I can't tell you the last time I was so excited about a gear review...lol. You have confirmed everything I thought about this blade and I am SO getting one!
Your knife reviews are so great! I can't wait to order and receive this knife. I've been hearing do many great things about it. Hearing your thoughts have finally solidified my purchase decision. Thanks for producing such high quality videos.
I love that you are so excited about this knife. I knew it would be a hit when I looked at it at Shot Show. It's great that they have the option of a plain edge. I like gerbers serrations but there are a whole lot who don't. I think I'll need to get one of each. Great review.
What is the best knife for 2017? Cause I recently started to military love role play and surviving by myself on my 30 acres. But I want a good bang for your buck knife.
Just got this knife today. I've avoided Gerber and all the Grylls crap for a long time, but this blade seems really solid. So far seems like it could compete with similarly priced Becker blades. Hopefully this is a turning point in Gerber. I'd like to see them reclaim their old glory.
Sand Wich I own a bunch of Gerbers. My EDC is an EZ-out, I have a LMF, A LHR, an older Hunting blade, love my Gator, My MK II millitary, find the sheaths to be top notch, love the steel as it keeps an edge and is easy to sharpen. Also Fairburn-Applegate folder and fixed blade. both of which I carry on occasion Gerbers are not safe queens, always meant to work & TOTALLY reliable. Cheers
You’re missing out. The BG ultimate pro will hang with knives 3 and 4 times it’s price. You might not like the BG branding, but the knife is actually outstanding.
Aaron, you hit the nail on the head with this one. Best review so far, very informative and concise. I don't need another survival knife but I find myself wanting a knife that finally comes with a decent sheath! 420hc is better then most realize. Its the heat treat not the steel that make a huge difference sometimes. Thanks man, now make more knife vids! :)
Nobody needs another knife. LOL I have like 7 or 8 of various types, mostly survival oriented, but I know that's going to be very small compared to many. I want at least 2 really good ones if I ever really need them, I'll have 'em. And I want something to compare my Steel River to. (Another beauty) So I'm getting mine very soon.
Yeah I’ve bought many knives that are fantastic, but they don’t have a good sheath. This is an awesome blade - although it is a little difficult to sharpen for a noob like me - AND it has a great sheath.
My buck knife in 420hc has skinned and quartered 7 deer before needing a touch up on the stone, after I hacked through several sapplings to clear a path. It's definitely in the heat treat.
This was a pasionate and fair review! Just subscribed :-) you have the right mentality, not a close minded hillibilly. Have to get some of these StronArms (plain edge or even serrated maybe could be another surprise). Keep up the great work ! Greets from Switzerland :-)
I have one getting reviewed in the next couple if days. My most recent vid is an intro to Gerber fixed blade survival/general duty knives. This was instantly my favorite of the three I got. It feels so nimble in hand. That grip is definitely best held in gloves though - its rough! Really looking forward to testing this against my standard bearer, the Fallkniven F1. Great that theres finally a fine edge in the Gerber survival line for those that don't like Black/Orange color schemes!
This review was OUTSTANDING, Aaron! I watched your other "after the gauntlet" video and I am so impressed with the knife and haven't received mine as yet. Just as you closed out your video you placed the Strongarm in the sheath and that incredible "click" sound was like music to my ears. Wow! That sound deserves a Grammy!
@@ladysman2175 I just picked mine up, I’d say it was 7out of 10. I tested it on a fairly flimsy piece of paper (gas receipt) and was able to cut it easily if I didn’t go too fast and if I pulled the blade smoothly along the length of the edge as I applied pressure on the paper
I have an Esee 3 (1095) and a Leatherman Wave (420 HC) and honestly, the 420 seems to have better edge retention and sharpens up sharper/faster. It doesn’t make sense, but that is my experience.
Dang Aaron I've been waiting for this for weeks haha! Thanks for putting this out quickly but with a proper review. I'll be getting one of these but I won't get rid of my Prodigy; it is what gave birth to the Strongarm.
Thank's for this man! I've been searching for a good knife for me. After watching many of you Strongarm videos, I finally got mine. This knife peformes great!
Thats a damn fine lookin knife. It looks a little too thick for such a short blade, but I bet that stoutness makes it a tank. More than anything, i'm happy to see gerber takin a step away from the bear grills type stuff and back into their better tools. It's not even a revolutionary design, and we're all flocking back like seagulls to a ball park after game day. Thanks for the review, take care.
If you’re watching this video drunk put the speed on 0.5 if you’re stoned put it on 0.75 if you’re deep in a k-hole put it on 0.25 or get someone who’s not dribbling to do it for you trust me it’ll all make sense when you do. ENJOY!! 👍🏼
Have an LMF II I really like, also 420HC and holds up very well. This is the same steel as buck uses and theirs do very well. The Gerber Bear Grylls knife, also have one of those, is kind of a cheap version of the LMF, Its my car trunk knife, and I believe they used Chines 7cr17mov in it. I will be buying a Strongarm, so glad Gerber is no longer holding people hostage to serrations. Not only did they want serrations on everything, it seemed they would serrate almost 3/4 of the blade. Gerber can be great again just listen to the customers.
I just ordered a StrongArm in Coyote, fine edge. I wanted a good tactical/survival knife that's going to last and could be used for many different applications. Can't wait for it to come in the mail in a couple of days to give it a good look over and test.
indeed gerber should give a plain edge option for all models (including folders looking a you applagate !!!! please) gideonstactical thanx for the review i was expecting it
After seeing this video I wish I had bought the gerber strongarm instead of my bushcraft black (which I just orderd about a week ago) guess im going to have to get both
Very professional review, great info. I've been waiting for your thoughts on this knife. I'm digging this blade a lot. Makes it me feel better about giving Gerber money for anything other then a multitool. Thank you
Aaron, I don't know if something has changed in Gerber's manufacturing process or not but just so you know they are apparently having trouble especially with the strong arm producing a consistently Sharp knife with an even grind. My wife bought the prodigy and it came out of the box razor sharp hair popper. I ordered the strong arm and it came out of the box unable to cut butter. As I worked my way through it looking at it trying to figure out why it was the way it was I noticed that the base of the cutting Surface by the hilt was as much as an eighth of an inch difference in where the grind began on one side as opposed to the other. Further the grind wasn't even close to consistent the length of the blade. I will update you later on how their customer service chooses to handle this but I confess that I am severely frustrated, disappointed, and even a little angry. With modern machines and methods for generating knives there is no reason for that level of inconsistency other than people being improperly trained on how to operate the machine. And for your information I am not the only person who has had this problem I've seen multiple 2 Star reviews on Amazon that have pointed out the same exact issue. I know Ferrari turns out of lemon every now and then but Gerber has been at this long enough that something as simple as a blade as opposed to a car should not have this problem out of the box.
Good to see Gerber pulling their thumb out and doing things right for once. First in too many years. But even well tempered 440c would be a step up from the 420hc.
I had a cold steel sk5 and the tip broke off.at first I thought it was a factory defect but I have seen and heard of others having the same problem with this knife. I was stabbing wood when about a inch of the tip broke off.I wasn't a Gerber knife fan or a fan of the 420 Hc .but I am really impressed with the Gerber strongarm. I used it to dig a Dakota fire pit after digging through rocks and roots it performed fine I did have to sharpen it a little to bring back my razor edge but that was very easy. We stabbed a bullet proof vest with it and it went through easier than I thought it would. So the Gerber strongarm is one of my knives I take to the woods. My kabar and Gerber strongarm and mora bushcraft black.
Great video, I can’t decide between the coyote brown or the full black version as shown in the video. Do you have any advice or recommendations when choosing a colour for a knife?
In this case, I think it really comes down to preference. If you’re going to be throwing in a pack or just carrying on your belt, probably black on black but if you’re attaching it to an OBE system or battle belt maybe Brown makes more sense?
Personally i like a little heft, and honestly having carried this knife all day long more than a few times after you put it on you belt youll forget that its there while walking around.
Still using my Strongarm regularly and I've had it since it was released. Gerber nailed it with this knife, I thought it was so good I got two. And now I have one again because my son nabbed my old one!!!
Great, informative review. I have been looking into several ss knives for my primary canoe tripping knife. This is one that covers all of my criteria. Thanks for taking the time to put this out.
Thank you for doing this. Please do a review of the buck csar-t fixed 154cm steel and I batoned and chopped in half a 6 inch log in less then 20 minutes ( including searching for new baton stick) Remained hair whittling sharp. Im impressed, I know you wont appreciate a modified tanto but anyway THE CSAR-T DESERVES more ATTENTION. Please, PLEASE. I would appreciate it. Others need to own this awesome blade. Im pumped and impressed. Thank you anyway!
Your enthusiasm for this knife is almost infectious. LOL There is a thread right now at bfc about Gerber where a few people are flat-out refusing to even consider giving Gerber another chance because of what they've heard/read/experienced in the past few years with Gerber's stuff. It's kinda ugly in there, even with some giving positive reviews of the strongarm.
How come if 420 steel is so concerning, did this knife cope with the punishment? Have you any idea how many times in the first 10 minutes you brought up the steel?? As Ray Mears said theres no worst bore than a knife bore. The 420 took all kinds of abuse didnt it?? GAUNTLET test?? So give it a rest. There he goes again at 15.40 whinging about the steel - on a proven indestructable knife!! Muppet.
As an everyday carry woods knife (very light bushcraft, just a utility knife for a hiker), how does this compare to the Ontario Blackbird? Have the Blackbird, thinking of adding the Gerber, unless it's really a step down. Love the Blackbird, except the handle is a bit blocky. Thanks.
when is the last time you seen rambo use his TACTICAL knife batoning wood...NEVER,..yall are bush craft CRAZY! my fire i make braking wood with my hands and feet will burn the same as yalls uniformed prosessed bushwacking wood.
I picked up a strong-arm about 6 months ago off Amazon and I do love the knife, however I can't understand why you love this sheath so much. The plastic retention clip that secures the horizontal carry piece on back is total garbage imo. Mine doesn't even snap in securely and there's no way I would trust it. Gimmicky plastic junk is the best I can say about it. It's not going to hold up over time. The knife it's self is fantastic, blade geometry and ergos are great and the edge retention is far better than I expected. I'm now in search of a proper after market sheath for this knife.............
Great knife great review thanks! Gerber should stick with USA made knives in my opinion and dump the China models with al due respect. The quality difference is just too big. I will stick with the USA models.
I agree. Great knife. I've been a sailor for 40 years and a serrated knife is not what I want for rope/line work. If it's under tension a smooth edge cuts it. If it's not under tension - I have time and I want to whip both ends before cutting it and sharp is mire imp[ortant than the saw edge. Give me a smooth edge. Only complaint I had was the choil was different side to side . 5 minutes with a - gasp - Dremel (the "quicker screwer upper") conical stone bit corrected that. Ideal camp/kayak/hiking knife for me.
There is no point in better steel, just will cost more, fact is that Gerber has much better quality control and does hardening better than many other manufacturers, so 420 high carbon steel from Gerber is probably better than some exotic steels from other manufacturers that are pushing out these stupid 300 dollar exotic steel survival knifes. There are benefits to mass production such as quality control from a good factory like Gerber has. They also do not drive up cost by making the knife excessively sharp spending manufacturing time doing that, you can sharpen it yourself on your own time if you desire that. Add in the sheath that is military quality, best knife on the market imo and fantastic value.
Great review as always Aaron! I have one of these and LOVE it. Finally Gerber offered a knife without the annoying serrations. I hope this is the beginning of a lot of plain edges from Gerber. Thanks for all your hard work.
i have the prodigy fine edge. it seem like the same blade as the strongarm just different handle. funny to see you put it side by side with the mora bushcraft blade because thats what i use as my back up knife for my prodigy
I think this knife is good but, but not for the money. It's a 100 dollar knife and you can buy many better knives for that price point like ka bar becker bk2. That is a indestructible knife and looks really good with a mirror finish. Buy that instead of this knife in my opinion. But it is a great review!
Agreed on the serrated rant. A local chain store in Canada used to stock only the serrated version and I always passed it over as I don't like serrated blades. A few weeks ago I saw a decent price online for a plain blade and ordered one. I am very pleased with the knife, but Gerber missed the mark somewhat in that new, out of the box, the web harness is missing a snap on the retaining strap. The online vendor (Hero Outdoors) doesn't answer emails or the phone so I'm now waiting for warranty assistance from Gerber. My knife is totally legit, but beware of lower priced versions in the $40 range as there are lots of very good fakes out there.
gideonstactical I think your right, I Just picked up the Ken onion work sharp and it took a lil bit of time to profile it to 25°, but holy hell this thing takes a scary sharp edge. Edge retention has drastically improved of the factory grind
Please compare the Gerber Strongarm against the Cold Steel SRK and Morakniv Garberg. If Gerber made a Strongarm in a 6" blade, I think that would make my decision.
First time ever watching one of your videos and I'm already subscribed half way through, great review! Super knowledgeable about the product, not too short but not too long amd mulled down w/ useless filler, nice and to the point, very well done! 👍
Excellent review, love the idea of passing it around. Used your link for amazon, CC on file, click click click, knife is on it's way. Too easy and dangerous for the wallet.
Awsome knife and review brother. I have the proilgy and my Armstrong will be here Monday. Can't wait to murder some trees and build a bow n drill. My wife baught it for me for Xmas but it's a couple days late. Anyway thanks for the review I learned that I'll love my strongarm and will last a lifetime.
Just bought mine last night! I was already interested in buying but your previous review sold me on it lol. Now seeing this new follow up review, I'm glad I made the purchase. Thank you!
Great review!! That is a better looking tactical knife than that Australian knife you showed the other day. I agree that if done properly there is nothing wrong with 420hc steel. If I see a need for another tactical knife I will have to check this one out.
Got o e for $20 today at a pawn shop in mint condition. Unfortunately it has the serrations, serrations suck, but that is just my preference. Very impressed, want to get a plain edged one now!
The Gerber Strongarm is a very good knife but I have the Gerber Prodigy. it is still available for 50 bucks. Both are good so you have to make the call
I'd take the kabar over the gerber. The kabar is an amazing knife. And it comes with a crap sheath and handle. But they are all upgradable over time to make a knife that would make that gerber shit it's pants.
Watch the video JOE X has on this awesome blade. He destroys and breaks all blades. Watch what it takes to break this one and then complain about the steel.
Just got mine in coyote plain edge, figured I'd change it up a lil since I have a black lmf2 and prodigy. Love love love that Gerber finally listened and provided us with the choice of what we want serrated or fine edge rather than serrated edges on all there quality U.S.A. knives.
gideonstactical they're on the right track. I'd like to see em do a couple add-ons to the lmf l series, keeping with the infamous design with a few tweaks. For one full tang with an exposed tang with slab handles like on that bg pro knife. A fine edge 1095 blade with a finger choil, and make the hilt out of a stronger material like either the prodigy or strongarm. Then a sheath designed like the strongarm with a few minor tweaks. Then make one with a 5"blade and do another with 7-8"blade. And the of course it must be USA made. I think an improved lmf design with a larger blade size and upgraded steel would be a killer chopper and batoning knife.
I've got an other strong arm and my sheath is still shit for me this is also happening with the bear Grylls pro what does anyone have this problem if so what should I do the knives are excellent the sheath not so much
liked and subscribed from South Africa :) . Dude, i have been wondering why in the world no one is reviewing this knife, thanks so much for this video. I already have a bear grylls ultimate pro fixed blade which i love, but this knife is making me dream about it lol, would love to buy it, but dont think my wife would approve. lol.
Just saw this knife today on Amazon..$50.00 bucks!! Looks really nice and all around utilitarian knife for those activities you described. I'll be buying one very soon.
Your review as well as the reviews from everyone in the gauntlet is exactly why I ordered one of these knives. I just got it today in mailbox! One question, what angle did you have to hit the blade to reprofile the blade to get rid of the secondary bevel? Or were you free handing it
After handling it for a bit today, I only wish they had of made 1 other carry option on the sheath. I would've preferred instead of the nylon dangler they would've made a insert piece like the horizontal carry for vertical carry. It would've made for a more stable and higher vertical carry. The sheath flops around to much with the nylon dangler.
Hey Aaron I'm back 7 months later and I just ordered one from Amazon yesterday, takes me a while to figure out which knife I want at the time. Tim over at "Every Day Tactical Vids" put out a video on this knife and I told him it would probably never see a piece of wood because this was going in the scout position for self defense. Well after I saw you using it I may have a change of heart, it looks like a really fun knife to use. I would avoid batoning because of that Gerber handle, we know what can happen. I saw the knife for $45 but when I chose Coyote tan it jumped up to $53, ughh. Well thanks again for the same video. Mike
Very interesting video. You have made me begin to like this knife. While I like straight edge blades for the easier sharpening, but I also own a few curved blades, particularly the SCHF10 and SCHF9 and the Kershaw Camp 10. But, I carry a Gerber Scout in my pocket day and night and I use the serrated portion of the blade 50% of the time. Same for any of my partially serrated fixed blades or folders. And I have to say, Gerber does a good job with their serrations. I do think that on some knives they should limit those serrations to less than half of the total edge. I'd like to see a few knives from time to time with both straight and combo edges to increase our choices.
OK, I guess I'll have to get one now. Gee thanks ;-)
Survival On Purpose Right!
I can't tell you the last time I was so excited about a gear review...lol.
You have confirmed everything I thought about this blade and I am SO getting one!
Charles Collier Awesome, glad I could help.
Your knife reviews are so great! I can't wait to order and receive this knife. I've been hearing do many great things about it. Hearing your thoughts have finally solidified my purchase decision. Thanks for producing such high quality videos.
Really glad to help!
I love that you are so excited about this knife. I knew it would be a hit when I looked at it at Shot Show.
It's great that they have the option of a plain edge. I like gerbers serrations but there are a whole lot who don't.
I think I'll need to get one of each.
Great review.
Thx!!
Great job buddy. I like it. Gerber needed a slam dunk for 2015
Really appreciate it. I know it was about time.
What is the best knife for 2017? Cause I recently started to military love role play and surviving by myself on my 30 acres. But I want a good bang for your buck knife.
Just got this knife today. I've avoided Gerber and all the Grylls crap for a long time, but this blade seems really solid. So far seems like it could compete with similarly priced Becker blades. Hopefully this is a turning point in Gerber. I'd like to see them reclaim their old glory.
Sand Wich I own a bunch of Gerbers. My EDC is an EZ-out, I have a LMF, A LHR, an older Hunting blade, love my Gator, My MK II millitary, find the sheaths to be top notch, love the steel as it keeps an edge and is easy to sharpen. Also Fairburn-Applegate folder and fixed blade. both of which I carry on occasion Gerbers are not safe queens, always meant to work & TOTALLY reliable. Cheers
You’re missing out. The BG ultimate pro will hang with knives 3 and 4 times it’s price. You might not like the BG branding, but the knife is actually outstanding.
Aaron, you hit the nail on the head with this one.
Best review so far, very informative and concise.
I don't need another survival knife but I find myself wanting a knife that finally comes with a decent sheath!
420hc is better then most realize. Its the heat treat not the steel that make a huge difference sometimes.
Thanks man, now make more knife vids! :)
Big Brown I will get back to it right away.
I actually didn’t need another knife either but the price the sheath and construction sold me. Especially the sheath. Needed a horizontal carry.
Nobody needs another knife. LOL I have like 7 or 8 of various types, mostly survival oriented, but I know that's going to be very small compared to many. I want at least 2 really good ones if I ever really need them, I'll have 'em. And I want something to compare my Steel River to. (Another beauty) So I'm getting mine very soon.
Yeah I’ve bought many knives that are fantastic, but they don’t have a good sheath. This is an awesome blade - although it is a little difficult to sharpen for a noob like me - AND it has a great sheath.
My buck knife in 420hc has skinned and quartered 7 deer before needing a touch up on the stone, after I hacked through several sapplings to clear a path. It's definitely in the heat treat.
This was a pasionate and fair review! Just subscribed :-) you have the right mentality, not a close minded hillibilly. Have to get some of these StronArms (plain edge or even serrated maybe could be another surprise). Keep up the great work ! Greets from Switzerland :-)
Great review. Looks like they got it right on that one.
Living Survival Thanks, ya finally. I look forward to your review on it too, once it gets to you. I think you are going to like it!
+gideonstactical hows the rubber overlay holding up..?
I have one getting reviewed in the next couple if days. My most recent vid is an intro to Gerber fixed blade survival/general duty knives. This was instantly my favorite of the three I got. It feels so nimble in hand. That grip is definitely best held in gloves though - its rough! Really looking forward to testing this against my standard bearer, the Fallkniven F1.
Great that theres finally a fine edge in the Gerber survival line for those that don't like Black/Orange color schemes!
This review was OUTSTANDING, Aaron! I watched your other "after the gauntlet" video and I am so impressed with the knife and haven't received mine as yet. Just as you closed out your video you placed the Strongarm in the sheath and that incredible "click" sound was like music to my ears. Wow! That sound deserves a Grammy!
I've got one in coyote brown and I love it. It's a fantastic blade and Gerber really came back with this knife and sheath options.
how sharp is it right out of the box, out of 10
@@ladysman2175 I just picked mine up, I’d say it was 7out of 10. I tested it on a fairly flimsy piece of paper (gas receipt) and was able to cut it easily if I didn’t go too fast and if I pulled the blade smoothly along the length of the edge as I applied pressure on the paper
@@StoonRay1 nice! I got mine like maybe 6 month ago. Looks and feels sick
@@ladysman2175 👍👍
@@ladysman2175 I’d say it wasn’t super sharp, but I managed to give myself a really gnarly cut along my knuckle lol
I have an Esee 3 (1095) and a Leatherman Wave (420 HC) and honestly, the 420 seems to have better edge retention and sharpens up sharper/faster. It doesn’t make sense, but that is my experience.
Great review have you ever tried the glock fieldknife? Roughly the same price and i love mine
It is very tough
Greetings from austria
ArDronee Not yet, I will check it out.
just to warn you you will have to sharpen it when you get it, i could send you mine but i live in austria so it probably wont work will it?
Dang Aaron I've been waiting for this for weeks haha! Thanks for putting this out quickly but with a proper review. I'll be getting one of these but I won't get rid of my Prodigy; it is what gave birth to the Strongarm.
Aneesh Sompalli Right on! Thank you so much!
My review of your review, Awesome !!!! 5/5 thank you!
john dunn Thanks!
Thank's for this man! I've been searching for a good knife for me. After watching many of you Strongarm videos, I finally got mine. This knife peformes great!
Thats a damn fine lookin knife. It looks a little too thick for such a short blade, but I bet that stoutness makes it a tank. More than anything, i'm happy to see gerber takin a step away from the bear grills type stuff and back into their better tools. It's not even a revolutionary design, and we're all flocking back like seagulls to a ball park after game day. Thanks for the review, take care.
Haha, totally.
If you’re watching this video drunk put the speed on 0.5 if you’re stoned put it on 0.75 if you’re deep in a k-hole put it on 0.25 or get someone who’s not dribbling to do it for you trust me it’ll all make sense when you do. ENJOY!! 👍🏼
Have an LMF II I really like, also 420HC and holds up very well. This is the same steel as buck uses and theirs do very well. The Gerber Bear Grylls knife, also have one of those, is kind of a cheap version of the LMF, Its my car trunk knife, and I believe they used Chines 7cr17mov in it. I will be buying a Strongarm, so glad Gerber is no longer holding people hostage to serrations. Not only did they want serrations on everything, it seemed they would serrate almost 3/4 of the blade. Gerber can be great again just listen to the customers.
falcon1487 I totally agree my friend!
Five years later I finally found one and ordered it. Thank you Aaron.
I just ordered a StrongArm in Coyote, fine edge. I wanted a good tactical/survival knife that's going to last and could be used for many different applications. Can't wait for it to come in the mail in a couple of days to give it a good look over and test.
A plain edge Prodigy. Nice!!
hey can you do a video on how to sharpen this strongarm.. i have one but its kind of in bad shape after a long bush trip
just like any other knife with a stone, rod, or electric sharpener
indeed gerber should give a plain edge option for all models (including folders looking a you applagate !!!! please) gideonstactical thanx for the review i was expecting it
elcas20012003 I really hope they start doing it more often.
After seeing this video I wish I had bought the gerber strongarm instead of my bushcraft black (which I just orderd about a week ago) guess im going to have to get both
Very professional review, great info. I've been waiting for your thoughts on this knife. I'm digging this blade a lot. Makes it me feel better about giving Gerber money for anything other then a multitool. Thank you
0WickedSensation0 Sweet!
Aaron, I don't know if something has changed in Gerber's manufacturing process or not but just so you know they are apparently having trouble especially with the strong arm producing a consistently Sharp knife with an even grind. My wife bought the prodigy and it came out of the box razor sharp hair popper. I ordered the strong arm and it came out of the box unable to cut butter. As I worked my way through it looking at it trying to figure out why it was the way it was I noticed that the base of the cutting Surface by the hilt was as much as an eighth of an inch difference in where the grind began on one side as opposed to the other. Further the grind wasn't even close to consistent the length of the blade. I will update you later on how their customer service chooses to handle this but I confess that I am severely frustrated, disappointed, and even a little angry. With modern machines and methods for generating knives there is no reason for that level of inconsistency other than people being improperly trained on how to operate the machine. And for your information I am not the only person who has had this problem I've seen multiple 2 Star reviews on Amazon that have pointed out the same exact issue. I know Ferrari turns out of lemon every now and then but Gerber has been at this long enough that something as simple as a blade as opposed to a car should not have this problem out of the box.
Robb Frossard thanks for the heads up!
Good to see Gerber pulling their thumb out and doing things right for once. First in too many years. But even well tempered 440c would be a step up from the 420hc.
Ya, I have use Benchmade and TOPS knives 440C and it is awesome. Just as good as 154cm or s30v from my use.
Awesome. Can't wait to see the long abuse of that knife and see how it holds up. Great idea and Great Review!
WallyMerc06 Thanks so much for the support.
I had a cold steel sk5 and the tip broke off.at first I thought it was a factory defect but I have seen and heard of others having the same problem with this knife. I was stabbing wood when about a inch of the tip broke off.I wasn't a Gerber knife fan or a fan of the 420 Hc .but I am really impressed with the Gerber strongarm. I used it to dig a Dakota fire pit after digging through rocks and roots it performed fine I did have to sharpen it a little to bring back my razor edge but that was very easy. We stabbed a bullet proof vest with it and it went through easier than I thought it would. So the Gerber strongarm is one of my knives I take to the woods. My kabar and Gerber strongarm and mora bushcraft black.
Hey Aaron how would you compare the notching, featherstick and similar tasks of this blade compared to an Esee?
Great video, I can’t decide between the coyote brown or the full black version as shown in the video.
Do you have any advice or recommendations when choosing a colour for a knife?
In this case, I think it really comes down to preference. If you’re going to be throwing in a pack or just carrying on your belt, probably black on black but if you’re attaching it to an OBE system or battle belt maybe Brown makes more sense?
I tested one of these knives. . . Really STRONG !
Awesome knife, but a little front heavy feeling. A good feeling knife though :)
Mayor Fuglycool
Personally i like a little heft, and honestly having carried this knife all day long more than a few times after you put it on you belt youll forget that its there while walking around.
yeah at first i was put off by the front heaviness but it becomes helpful with things like chopping and other like tasks, imo
I loved your video of that test.
FUGLYCOOL FOR MAYOR 2019
It's 2021, and I am still watching your reviews. They hold the test of time.
I have my own ideas, but what don't you like about partially serrated blades?
That's my question. So many people hate on serrated blades but none ever actually say why...
Still using my Strongarm regularly and I've had it since it was released. Gerber nailed it with this knife, I thought it was so good I got two. And now I have one again because my son nabbed my old one!!!
Great video! Makes me like my new Strongarm even more!!!
Now I would say Americas knife!
Is the handle the same as the LMF ? I loved the lmf but sold it because of the serrations.
I love my strongarm, but I wish I didn’t get the serrated one
Your video made me buy one ;) bought coyote without serrations :D im so excited to get it soon
So glad I found your channel! Thanks for doing this stuff. And I love the look of sheer joy on your face at 5:21 ....haha
Thank you so much!
Just ordered mine recently and from these example's I'm very happy on what I ordered, cant wait to go camping now once it comes in to test it out!!!
Great, informative review. I have been looking into several ss knives for my primary canoe tripping knife. This is one that covers all of my criteria. Thanks for taking the time to put this out.
I still love my LMF 2!
Thank you for doing this.
Please do a review of the buck csar-t fixed 154cm steel and I batoned and chopped in half a 6 inch log in less then 20 minutes ( including searching for new baton stick)
Remained hair whittling sharp.
Im impressed, I know you wont appreciate a modified tanto but anyway THE CSAR-T DESERVES more ATTENTION.
Please, PLEASE. I would appreciate it.
Others need to own this awesome blade.
Im pumped and impressed.
Thank you anyway!
xXsch3ricXx Thanks for the comment, and I will see what I can do about reviewing the buck.
Your enthusiasm for this knife is almost infectious. LOL There is a thread right now at bfc about Gerber where a few people are flat-out refusing to even consider giving Gerber another chance because of what they've heard/read/experienced in the past few years with Gerber's stuff. It's kinda ugly in there, even with some giving positive reviews of the strongarm.
Good stuff brother thanks for sharing.
***** Glad you enjoyed it.
How come if 420 steel is so concerning, did this knife cope with the punishment? Have you any idea how many times in the first 10 minutes you brought up the steel?? As Ray Mears said theres no worst bore than a knife bore. The 420 took all kinds of abuse didnt it?? GAUNTLET test?? So give it a rest. There he goes again at 15.40 whinging about the steel - on a proven indestructable knife!! Muppet.
is a good knife in your opinion? is a blade which can entrust your life?
did u actually watch the video
As an everyday carry woods knife (very light bushcraft, just a utility knife for a hiker), how does this compare to the Ontario Blackbird? Have the Blackbird, thinking of adding the Gerber, unless it's really a step down.
Love the Blackbird, except the handle is a bit blocky.
Thanks.
when is the last time you seen rambo use his TACTICAL knife batoning wood...NEVER,..yall are bush craft CRAZY! my fire i make braking wood with my hands and feet will burn the same as yalls uniformed prosessed bushwacking wood.
I picked up a strong-arm about 6 months ago off Amazon and I do love the knife, however I can't understand why you love this sheath so much. The plastic retention clip that secures the horizontal carry piece on back is total garbage imo. Mine doesn't even snap in securely and there's no way I would trust it. Gimmicky plastic junk is the best I can say about it. It's not going to hold up over time. The knife it's self is fantastic, blade geometry and ergos are great and the edge retention is far better than I expected. I'm now in search of a proper after market sheath for this knife.............
Great knife great review thanks! Gerber should stick with USA made knives in my opinion and dump the China models with al due respect. The quality difference is just too big. I will stick with the USA models.
I agree. Great knife. I've been a sailor for 40 years and a serrated knife is not what I want for rope/line work. If it's under tension a smooth edge cuts it. If it's not under tension - I have time and I want to whip both ends before cutting it and sharp is mire imp[ortant than the saw edge. Give me a smooth edge. Only complaint I had was the choil was different side to side . 5 minutes with a - gasp - Dremel (the "quicker screwer upper") conical stone bit corrected that. Ideal camp/kayak/hiking knife for me.
forgot to Mention I also Only Purchased because of the PLAIN EDGE & Sheath..
again Plain Edge ..................... tks again Nice Video
Steven
SREagle Glad to help!
There is no point in better steel, just will cost more, fact is that Gerber has much better quality control and does hardening better than many other manufacturers, so 420 high carbon steel from Gerber is probably better than some exotic steels from other manufacturers that are pushing out these stupid 300 dollar exotic steel survival knifes. There are benefits to mass production such as quality control from a good factory like Gerber has. They also do not drive up cost by making the knife excessively sharp spending manufacturing time doing that, you can sharpen it yourself on your own time if you desire that. Add in the sheath that is military quality, best knife on the market imo and fantastic value.
Great review as always Aaron! I have one of these and LOVE it. Finally Gerber offered a knife without the annoying serrations. I hope this is the beginning of a lot of plain edges from Gerber. Thanks for all your hard work.
Thank you for that. It is hard work, but a lot of fun.
Totally rocked the review. Can't wait to see how the blade holds up as it runs the gauntlet.
i have the prodigy fine edge. it seem like the same blade as the strongarm just different handle. funny to see you put it side by side with the mora bushcraft blade because thats what i use as my back up knife for my prodigy
I think this knife is good but, but not for the money. It's a 100 dollar knife and you can buy many better knives for that price point like ka bar becker bk2. That is a indestructible knife and looks really good with a mirror finish. Buy that instead of this knife in my opinion. But it is a great review!
Agreed on the serrated rant. A local chain store in Canada used to stock only the serrated version and I always passed it over as I don't like serrated blades. A few weeks ago I saw a decent price online for a plain blade and ordered one. I am very pleased with the knife, but Gerber missed the mark somewhat in that new, out of the box, the web harness is missing a snap on the retaining strap. The online vendor (Hero Outdoors) doesn't answer emails or the phone so I'm now waiting for warranty assistance from Gerber. My knife is totally legit, but beware of lower priced versions in the $40 range as there are lots of very good fakes out there.
Do you know what angle Gerber puts on the edge from the factory? 20°, 25°?
bob3326 I think it is 20
gideonstactical I think your right, I Just picked up the Ken onion work sharp and it took a lil bit of time to profile it to 25°, but holy hell this thing takes a scary sharp edge. Edge retention has drastically improved of the factory grind
Please compare the Gerber Strongarm against the Cold Steel SRK and Morakniv Garberg. If Gerber made a Strongarm in a 6" blade, I think that would make my decision.
First time ever watching one of your videos and I'm already subscribed half way through, great review! Super knowledgeable about the product, not too short but not too long amd mulled down w/ useless filler, nice and to the point, very well done! 👍
Thank you so much, welcome to the GT family!
Excellent review, love the idea of passing it around. Used your link for amazon, CC on file, click click click, knife is on it's way. Too easy and dangerous for the wallet.
Floyd Schmeklin Thanks so much, you will love the blade.
Awsome knife and review brother. I have the proilgy and my Armstrong will be here Monday. Can't wait to murder some trees and build a bow n drill. My wife baught it for me for Xmas but it's a couple days late. Anyway thanks for the review I learned that I'll love my strongarm and will last a lifetime.
Just bought mine last night! I was already interested in buying but your previous review sold me on it lol. Now seeing this new follow up review, I'm glad I made the purchase. Thank you!
A_to_Z Glad to put your mind at ease
Love your videos man, keep it up! Quick question: What's the best large knife chopper in your opinion?
WeepingAngel04 SP53. I have a review on it. Its a monster and chopping and batoning, and nothing else.
Great review!! That is a better looking tactical knife than that Australian knife you showed the other day. I agree that if done properly there is nothing wrong with 420hc steel. If I see a need for another tactical knife I will have to check this one out.
Jerry Morris Sweet. It is a good blade for sure.
Dumb question but will this knife rust overtime? I just got the knife and I fish a lot and frequently camp, so is the steel "water durable"?
Got o e for $20 today at a pawn shop in mint condition. Unfortunately it has the serrations, serrations suck, but that is just my preference. Very impressed, want to get a plain edged one now!
The Gerber Strongarm is a very good knife but I have the Gerber Prodigy. it is still available for 50 bucks. Both are good so you have to make the call
It looks like a really good design for both combat and survival. If it came in either 154cm or 440c I would be in a big hurry to buy one.
TKDLION Ya, I hope they do something like that soon.
I'd take the kabar over the gerber. The kabar is an amazing knife. And it comes with a crap sheath and handle. But they are all upgradable over time to make a knife that would make that gerber shit it's pants.
Bought 2 for $25 each after the 40% off coupon from gerber earlier this month. The only regret I have is not buying at least 10. 😁
Gerber has finally created a knife that I am excited about! So much more quality than the Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Knife.
Daysia Basilio-Chun Right, you can totally tell the quality.
Great review, thanks! Brother, I like the enthusiasm with which you review stuff. Very positive channel! Thanks so much for doing it.
kanukkarhu No problem, thank you for your complement, and support!
Watch the video JOE X has on this awesome blade. He destroys and breaks all blades. Watch what it takes to break this one and then complain about the steel.
honestly, I'm not going to put the money in it because I got lots of other things on my list. But great review and good job gerber!
Totally understandable.
I like others have been anxiously waiting for your review and you did not disappoint. Thank you Aaron!
Lyle Caudill She is one fine blade!
If comparing the Gerber strong arm to the mora garberg stainless, for bushcraft / survival which would be a better choice?
Just got mine in coyote plain edge, figured I'd change it up a lil since I have a black lmf2 and prodigy. Love love love that Gerber finally listened and provided us with the choice of what we want serrated or fine edge rather than serrated edges on all there quality U.S.A. knives.
bob3326 Ya buddy, I hope to see more good things coming soon.
gideonstactical they're on the right track. I'd like to see em do a couple add-ons to the lmf l series, keeping with the infamous design with a few tweaks. For one full tang with an exposed tang with slab handles like on that bg pro knife. A fine edge 1095 blade with a finger choil, and make the hilt out of a stronger material like either the prodigy or strongarm. Then a sheath designed like the strongarm with a few minor tweaks. Then make one with a 5"blade and do another with 7-8"blade. And the of course it must be USA made. I think an improved lmf design with a larger blade size and upgraded steel would be a killer chopper and batoning knife.
I've got an other strong arm and my sheath is still shit for me this is also happening with the bear Grylls pro what does anyone have this problem if so what should I do the knives are excellent the sheath not so much
I recently got the black plain edge strongarm I'm wondering how does the rubber grip hold up overtime? '
Anyone have pics of what this looks like under the grips?
liked and subscribed from South Africa :) . Dude, i have been wondering why in the world no one is reviewing this knife, thanks so much for this video. I already have a bear grylls ultimate pro fixed blade which i love, but this knife is making me dream about it lol, would love to buy it, but dont think my wife would approve. lol.
Nigel Naicker I understand!
***** lol I just bought it.. oh boy, the guilt is unbearable.
The sheath is made in China , even though its made good and carries good ,I replaced mine with a leather one . Over all a great knife ,for the price .
Just saw this knife today on Amazon..$50.00 bucks!! Looks really nice and all around utilitarian knife for those activities you described. I'll be buying one very soon.
I like this bloke but he is long winded, I don't have 20 plus minutes to spare most days.
Your review as well as the reviews from everyone in the gauntlet is exactly why I ordered one of these knives. I just got it today in mailbox! One question, what angle did you have to hit the blade to reprofile the blade to get rid of the secondary bevel? Or were you free handing it
Josh N About 20° glad you enjoy it and you like the video
gideonstactical I enjoy all of your videos. Glad I found this review and subsequently subscribed! Keep up the good work man!
Finally a Gerber to really get excited about.
After handling it for a bit today, I only wish they had of made 1 other carry option on the sheath. I would've preferred instead of the nylon dangler they would've made a insert piece like the horizontal carry for vertical carry. It would've made for a more stable and higher vertical carry. The sheath flops around to much with the nylon dangler.
bob3326 I hear you.
Great TAC Knife
how is it that gerber is able to offer their 154cm gator for 35$ and they cant upgrade the steel of the strongarm
Hey Aaron I'm back 7 months later and I just ordered one from Amazon yesterday, takes me a while to figure out which knife I want at the time. Tim over at "Every Day Tactical Vids" put out a video on this knife and I told him it would probably never see a piece of wood because this was going in the scout position for self defense. Well after I saw you using it I may have a change of heart, it looks like a really fun knife to use. I would avoid batoning because of that Gerber handle, we know what can happen. I saw the knife for $45 but when I chose Coyote tan it jumped up to $53, ughh. Well thanks again for the same video. Mike
I hate it. To thick
Very interesting video. You have made me begin to like this knife. While I like straight edge blades for the easier sharpening, but I also own a few curved blades, particularly the SCHF10 and SCHF9 and the Kershaw Camp 10. But, I carry a Gerber Scout in my pocket day and night and I use the serrated portion of the blade 50% of the time. Same for any of my partially serrated fixed blades or folders.
And I have to say, Gerber does a good job with their serrations. I do think that on some knives they should limit those serrations to less than half of the total edge. I'd like to see a few knives from time to time with both straight and combo edges to increase our choices.
Can you please share your gloves model ??