I carry a Strongarm every day for work as a landscaper. I have used it as a machete, I have used it as a pry bar to move concrete blocks in place, I have used the spine to short out mower starter solenoids, I have dug out sprinkler heads, I have batonned with it in the woods, created feather sticks, skinned deer and numerous other tasks. I have tried hard to break it but it just doesn't. It's an incredible knife!
Love the Prodigy. It was my first purchase for my outdoors kit, and the price tag was very reasonable. Still have it to this day, but I may pass it on to my son on his 19th birthday. I've got my eye on an LMF2 or Strongman, not sure which at this point.
Have had the LMF ii since 2007 - knife is absolute unit. The sheath and sharpener are just icing on a cake of whoopass that’s USA MADE. Awesome knife - it’s my original knife - have benchmade/spyderco/ too many Becker’s to mention. Still one of the best.
I saw that switcharoo at 15:57. I have the one with serrations and I love it. I noticed the difference. I don’t think anyone would go wrong with either of the blades.
I have watched like 10 reviewers. You were the best. Your review convinced me to buy the gerber LMF 2. I have watched many videos of yours (about 20 or 30) and I enjoyed all of them. You are a good reviewer and I am happy to subscribe to your very informative channel.
I have the prodigy. My favorite knife. Comfortable in the hand and blade is of great quality. Keeps a razor edge very well and when it does need sharpening, I can easily get it back to razor sharp. Love this knife.
To add to my comment, I did cut off one of the two button Straps. The bottom button strap gets in the way of putting the knife back in the sheeth so I cut it off and now it’s perfect.
I really like the way you compared/contrasted all the features of these 3 knives. This is the kind of thing that helps you decide which knife is right for you. I bought the Strongarm and could not be happier with this knife! All things considered, the Strongarm is a very good deal for the money.
I’ve had the Prodigy for around 8 years now. I’ve put that knife through the ringer. The Molle sheath has even held up after all this time. Such a great knife.
Mr. Sootch, I have a couple LMF knives going on 10 years now. One of the biggest purchasing factors for me then, as now, is USA manufactured ! I have found the LMF to be an excellent and high build quality knife. As always your review of these three Gerbers is 100% complete. You always have attention to detail. Thank you for your time and effort reviewing these three, USA-Made Gerbers.
I gifted my first LMF2. Recently purchased the Infantry and love it. Researching the Strongarm/Prodigy, but considering buying another LMF2 just for my truck.
Last year when I first started with my current girlfriend, for Christmas all she knew was I liked knives, and they had to be U.S. made. She got me the strong arm and it's been one of my favorites if not my favorite knife.
@Michael Powell Mr. Powell, many years ago I bad a Ka-Bar. Trying to use the Ka-Bar as I pry tool to open a crate of 5.56mm, I snapped the blade in half (dumb move on my part) ! I contacted Ka-Bar, explained my dumb move and they told me to return the knife. Couple weeks after sending it back a brand new Ka-Bar arrived at my door. For me, I will always stand behind both Ka-Bar and Gerber USA made knives. Best wishes to your son in his future US Army endeavors.
Mixed up two of the knives at the end when checking the cleaned finish on the knives. That coyote knife was the other Prodigy, you called it the Strong Arm. So we never did see how the Strong Arm finish held up. Regardless of that small mix up, great review.
I’ve actually found that feathersticks and notching are easier with serrations. I gave it a shot after watching Magnus Andersson and found myself stunned by how well the serrations worked
Don't forget that Magnus is left handed so the serrations work better for him. Serrations are not even designed for making feather sticks. They're designed to saw through difficult stuff that a straight edge would have hard time with like nylon webbing, rope, fabric, etc, etc...
I noticed that too. I hope he reveals his clean up process because, as I was watching, I notice that it appears to actually remove nicks in the blade.......
I purchased a Strongarm prior to a six month tour of South Sudan, great knife and never let me down, also have a Gerber multi tool which has been on three tours and still going strong.
I definitely gotta get one of these knifes. I have a few Gerber knifes older models that have broken but the blades were thin and older however Gerber had no problem replacement of them . This replacement of my tools really made me a fan of Gerber. They won my heart and loyalty by their wanting ability to stand behind what they make. Forever a loyalist fan of Gerber.
I have the Prodigy with serrations, I've put it through extensive use ... camp chores to light chopping, it has met and exceeded my expectations. It's the biggest (good) surprise out of the fixed blades that I have. I like it so much, I'd consider getting the straight edge version of the Prodigy as well. Highly recommend.
I found me a LMF ll . Brand new with the damaged packaging for $10 at a bin store. Just grabbed it didn’t bother to research it till a got home. The smile on my face when I knew what it was and what I saved. 😁
This is why youtube is invaluable. The knowledge & tutorials alone make it the best. I didn't even know my strong arm did all this. Now getting my knife out of storage & playing around with it. Still love my M7 Bayonet, just solid & a great fighting knife.
I don’t have any experience with these knives in specific, however I’ve had a bear grills gerber knife for years and it has held up to worlds of abuse that none of my more expensive knives have been able to handle. Only cost like $30 too last time I got one for a friend. Highly recommend it for a SOLID budget survival knife.
Some of the Bear Grylls stuff is crap or useless, but that fixed blade is not bad at all. If u can find the Strongarm for a deal at around $50, then i definitely say go with that. If it is at the normal price at $70, i would still recommend the Strongarm, but u are probably getting a better value deal with the BG fixed blade.
I totally agree. The sheath is okay and although my Bear Grylls folding knife isn't spring assist it is one helluva tool, sharp out of the box. I normally don't like serrations but if I need to cut thick rope the serrations slices like nobody's business.
I don't know about that, lol. The BG ultimate survival knife is a chinease made knife. I destroyed mine pretty easy where my Strongarm held up to everything plus more. Bang for the buck, you're not beating the strongarm, even with the BG pro. Better steel, better profile. Destruction tests here on YT has proven that.
This was an excellent review! Was wanting the Strongarm but then noticed the LMF-II. Was trying to get an idea of the differences when this posted. Thanks! Picking up both.
Todd K well being that I have personal experience with the knife, I do know lol. Also I’ve done everything with the BG knife from wood splitting to using it as a throwing knife for quick fun. Never broke the tip or chipped the blade. Makes it a solid knife in my book. And for reference I’m not talking about a folding knife.
Lol The Strongarm is quite possibly my favorite fixed blade knife there is. I have three! One on my carrier, one on my go bag and one for my pants belt 😁 Kinda want a fourth just for a backup Lol
I own a strongarm and a vintage guardian among many other folders. I recently bought a 1980 Buck 119 and absolutely love it! Glad for the diversity in blades. Looks like an LMFII is in my future! :) I like the “cut through fuselage” comment. Sold!
I ordered one. There's a channel that does destruction test and the Gerber blew the Ka Bar and Esee out of the water in durability. The guy hit the brick hundreds of times with the Gerber and couldn't break it.. He hit the brick 1 time with the Ka Bar and Esee and they broke like glass. I been saying this.. These UA-cam channels hyped up these brittle 1095 knives as being the best. It's horrible for knives. Too hard, too brittle. I'm not even going to argue with these knife "experts" Go smack your Esee or Kabar on some concrete. That Ka Bar broke in like 3 places. JOE X is the ONLY channel exposing these 1095 knives and fake knife experts.
I bought a pair of prodigys for a beater type knife to throw in my bug out bags. I went with prodigy because they were very cheap on the used market for a tough beater knife. I was also looking at strong arms but a prodigy deal came up first. I'm happy with them. My only complaint is the handles are pretty small/thin but still useable.
I bought my two Strongarms after the gauntlet tag series done by several You Tubers. The Strongarm, one black and one coyote, I use depends on the color of my backpack. For under 100 bucks each I couldn't complain one iota especially after three years of use and abuse, which they take quite well. Keeping them clean and sharpened after each adventure maintains their proficiency. My knife collection is fairly extensive but the Gerbers are my go to knives. Another Gerber product I absolutely love and rely on is the Gerber Suspension multitool. I use my Leatherman multitools as well but the Gerber seems to do everything well and fits my hand like an extension...hard to explain. It's been subjected to so many tasks in my former security work and now in bushcraft, overland camping and just general around the house duties and never failed at anything. Gerber has had a questionable reputation at times but I will stand by these three aforementioned tools and would buy them again if necessary. Thanks, Sootch, for this comparison review.
they are discontinuing the prodigy funny storie the guy at walmart sold it to me for $ 20 cause it was the last one in the show case and dident have the box but he got the bar code messed up lmfao i got at 50 for 20 😂
Wow, I love Gerber knives Great review! Also thanks for the wood feathering technics! Picked up some great ideas! Thanks! Love the Strong Arm! It's on my list!
I really like the Strong Arm Gerber the most. Thanks for showing these Gerber knifes , Sootch00. As always long live the Republic my friend !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good video bud! Just found the strongarm for 50 bucks on ebay and yes I ordered one. Was on the fence but with that price I figured I can't go wrong. Wanted all black but only had coyote brown. Your review makes me fell even better about my purchase. Thanks man!!!
Was that an oops on your part towards the end of the video after cleaning the blades? The Strongarm had a full edge on the blade the entire video. But after cleaning it had a half serrated blade. Then the next scene it was a full edge blade again. Around the 16min mark.
Nice and thorough as usual Sootch... Really a big fan of the Strongarm. Although the price has gone up on them, they are still a great value. Thanks for the vid...
I have two of The Prodigy's but neither one of mine have the serrated edge and I liked it I'm not a serrated fan. Now I can't find The Prodigy without the serrated edge just wondered if they quit making that one? I have put the prodigies through the wringer and it is still standing strong love it. Great video thanks
Yes brother the prodigy with coyote tan handle an straight blade was exclusive to walmart an each store only received one shipment was discontinued after that true story bro
I grabbed my lmf2 mainly because of the fact the handle is insulated. I survey natural gas lines all through the country and run into alot of rouge hot fences. I could easily use it to move hot wire away/cut through it. Plus this thing is beefy. I haven't had to use it on any threats/wildlife yet but I believe it would do great in that regard. I have had it for around 4 years now and hasn't failed me yet
@Michael Powell To be realistic, only one of the straps is necessary for practical everyday (non-jump) use. The first thing I did with the my new prodigy last month was cut off the 2nd retention strap (the one closer to the sheath). The knife snaps into the sheath fine on itself, along with 1 retention strap. The 2nd one just gets in the way and is complete overkill in terms of safety/retention. FWIW -- The military is notorious for stressing things like safety and retention (aka will some dumbass E-1 drop it in the woods during training and cost us money?) over practicality. It's the same reason they don't contract Glock pistols near as much as people would think they do (because they don't have external safeties). Meanwhile police officers around the country are carrying Glocks every day. That's why I'm hesitant to use the military as a reference point for product recommendation. They also have a tendency to go with the lowest bidder lol.
The Strongarm is my go to blade. I have three of them. Even have the BDZ-1 version which is my favorite of the Strongarms. The 420HC is hard to sharpen, but I find using a fine diamond sharpener and a ceramic rod to work well. The BDZ-1 sharpens real nice with just a ceramic rod. The serrations are awesome for feathering wood if you draw the wood against the blade. Mike on Blue Mountain Bushcraft and Survival shows how he does it with the prodigy.
I noticed this as well and honestly it did bother me other than the fact that he did point out at the beginning that Gerber provided the knives so we can construe that this was certainly more of a basic detailing of the differences as opposed to an actual review.
I have the Strong Arm and love it, Having used knives for most of my life ( i'm not an aficionado ) But Serrated blades are just a fail in most things. They work until they get dull and then sharpening them requires angled sharpeners designed for Serrated blades. Straight Edge is all around more versatile, easier to sharpen and maintain. Once Serrated areas get dull they are even more of a liability for the blade and cut down your cutting surface by half.
Not if you buy a Paul Block, Block Sharpener, I sharpen all my serrated knives with it if it was not for his sharpener I would not own a single serrated knife in my collection.
Have the strong arm for years, using sadly not always as I should and the knife keeps going. The strong arms sheath is the best I think on the market. It’s light and durable and you can move more with it. The LMF is too heavy but has a good sheath. I don’t have the prodigy. But so impressed with the strong-arm I’m never getting another knife.
Few things: LMF 2 is not full tang, separated 3/4 to reduce shock capacity while cutting through live wires. I bought an original LMF 2. Was a dud, rattled in the handle and the tip broke off first time it speared into a small tree. Thankfully Gerber replaced it with a brand new one a few years ago and it has been perfecg.
I have the Prodigy but full straight edge. None of my knives have serrations. Useless to me. That said, Love my Prodigy! Great EDC as well as Bushcraft knife.
At 15:33 you're comparing wear on the blade edges; at 15:57 you have a different Strongarm in the video for edge comparison. The first one was plain edge and showed some chipping in the blade. The following shot you show a Strongarm with a serrated edge... why the switch in knives?
I caught that you switched out the strong arm knife wasn't serrated in the beginning but wen you looked at them when cleaning it was serrated and at end of video was smooth blade again....sootch
I have two of the three (prodigy and Strongarm) and going to get the LMF II and a plain edge Prodigy. I get the Gerber bug with the Applegate Fairborn folder in Iraq. My daughter bought me the Boker Rex Applegate Fairborn Straight edge for Christmas. The first four I mentioned are built like a tank.
I have 3 of the Gerber Strongarm blades. I keep 2 in packs and 1 in my truck. I have also given several as gifts. For the price it's very hard to beat. The only thing I dont care for it the factory angle on the cutting edge. It feels almost like it wants to slide off the material your cutting and struggles to get a bite into the material and at times did slip off. That is dangerous and frustrating. I hand sharpen all my blades with wet stones. I added a few degrees to the cutting edge without going to crazy and I feel it was a dramatic improvement on its cutting feel. It gets a much better bite into the material you cut and that slipping off feeling completely went away. It holds the edge very well and does not seem to have lost durability. The blade is very durable and thick and the finish is of high quality. It is full tang. Cool video, thanks. I've bought so many strong arms Gerber should send me one, lol.
StrongArm is a Combat knife, that can be a perfect knife for special police forces or millitary. On the other hand, Garberg is a bushcraft-survival hybrid. The only detail I see similar, is the rhombus patern, on the handle, which still, isn't very similar but it is there for the same reason, to add to the grip when hands are wet. Also, both have a more tactical look, that probably is the real reason, that the Strongarm reminds you the Garberg.
I have the strongarm and prodigy both in fine edge and love them both! Prodigy lives in my tacklebag and strongarm lives on my battle belt. I have esee's and kabar's for all other outdoor hard use.
Dude you sound kinda like me. I have both in fine edge. Strongarm is black, prodigy is coyote. Keep the prodigy on my kayak as i go into the swamps an backwoods with it. Keep the strongarm on me or in truck as my backup protection/an all purpose
Hey shane also i wanted to tell you they have a guy on UA-cam that sells a adapter for the strongarms sheath. Dude its a great upgrade for the strongarm. Hes pretty cheap an very good customer service guy. Ill try to find a link, cause its worth the 20 bucks
All three are beasts. I own a serated strongarm, never use it cause I keep it in my collection. But you can feel the quality, I am sure it would do good as a survival knife.
I can't believe Gerber is not continuing with this style system. For both the Milatary but bushcraft an so on. To me the Prodigy is a knife I will take anywhere!
What was up with the sudden appearance of a different strongarm towards the end of the video. After cleaning the blades off, the three knives were laying there and they all had serrations on them. But the original strongarm you were using, and the one at the very end of the video, does not have serrations on the blade. ?
I carry a Strongarm every day for work as a landscaper. I have used it as a machete, I have used it as a pry bar to move concrete blocks in place, I have used the spine to short out mower starter solenoids, I have dug out sprinkler heads, I have batonned with it in the woods, created feather sticks, skinned deer and numerous other tasks. I have tried hard to break it but it just doesn't. It's an incredible knife!
You gotta watch the video joe x made on the gerber strongarm, its amazing
@@ismabr4875 I'll do that! I need to upload a few more to @Maddawg EDC
It's been about 4 years and I'm yet to break it so I strongly believe you
I had an LMF with me the deserts of northern Iraq in 07. It was awesome. I build a table/desk out of scrap wood and pallet leftovers using the LMF
Must be army (money)
Thank u for ur service
@@Sflboater100 ur just a broke boy
Thank you for your service.
Love the Prodigy. It was my first purchase for my outdoors kit, and the price tag was very reasonable. Still have it to this day, but I may pass it on to my son on his 19th birthday. I've got my eye on an LMF2 or Strongman, not sure which at this point.
I carried an lmf with me through 9 combat rotations. Its an outstanding knife.
Have had the LMF ii since 2007 - knife is absolute unit. The sheath and sharpener are just icing on a cake of whoopass that’s USA MADE. Awesome knife - it’s my original knife - have benchmade/spyderco/ too many Becker’s to mention. Still one of the best.
I just bought a Gerber Principle. Have you tried that one?
I have an old school LMF as well, they were still 12C27 Sandvik steel back then
I saw that switcharoo at 15:57. I have the one with serrations and I love it. I noticed the difference. I don’t think anyone would go wrong with either of the blades.
I have watched like 10 reviewers. You were the best. Your review convinced me to buy the gerber LMF 2. I have watched many videos of yours (about 20 or 30) and I enjoyed all of them. You are a good reviewer and I am happy to subscribe to your very informative channel.
love my Prodigy, I used it to field dress a 9 point last year. It holds a edge better than any of my other knives.
I have the prodigy. My favorite knife. Comfortable in the hand and blade is of great quality. Keeps a razor edge very well and when it does need sharpening, I can easily get it back to razor sharp. Love this knife.
To add to my comment, I did cut off one of the two button Straps. The bottom button strap gets in the way of putting the knife back in the sheeth so I cut it off and now it’s perfect.
I really like the way you compared/contrasted all the features of these 3 knives. This is the kind of thing that helps you decide which knife is right for you. I bought the Strongarm and could not be happier with this knife! All things considered, the Strongarm is a very good deal for the money.
I’ve had the Prodigy for around 8 years now. I’ve put that knife through the ringer. The Molle sheath has even held up after all this time. Such a great knife.
Mr. Sootch,
I have a couple LMF knives going on 10 years now. One of the biggest purchasing factors for me then, as now, is USA manufactured ! I have found the LMF to be an excellent and high build quality knife. As always your review of these three Gerbers is 100% complete. You always have attention to detail. Thank you for your time and effort reviewing these three, USA-Made Gerbers.
I gifted my first LMF2. Recently purchased the Infantry and love it. Researching the Strongarm/Prodigy, but considering buying another LMF2 just for my truck.
Last year when I first started with my current girlfriend, for Christmas all she knew was I liked knives, and they had to be U.S. made. She got me the strong arm and it's been one of my favorites if not my favorite knife.
the sheath system really impressive, glad to see Gerber making a big comeback to high quality knives
Carried the LMF II for two combat tours in Iraq. Best knife for combat imo.👍🏽😊
Thank you and Tell your son welcome to the brotherhood 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
@Michael Powell Mr. Powell, many years ago I bad a Ka-Bar. Trying to use the Ka-Bar as I pry tool to open a crate of 5.56mm, I snapped the blade in half (dumb move on my part) ! I contacted Ka-Bar, explained my dumb move and they told me to return the knife. Couple weeks after sending it back a brand new Ka-Bar arrived at my door.
For me, I will always stand behind both Ka-Bar and Gerber USA made knives.
Best wishes to your son in his future US Army endeavors.
That my my knife of choice for Iraq and Afghanistan as well. Respect. 👊🏻
Thank you for your service 🙏🏼🙏🏼
I would have taken the LMF with me if I had been able to enlist
Mixed up two of the knives at the end when checking the cleaned finish on the knives. That coyote knife was the other Prodigy, you called it the Strong Arm. So we never did see how the Strong Arm finish held up.
Regardless of that small mix up, great review.
I’ve actually found that feathersticks and notching are easier with serrations. I gave it a shot after watching Magnus Andersson and found myself stunned by how well the serrations worked
Don't forget that Magnus is left handed so the serrations work better for him. Serrations are not even designed for making feather sticks. They're designed to saw through difficult stuff that a straight edge would have hard time with like nylon webbing, rope, fabric, etc, etc...
15:57 The coyote Prodigy sneaks in. No wonder the coating looks so good ;). It happens, love the channel.
The strongarm seems to switch from serrated to fine edge around the end
@@donwilson9939 yeah because it was a tan prodigy
I noticed that too. I hope he reveals his clean up process because, as I was watching, I notice that it appears to actually remove nicks in the blade.......
Noticed that too. Lmao
@@ToddKing strong arm with the nicks was switched for some reason.
That was one of the best knife reviews I've seen yet.
I purchased a Strongarm prior to a six month tour of South Sudan, great knife and never let me down, also have a Gerber multi tool which has been on three tours and still going strong.
I've got the prodigy and love it! Perfect balance, metal and grip.
I definitely gotta get one of these knifes. I have a few Gerber knifes older models that have broken but the blades were thin and older however Gerber had no problem replacement of them . This replacement of my tools really made me a fan of Gerber. They won my heart and loyalty by their wanting ability to stand behind what they make. Forever a loyalist fan of Gerber.
An affordable alternative for us Veterans! Love it thanks brother.
I have the Prodigy with serrations, I've put it through extensive use ... camp chores to light chopping, it has met and exceeded my expectations. It's the biggest (good) surprise out of the fixed blades that I have. I like it so much, I'd consider getting the straight edge version of the Prodigy as well. Highly recommend.
Had all 3, kept strong arm, sold the other 2.
Good review. Already bought the strong arm, years ago, worked so good and so versatile, I bought and put one in everyones go bag.
I’ve had an LMF2 for about 8 years now and it’s strapped to my bug out bag now
I found me a LMF ll . Brand new with the damaged packaging for $10 at a bin store. Just grabbed it didn’t bother to research it till a got home. The smile on my face when I knew what it was and what I saved. 😁
This is why youtube is invaluable. The knowledge & tutorials alone make it the best.
I didn't even know my strong arm did all this.
Now getting my knife out of storage & playing around with it.
Still love my M7 Bayonet, just solid & a great fighting knife.
I don’t have any experience with these knives in specific, however I’ve had a bear grills gerber knife for years and it has held up to worlds of abuse that none of my more expensive knives have been able to handle. Only cost like $30 too last time I got one for a friend. Highly recommend it for a SOLID budget survival knife.
Some of the Bear Grylls stuff is crap or useless, but that fixed blade is not bad at all. If u can find the Strongarm for a deal at around $50, then i definitely say go with that. If it is at the normal price at $70, i would still recommend the Strongarm, but u are probably getting a better value deal with the BG fixed blade.
I totally agree. The sheath is okay and although my Bear Grylls folding knife isn't spring assist it is one helluva tool, sharp out of the box. I normally don't like serrations but if I need to cut thick rope the serrations slices like nobody's business.
I don't know about that, lol. The BG ultimate survival knife is a chinease made knife. I destroyed mine pretty easy where my Strongarm held up to everything plus more. Bang for the buck, you're not beating the strongarm, even with the BG pro. Better steel, better profile. Destruction tests here on YT has proven that.
This was an excellent review! Was wanting the Strongarm but then noticed the LMF-II. Was trying to get an idea of the differences when this posted. Thanks! Picking up both.
Todd K well being that I have personal experience with the knife, I do know lol. Also I’ve done everything with the BG knife from wood splitting to using it as a throwing knife for quick fun. Never broke the tip or chipped the blade. Makes it a solid knife in my book. And for reference I’m not talking about a folding knife.
Lol The Strongarm is quite possibly my favorite fixed blade knife there is. I have three! One on my carrier, one on my go bag and one for my pants belt 😁 Kinda want a fourth just for a backup Lol
I own a strongarm and a vintage guardian among many other folders. I recently bought a 1980 Buck 119 and absolutely love it! Glad for the diversity in blades. Looks like an LMFII is in my future! :) I like the “cut through fuselage” comment. Sold!
I have 3 😆
I ordered one. There's a channel that does destruction test and the Gerber blew the Ka Bar and Esee out of the water in durability. The guy hit the brick hundreds of times with the Gerber and couldn't break it.. He hit the brick 1 time with the Ka Bar and Esee and they broke like glass. I been saying this.. These UA-cam channels hyped up these brittle 1095 knives as being the best. It's horrible for knives. Too hard, too brittle.
I'm not even going to argue with these knife "experts"
Go smack your Esee or Kabar on some concrete. That Ka Bar broke in like 3 places.
JOE X is the ONLY channel exposing these 1095 knives and fake knife experts.
This isn't just an ordinary knife. Its a super knife. All three. Great video. Im waiting for mine to arrive soon.
I bought a pair of prodigys for a beater type knife to throw in my bug out bags. I went with prodigy because they were very cheap on the used market for a tough beater knife. I was also looking at strong arms but a prodigy deal came up first.
I'm happy with them. My only complaint is the handles are pretty small/thin but still useable.
This is the best video about Gerber Prodigy, Strong Arm & LMF II Knife. Very helpful. Thank you
I bought my two Strongarms after the gauntlet tag series done by several You Tubers. The Strongarm, one black and one coyote, I use depends on the color of my backpack. For under 100 bucks each I couldn't complain one iota especially after three years of use and abuse, which they take quite well. Keeping them clean and sharpened after each adventure maintains their proficiency. My knife collection is fairly extensive but the Gerbers are my go to knives. Another Gerber product I absolutely love and rely on is the Gerber Suspension multitool. I use my Leatherman multitools as well but the Gerber seems to do everything well and fits my hand like an extension...hard to explain. It's been subjected to so many tasks in my former security work and now in bushcraft, overland camping and just general around the house duties and never failed at anything. Gerber has had a questionable reputation at times but I will stand by these three aforementioned tools and would buy them again if necessary. Thanks, Sootch, for this comparison review.
15.54 2knives half serrated, 1 without serations
15.57: 3with serrations
16.34 2 serrated one plain
Yeah, it's like he kept switching out the strongarm during video and he also kept calling the strongarm the LMF.
Thanx for filming , really torn between the strongarm & LMF2
He switched the strong arm knife ! The one tested was a straight edge and after the clean up it was a mix straight and serrated edge
True
I showed up just to comment this. No wonder it looks great like it never had a test done on it lolol
@@jacobanthony7683 lmao
they are discontinuing the prodigy funny storie the guy at walmart sold it to me for $ 20 cause it was the last one in the show case and dident have the box but he got the bar code messed up lmfao i got at 50 for 20 😂
Lmfao
Perfect timing; I've been looking at all three. This will help seal the deal.
FYI you can buy the prodigy straight edge in coyote at Walmart. Ferber strong arm straight edge at dicks in coyote
Wow, I love Gerber knives Great review! Also thanks for the wood feathering technics! Picked up some great ideas! Thanks! Love the Strong Arm! It's on my list!
I really like the Strong Arm Gerber the most. Thanks for showing these Gerber knifes , Sootch00. As always long live the Republic my friend !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good video bud! Just found the strongarm for 50 bucks on ebay and yes I ordered one. Was on the fence but with that price I figured I can't go wrong. Wanted all black but only had coyote brown. Your review makes me fell even better about my purchase. Thanks man!!!
Was that an oops on your part towards the end of the video after cleaning the blades? The Strongarm had a full edge on the blade the entire video. But after cleaning it had a half serrated blade. Then the next scene it was a full edge blade again. Around the 16min mark.
Nice and thorough as usual Sootch... Really a big fan of the Strongarm. Although the price has gone up on them, they are still a great value. Thanks for the vid...
I have two of The Prodigy's but neither one of mine have the serrated edge and I liked it I'm not a serrated fan. Now I can't find The Prodigy without the serrated edge just wondered if they quit making that one? I have put the prodigies through the wringer and it is still standing strong love it. Great video thanks
Yes brother the prodigy with coyote tan handle an straight blade was exclusive to walmart an each store only received one shipment was discontinued after that true story bro
Love the strong arm .. but that LMF spear throw was impressive! Maybe I’ll get a second Gerber! Thanks
I grabbed my lmf2 mainly because of the fact the handle is insulated. I survey natural gas lines all through the country and run into alot of rouge hot fences. I could easily use it to move hot wire away/cut through it. Plus this thing is beefy. I haven't had to use it on any threats/wildlife yet but I believe it would do great in that regard. I have had it for around 4 years now and hasn't failed me yet
I have three Prodigy knifes, love all the gerber knives. my favorite knife brands
The retention straps on the Prodigy sheath are totally unnecessary. That clip is rock solid. Love that knife.
@Michael Powell To be realistic, only one of the straps is necessary for practical everyday (non-jump) use. The first thing I did with the my new prodigy last month was cut off the 2nd retention strap (the one closer to the sheath). The knife snaps into the sheath fine on itself, along with 1 retention strap. The 2nd one just gets in the way and is complete overkill in terms of safety/retention.
FWIW -- The military is notorious for stressing things like safety and retention (aka will some dumbass E-1 drop it in the woods during training and cost us money?) over practicality. It's the same reason they don't contract Glock pistols near as much as people would think they do (because they don't have external safeties). Meanwhile police officers around the country are carrying Glocks every day. That's why I'm hesitant to use the military as a reference point for product recommendation. They also have a tendency to go with the lowest bidder lol.
I love my gerber lmf made in USA with the drop led or belt scabbard
The Strongarm is my go to blade. I have three of them. Even have the BDZ-1 version which is my favorite of the Strongarms. The 420HC is hard to sharpen, but I find using a fine diamond sharpener and a ceramic rod to work well. The BDZ-1 sharpens real nice with just a ceramic rod.
The serrations are awesome for feathering wood if you draw the wood against the blade. Mike on Blue Mountain Bushcraft and Survival shows how he does it with the prodigy.
What is the bdz version?
no fear in throwing the spear, while the jeep is near! Great video - I have a new strongarm... love it
Strong Arm Coyote hands down! Best knife, best system!
LMF II Great tool. I wrap the upper snaps to the reverse side. Skipping the redundant securing system.
Great video with unique insights that go well beyond just describing the specs. We’ll done. Helped me make some decisions.
back in the 90's, gerber was the thing, i used to carry the Guardian, a boot knife in a secure plastic sheath, with clip, double edged
Still have my gaurdien 2
Very first Gerber Knife a I purchased was lock blade Gerber Gator (Circa 1992).
At 15:56 you changed out the "STRONG ARM". I have the LMF2 & I am extremely satisfied with it. Thanks for sharing the video with us.
Enjoyed the vid, great set of knives. The LMF II would be my choice. Thx for sharing.
You had two Gerber Pridigies on the finish wear portion of the video. (15:57) Not a big deal...just an observation. Great video though.
I noticed this as well and honestly it did bother me other than the fact that he did point out at the beginning that Gerber provided the knives so we can construe that this was certainly more of a basic detailing of the differences as opposed to an actual review.
And the fact that the non serrated one had chips in the blade
Two different strong arms different blades
I have the Strong Arm and love it, Having used knives for most of my life ( i'm not an aficionado ) But Serrated blades are just a fail in most things. They work until they get dull and then sharpening them requires angled sharpeners designed for Serrated blades. Straight Edge is all around more versatile, easier to sharpen and maintain. Once Serrated areas get dull they are even more of a liability for the blade and cut down your cutting surface by half.
Totally agree. I'm not big on serrations either.
Not if you buy a Paul Block, Block Sharpener, I sharpen all my serrated knives with it if it was not for his sharpener I would not own a single serrated knife in my collection.
Strong-arm went from plain edge to serrated edge, it like magic.
I own the Prodigy and I absolutely love it. Great review 👍🏻
I have a prodigy for over a decade, done lot of camping and utility use with it and it never dissapointed
Have the strong arm for years, using sadly not always as I should and the knife keeps going. The strong arms sheath is the best I think on the market. It’s light and durable and you can move more with it. The LMF is too heavy but has a good sheath. I don’t have the prodigy. But so impressed with the strong-arm I’m never getting another knife.
Thanks Again For Streaming Your Life And Knowledge Here On UA-cam.
Few things:
LMF 2 is not full tang, separated 3/4 to reduce shock capacity while cutting through live wires.
I bought an original LMF 2. Was a dud, rattled in the handle and the tip broke off first time it speared into a small tree. Thankfully Gerber replaced it with a brand new one a few years ago and it has been perfecg.
It's called a push tang.
I have several Gerber products. Great tools and knives
I have a lmf... it has gotten me out of a couple tight situations, one natural, one defensive.
Solid knife, wouldn't sell if you asked me to!
I have the Prodigy but full straight edge. None of my knives have serrations. Useless to me.
That said, Love my Prodigy! Great EDC as well as Bushcraft knife.
Much respect Sootch, you have great survival techniques when it comes to survival blade presentations.
I wasn't a big Gerber fan but I've got the three of these knives and cant fault them they're all decent blades.
I have the Prodigy, an love it., never a problem! Great feeling handle!
I would love to see an update to the "Flex Seal" video you did over a year ago, just to see how well it's held up over time.
At 15:33 you're comparing wear on the blade edges; at 15:57 you have a different Strongarm in the video for edge comparison. The first one was plain edge and showed some chipping in the blade. The following shot you show a Strongarm with a serrated edge... why the switch in knives?
great review, thanks, I weas gifted an LMF2 by a legionnaire and I had never really looked at it until today, looks to be a great knife....
Would be great if they made the ranger carry sheath for the LMF II
I caught that you switched out the strong arm knife wasn't serrated in the beginning but wen you looked at them when cleaning it was serrated and at end of video was smooth blade again....sootch
michael garofalo it wasn’t even a strong arm it was a prodigy. Maybe he got mixed up.
I noticed something sneaky going on either way
I have two of the three (prodigy and Strongarm) and going to get the LMF II and a plain edge Prodigy. I get the Gerber bug with the Applegate Fairborn folder in Iraq. My daughter bought me the Boker Rex Applegate Fairborn Straight edge for Christmas. The first four I mentioned are built like a tank.
You always have a good post. A good knife in the field is a nessity. God bless you a pro American brother.
I just got the prodigy today and I think it's better then my TOPS Bob
I’ve got an LMF on one pack, and 2 or 3 Strongarms in various places. You can’t go wrong with any of them.
Love these knifes! I live not too far from the Gerber factory!
Hey, you're sootch arent you? Nice video, Im glad you made one for these 3
How come you switched knifes went with the strong on test and final showing is the prodigy in coyote
I do love the LMF knife, looks very functional 👍🇦🇺
Good vid, been wanting to see these 3 stacked against each other like this since they came out.
Do you have any info on the LMF II Advanced? google didn't come up with anything on it.
I like the plain edge version of the prodigy
I have 3 of the Gerber Strongarm blades. I keep 2 in packs and 1 in my truck. I have also given several as gifts. For the price it's very hard to beat. The only thing I dont care for it the factory angle on the cutting edge. It feels almost like it wants to slide off the material your cutting and struggles to get a bite into the material and at times did slip off. That is dangerous and frustrating. I hand sharpen all my blades with wet stones. I added a few degrees to the cutting edge without going to crazy and I feel it was a dramatic improvement on its cutting feel. It gets a much better bite into the material you cut and that slipping off feeling completely went away. It holds the edge very well and does not seem to have lost durability. The blade is very durable and thick and the finish is of high quality. It is full tang. Cool video, thanks. I've bought so many strong arms Gerber should send me one, lol.
The Strong Arm reminds me of a Morakniv Garberg knife.
StrongArm is a Combat knife, that can be a perfect knife for special police forces or millitary. On the other hand, Garberg is a bushcraft-survival hybrid. The only detail I see similar, is the rhombus patern, on the handle, which still, isn't very similar but it is there for the same reason, to add to the grip when hands are wet. Also, both have a more tactical look, that probably is the real reason, that the Strongarm reminds you the Garberg.
I think he’s referring to the sheath system that Gerber came up with before the Garberg
Another great video. Keep up the good work brother
I own the LMF II and I love it. I always carry it in the drop leg configuration.
would it be okay to carry it around your calf?
I have the strongarm and prodigy both in fine edge and love them both! Prodigy lives in my tacklebag and strongarm lives on my battle belt. I have esee's and kabar's for all other outdoor hard use.
Dude you sound kinda like me. I have both in fine edge. Strongarm is black, prodigy is coyote. Keep the prodigy on my kayak as i go into the swamps an backwoods with it. Keep the strongarm on me or in truck as my backup protection/an all purpose
Hey shane also i wanted to tell you they have a guy on UA-cam that sells a adapter for the strongarms sheath. Dude its a great upgrade for the strongarm. Hes pretty cheap an very good customer service guy. Ill try to find a link, cause its worth the 20 bucks
ua-cam.com/video/kOREU7h92TU/v-deo.html
This that link for the adapter
Appreciate that brother.
I still cant believe they haven't made an LMF3 in full tang and plain edge, would fly off the shelves.
Full tang would be huge. I loosened mine batoning.
All three are beasts. I own a serated strongarm, never use it cause I keep it in my collection. But you can feel the quality, I am sure it would do good as a survival knife.
I can't believe Gerber is not continuing with this style system. For both the Milatary but bushcraft an so on. To me the Prodigy is a knife I will take anywhere!
What was up with the sudden appearance of a different strongarm towards the end of the video. After cleaning the blades off, the three knives were laying there and they all had serrations on them. But the original strongarm you were using, and the one at the very end of the video, does not have serrations on the blade.
?
I have the Strong arm and I love that knife! I is rugged as hell and I beat the heck out of it! It holds a solid edge for a long time
Hey when you were talking about after you cleaned them up you had two of the prodigy out on the table and forgot the strong arm
I really like my Prodigy!