video 👍
Great to hear!
Definitely appreciated! And USA made.
Thank you again, Bryan!
Knives, Fatwood and the Balance Test. A winning combo for any video! Thanks Mr. Bryan.
7:23 Literally the first thing I did with my new prodigy last month (after sharpening it), was use the knife to cut off the 2nd retention strap that is closest to the sheath lol. It's completely unnecessary given the already solid retention of the sheath itself + the top strap. It just gets in the way.
Hi Brian.
Both are great knives, been using my Strongarm as a general purpose bush craft knife for a few months now and it's doing great.
I swap it out with my Schrade SCHF36 and both have been taking a beating without an issue.
Gave my Prodigy to the wife to use as her camp and bush craft knife and she loves it.
Greetings from Prague
I have the Strongarm, LMF and Ultimate. All great blades. Carry the Strongarm in a kydex sheath. I also wrap the handles in camoform for a more comfortable grip. Always enjoy your reviews. Good information.
THANK YOU FOR THE NICE REVIEW BRYAN. I EDC MY STRONG ARM. I LOVE IT . I ALWAYS SEE OTHER KNIVES THAT I'M THINKING OF BUYING, THEN I SEE ANOTHER REVIEW LIKE THIS ON THE STRONG ARM, AND I SAY, WHY BOTHER, WHEN I ALREADY HAVE A GREAT KNIFE THAT CAN DO IT ALL. THANKS AGAIN. STAY SAFE.
It's a workhorse
Thank you for the great videos, Brian. After watching this one and the Gauntlet series I finally chased down a black fine edge StrongArm. I like everything about this knife and sheath. It's Gerber's best offering thus far.
I picked up a Gerber Prodigy (Tan edition) in a knife shop and it has a sharper in the sheath and on the handle a hammer/ glass breaker on the pommel. I really like doing " knife stuff" with it. I look forward to getting the strong arm. Thanks for the video
Cool
I prefer the straight edge prodigy myself, but strong arm is very good. First Gerbers I have bought in a long time.
Love my Strongarm. Someone stole my first one so had to buy a second. Still love it.
biummer
Good comparison review. The main reason I'm buying one each of these knives is to shave fat lightered and kindling with one and use the other as a back country camp kitchen knife. Each looks like a good choice for backpacking and ocassional small game and fish cleaning.
"If you don't like it, Don't do it"!
That's almost as good as
"Survival is not an Accident"
Thanks for another great review. The bad thing is that watching your reviews gives me the urge to by more knives which equates to trouble with the 'wifey' ,and usually, she comes out saying, "Are you watching that guy again? You better not be thinking about buying another one!". Lol
When asked how many knives (or guitars) does one person need, the correct asnswer is "just one more" ;-)
@@SurvivalOnPurpose tell that to my wife.....
@@SurvivalOnPurpose Hello I have been whatching your channel for several years now I really enjoy the videos you do!
I bought a Gerber strongarm knife a few days ago do you know what type of material is used to make the sheath?
Hi Bryan. After the "gauntlet" series I bought the black version of the Gerber Strongarm and loved it so much I ordered the coyote one the very next week. To this day and depending on what pack I carry one of these knives is secured to the pack, either using the molle's or affixed with 550. However, I did a modification on both sheaths as I did not trust the one snap to secure the knife. I used one inch Gorilla tape to secure the fabric and the plastic part of the sheath together. The mod is barely visible on the coyote but invisible on the black model. Three years of intensive use and abuse (normal) the mod has held the sheath intact. Both knives have retained their sharpness with an occasional attention using a Smith PP1 sharpener which is always in my ditty bag. My favorite knife used to be a Schrade SCHF 9 which I refer to as my "Chef Nine." I do miss the chopping capability of it which the Strongarm is not noted for; however, can be accomplished using a woven 550 lanyard attached. BTW one Gerber folding knife I've used that was surprisingly impressive is Bear Gryll's folding knife in the black nylon sheath and contains the small folded survival guide. I bought it as a prop for a joke on a buddy but ended up keeping and using it around camp. I prefer my blades to be all blades, no serrations; however, this Gerber can slice rope, meat (thick steak) and small tree limbs with ease.
very cool
Brian, I always like your videos. Really love your comparison videos more especailly when they are American products!!! Keep it up.
I have The strong-arm. Great Knife! I always wished that Gerber would have made a version of this knife with a little longer blade(atleast 7 inches) Better for chopping! But otherwise it still does The Job! A Great Knife! Thanks Brian for The Video.
I have quite a number of Gerber Knives. I don't have any of these knives, although I did buy a Gerber LMF. I really liked the sheath for the LMF or should I refer to it as a sheath system. I liked this knife so much that I went out and bought a second LMF, both are in black. They are truly versatile knives.
It's my personal feeling that when a knife comes with 2 straps to secure the handle in the sheath. It is probably a knife designed with the hope or intention that it will be adopted for military use. So they put the two straps on so it can be used as a jump knife. There's not a lot of choices for that type of application. But you are so right, the 2 strap sheaths really make fast insertion of the knife into the sheath a slower maneuver. And you have to be careful not to damage the straps with the knife blade as you put it back in the sheath.
Another great review of two very well made, versatile, hard working blades. I always look forward to the balance test, thanks so much.
The balance test is always my favorite part.. or maybe the fire
Great Review Bryan
... I have both knives and both are great all around multipurpose knives.... Now if I can convince my wife of the “One is none and two is one” philosophy that will be great!
I pair my fine edge Prodigy with an Esee 6, Buck large Stockman and a old Boker carbon camp knife. The Prodigy ends up being a companion/general purpose blade getting the most use for smaller task and general cutting along with cutting food. The buck is used exclusively for game processing along with the esee and the buck occasionally gets some whittling use but the Boker gets the bulk of the whittling. The esee is just the big processing knife used for the beefy task. I know the gerber could probably do the same things but I find I prefer using it as the abuse knife for the majority of cutting task because it is easy to sharpen and easy enough to keep on a belt.
I really love that knife!!
strongarm is a beast. I have one and it will survive anything. edge retention ain't that great and sharpening it isn't very easy either. but it will never break on you. I hand sharpened a convex grind on it and it carves a bit better now
Great video, Bryan! I enjoy some of the fancier steels sometimes but you just can't beat these for good, tough workers AND made here!
I picked up a couple of prodigy models- 1 like yours- one tanto-
The tanto is also a hell of a worker.
Great focus on value and utility!!
I have the strongarm, and protigy both with fin edges. Both really nice.
video: GERBER STRONGARM KNIFE - DESTRUCTION TEST - UNTIL IT BREAKS - KNIFE TIP TORTURE TEST -
That knife is extremely tough. Period.
As I was watching you cut those fat wood curls I was thinking "I wish he would use the spine of the knife to see how it did". 2 seconds later you did exactly what I was hoping for. Great job and video as usual. If I didn't already have a few different knives that are in the same class as this Gerber, I would probably get one.
So what happened to the gauntlet? I really enjoyed the collaboration between you guys!
Thank you for clearing this up .I bought a prodigy thinking it was a strong arm ..it's all good we are all knife people. I was looking for something smaller than my cold steel . There is a after market sheath for prodigy
Cool throwings, do you hold the knife from the tip or the handle? Any tips you could share for a beginner?
Like you I think the strong arm's sheath does it for me. But both look great, good to know they're both well balanced!
yes they are
I need to get the strong arm one of these days, the reviews on it are always great, thanks Brian
the knife is good the sheath isn't
Thanks for watching
It is thick and has a geometry made for prying,rather than to cut and slice. It feels a bit plasticky, but it is well balanced and deosn't feel very heavy in the hand. It is a great knife, for an urban survival situation or for police special forces. It's not a bad knife and it's steel performs ok. If you want it for your collection,it is more than good,for a survival-tactical knife collection.If you want it ,for use , in the field as a bushcraft knife,you can find more suitable and better knives, at lower cost,for that kind of use. Hope this comment helps you decide
I like the knife with the all regular blade as I don't like serrated blades and I only have one tool with a serrated blade on it and that is the multi-tool from Gerber which I have in my backpack.
Nice one Brian. Love the knife vids. Stay safe.
thanks
Greetings! I have the LMF and totally love it!
Great to hear!
I own both, plain edge. I re-profiled each to 20 degrees, made them slice better. The Strongarm seems better built, better sheath, also heat treat seems better? Prodigy edge rolled out of the box. I flattened the pommel "point" a bit. I put both in pocket leather sheaths. You can't go wrong with either one. I just got the Cold Steel SRK compact in mail today ~$40 shipped. I need to do some "stump top" stuff on it :-) Thanks!!!!
cool
Decent comparison,Brian the prodigy knife now is getting harder to find now days, Walmart is always out of on them,I believe they are discontinuing them,I'm getting one an a Strongarm but definitely a prodigy before they disappear an price goes way up,thanks again
I have an LMF that I love. Definitely like the strong-arm though! Thanks for the video Brian!
Thanks for watching!
I have the prodigy, an absolutely love it, Brain I know they have been out a few days,lol but would love to see you start the same challege you guys did with the strongarm, doing the prodigy's an the L.M.F. Gerber has an absolute fantastic warranty, thanks sir, an all out there stay safe!
love my Strongarm!!
Thank you stay healthy.
You too
Legendary knife skills sir
just having fun
Nice review and some good knives. Thanks, Brian. BTW, the link you mentioned for the top right part of the screen isn't showing for Magnesson's (SP?) review.
Check again. Click the little whit circle with an "i" in it. If you are on a mobile you may have to touch your scree first to make the circle appear.
I bought the StrongArm just for giggles. I don't know like the sheath because of all the snaps that could pop loose plus the knife just wasn't that sharp. I can sew the sheath together or order a leather one. It is cheap enough steel that it should be easy to sharpen up and the knife will be just fine then.
The other knife I bought was another Buck knife for around the same price. Doesn't look as "cool" but is sharp right out of the box and the sheath is ready to go and the knife is actually sharpened.
Thanks.
You're welcome
Today is Xmas and guess what ? 😁 yes sir I now have the proilgy and the Armstrong. Can't wait to strap it on and head to the woods. This is an Awsome review on this Armstrong. Thanks for taken the time to share the review. Oh and Merry Xmas from Kentucky land between the lakes. PS I also got a sog super bowie for Xmas to. But doubt I'll find a good review on it because it was so expensive
Thanks for the review! I normally prefer wood handled bushcraft knives and leather sheaths. But these blades caught my attention. Not quite convinced yet Gerber has a ways to go to really get me on board.
Thanks for watching!
ENTERTAINING he says------. Your Videos are always ENTERTAINING Bryan,
Loved the quick SOCIAL DISTANCING moves when that knife was coming back at you.
I've been doing a bit of the TWO-STEP quick step in the Supermarkets myself, LOL. Keep well.
I aready have one nice little scar on my shin from not moving fast enough. One is enough.
Have both I'm pretty sure the blades are the same only the handles are different
I have both and love them both I have the strongarm with Gideonstactical laser engraved on the blade
It seems like everyone loves to hate the Prodigy. Mine does what I need it to do. Does it excel at any individual task? No. Does it do everything that I need it to do? Yes. Mine is the plain edge version and I can keep it shaving sharp in the field. I use it while camping and backpacking, and it just needs to open bags of charcoal, whittle small sticks and prep food. I don't understand why it seems like every reviewer denigrates this knife. I recommend it.
I don't either. I certainly like it.
Hey Bryan ! I have the prodigy (no serrations) in the coyote brown. It's my "go to" hiking knife. I gotta agree with you about the sheathes though. The Strongarm gets the win on the sheath, and I'm considering getting one for that very reason and selling my prodigy. They are both awesome knives though.
Yep
I have several of each there great knives my favorite full tangs I like when you said if you don't like what I do to my knives don't do it to urs lol America needs more of that lol
Great review, How do you think the strong arm compares to the mora garberg? For bush craft and basic survival needs?
I like the proilgy. I put it thrugh hell. It holds an edge and sharpens up good. Its definitely better than the older bear grills knife. Awsome job reviewing these knives. More realistic test than trying to chop thrugh bricks and steel. Thanks for sharing and God bless 🇺🇸
good blades
Is that the Seiko SNK805? I love that little beast of a watch!
Strong arm is good, but I'll take the prodigy. I have both, my prodigy's (have 2) has coyote brown handle and non serrated blades. Sheaths on both are ehh, they work, one day I'll make a leather or kydex sheath for them.
Good luck with that lifetime warranty, I have been trying to reach them for weeks on the phone and by email about an issue with zero response.
🤣
I had a multi tool of theirs a gift an emailed them on getting a replacement saw for the tool, I recieved one email asking when an where purchanced, It was a gift an I explained that an roughly the year "95" an in a week I receieved a brand new multi tool, with sheath/pouch, an could not of been more pleased!
😎
Bo Thompson That’s good to hear. I’m sure companies are having a lot of issues with virus, especially in that area. I shouldn’t complain.
@@jonlouis2582 go to their FaceBook page and message them there. There's a good chance they are more connected that way than through phone lines.
Do you prefer the Strongarm or the LMF 2? I know you've reviewed both and I'm trying to decide. It'll be my SHTF urban/wooded tactical/survival go to.
Is either sheath usable for left handers? I have the Principle, and like it a lot, but the sheath is useless for me because it's only right handed, unless I want to carry it behind me and sideways, which I don't.
Walmart carries a full fine edge prodigy in coyote tan. I picked one up for my son in law last Christmas.
nice
Had mine since the gauntlet. Still going strong today
good to know
Bryan, nothin' wrong with those feathers from what I see.
Now, if I can get as good as you at the "balance" test, I'll be doin' well!!
Thanks for another very good review!!
Go for it!
Not long got my Strongarm I’m liking it so far but I’ll tell you the sheath is Amazing and I’m thinking if GERBER would use the same sheath with all their knifes from now on!!! They would ingress they sale 100 fold and Start using some Really good Steel for their knifes Mate! I for one would buy way more Blades!…. Just my View
I own both but I prefer the Prodigy over the Strongarm. I like the grip and sheath on the Prodigy better and you can still get fine edge Prodigys at Walmart for $50.
Great review.
The Strongarm is a fantastic Bushcraft/Survival knife.
Yep
My old prodigy has 12c27 steel. My new one has 420hc. Not sure why they changed..
The strongarm is a fly below radar knife. Great sheath design & one of the more versatile large knives. Great value from the price point
yep
Does the strong arm fit in the prodigy sheath
I got my strong arm, black, fine edge a few months after they first came out, I like it a lot
I enjoy the balance test.
Me too!
I’ve never used a prodigy but I think I’d prefer the strongarm in most regards. I like how the texture on the grip is less defined on the prodigy - the grip on the strongarm can give some gnarly blisters after heavy use without gloves on.
But overall, they seem like very similar blades. I prefer the shape of the grip on the strongarm, as well as the sheath. The sheath for the prodigy seems like a bit of a pain to deal with.
I have the prodigy in fine edge I bought at Wal-Mart for around 50 bucks I was surprised at how good it was for the price it has since became my wife's gardening and around house knife the sheath is a beast though .
yep
the strongarm is the best fixed blade that Gerber has made since the original lmf IMHO.thanks Bryan and give Kuma a hug for me;-)
He's beautiful.
Seiko 5 SNK805? Been looking at the Strongarm for awhile. May finally pull the trigger.
Hello Bryan, thanks for the video. I know that my question will be quite objective but could you give me your preference on either the Tops Backpacker Bowie or the Gerber Strongarm? I appreciate all that you do either way so thanks again.
Im not Bryan, but I would go with the Gerber. It's proven, tough, & durable. Plus, you would'nt need to worry about handle scales getting loose. +, it's a little less $. But they are both great knives. I still carry the tan prodigy. 🖒.
Honestly, it depends on which one you like and how much you want to spend. Both are great, though different.
my dream knife!!!
good choice
@@SurvivalOnPurpose Thank you sir... a fan of yours in Philippines... Stay Safe sir...
Have the 💪 and love it 🤓
The Prodigy sheath can also be scout carry, there are two nylon loops on the back.
Which do you prefer the Strongarm or the LMF? Thx for your great videos and greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱
Both have their place but I’m prefer the Strongarm for everyday outdoor use.
I’ve always preferred fine edged blades, for me I’ve never needed the serrated edge except for a few times, the serrated edge just seems to be more trouble than good
hi brian!
2 great knives. i have'em both and love em.
thx for the great video!
greetings from cologne, germany!
cheers, arthur
Greetings
I just might get the strong arm. I wish there was a way for me to look at it first. I’ve bought so many knives I ended up not liking. ( not just from gerber)
Hey brother just wanted to share a great deal I seen. The Ontario Blackbird SK5 original with green micarta scales is on EBay for only $89 . Two different sellers have them for new ....I've been knife junky for many years and I gotta say the SK5 in CM154 for $89 is an awesome deal.
I have stopped using all my other knives since buying mine last year. The knife started to grow on me esp the full flat grind which makes a perfect all around camp/bushcraft knife .
Anyways the older micarta scale version is very hard to find so I thought I'd share it with ya. Maybe ya know some other knife addicted junky who's always wanted one. They usually sale for $115 so at $89 IMHO there isn't a better knife in that range.
Hey there! If you remember? I was telling you back then about the Ka-Bar Mark 1 with Kraton, being my favorite, for the same reasons you describe on this comment! The Blackbird is on 154 CM not a CPM steel. The best full flat grind drop point knife, with CPM 154 with cryo at 60 hrc, is the Manly Drugar! That knife, has the best blade geometry I have ever seen, on any knife. Their heat treatment is also some of the best I've seen, since the edge is so thin but I never had any chip or micro roll on the edge. They also hold their sharpness really really long! That flat grind blade, digs into wood, better than any scandi edge I have tested. They also slice like crazy as you can imagine! Only thing I regreted, is that I got it with G10 and not Walnut scales (walnut, seem just a hair thicker scales too) There are some pictures, you can find on blade forums, that show the details on the Drugar. It never ends! I always find a better knife. For example, the best handle IMHO is on the Lionsteel M4. Only problem with that knife, is that it is very thick behind the edge, while the Drugar, might not have that great handle but it is probably the thinest behind the edge flat grind blade on that style of knives, that also has a better heat treatment on the steel. I recently got a handforged knife, made with ballbearing steel. Just mentioned this too, because I found the most magic steel I have ever worked with! Ballbearing steel! Hope you and your family are well! Stay safe brother,Apocalypse is here.
i picked up 2 Gerber Strongarm for the price of 1, both in OD Green . one of the best deals i found to date .
great knives , happy i bought them .
i like the grip of the Prodigy , but i'm not a fan of serrated blades .
I think,that the Strongarm comes out in Coyote Brown and Black colour.Are you sure,you got an original Gerber? Are sure,that these are not Chinese copies of the Gerber Strongarm? I just goggled it and I didn't find any OD Green Strongarm.
Very nice! I think those were special edition versions.
@@SurvivalOnPurpose . . . i have not seen them in that color anywhere else . only black or flat dark earth/tan . cost $23.80 each . Gearbest . i have been back to the site and they are not offered anymore .
@@pappy451 I live in Europe and here the Gerber Strongarm, costs $100 That;s a great deal you got there! Enjoy your blades!
@@greekveteran2715 . . . well they are marked exactly as the black and coyote , same sheath exactly . Brian says they may be a special edition versions . i can't really know for sure . but so far i have zero complaints on them . they were razor sharp out of the box . and i compared them to one a buddy has and can find no difference .
Can you carry a Prodigy in a Strongarm sheath? Are they interchangeable?
Yea
How are you folks liking the 420HC steel used for this knife? Is it similar to how Buck heat treats their 420HC? Thanks.
I have not heard of any problems with it
Bought my prodigy at walmart. It has the straight edge, sort of. From the tip back about 1", the angle grind is much greater on one side of the blade than the other. It would neither shave the hair on my arm or cut paper.
hmmm
Sorta maybe almost. I don’t know why I got a kick out of that statement. But thanks.
My Choice = Strongarm, All Day ! Thanks, Bryan, Stay Safe ! ATB T God Bless
I like them both almost interchangeably
I have a prodigy do i need to buy a strong arm or should i save my money?
Strong arm was the first Gerber I bought since the mid 90s. I was surprised it was as good as it was . Later decided to regrind it to convex to make it a bit more slicey.
Yeah, they have what I call a "utility edge" from the factory.
Full convex or just the factory sharpened bevel? How things turned out? Did the result, pay out the time you spent to do it? I also think,to do the same, Thanks in advance
I gotta get one of those strongarms.
I get that Gerber is trying to keep it budget friendly but I wish they would offer the Strongarm in 1095 steel as well. Also maybe make a full size one with a 7 1/2” blade would be cool too. Great review as always. Thx!
If it ain't broke......
Please compare Gerber Strong Arm to Gerber Ultimate....
Are the sheaths interchangeable?
yeah