Gerber Strongarm USA *UPDATE*

[GrinderMcgee]

Gerber Strongarm

• Blade material: 420HC
• Handle material: glass-filled nylon with rubber overmold
• Blade length: 4.8” (12.2 cm)
• Overall length: 9.8” (24.8 cm)
• Knife weight: 7.2 oz (204 g)
• Overall weight: 10.9 oz (309 g)

First of all I absolutely LOVE the look of this knife. It just has a mass appeal that cannot be measured. I do have some other fixed knives from Gerber that I carry and use on occasion so I do NOT have a bias against or for the company. I even have the BG Ultimate knives and, while the style doesn't do it for me, the blades just don't really deserve the hatred they receive on the internet.

This knife is made in the USA, and while that is not a prerequisite for blades that make my collection, it definitely sparked my interest and admiration. The sheath for this knife really attempts to accomodate a system which is something to be appreciated. Due to the design of the handle, the knife does NOT rattle in the sheath which is stellar from a factory sheath!

Speaking more on the handle, it is slim with a slight swell for the palm, but very comfortable in most all grips (except thumb cap reverse grip because of the glass breaker). The texturing of the rubber over-mold is not too aggressive or annoying and has seems to have just the right amount of give.

Unfortunately, that is where the pros for this blade have to end for now. Because of the lopsided grind and edge on the example that I received, the knife is not sharp. I stared at the blade for near 45 min yesterday getting psyched to work sharp and fix the edge, but it just isn't going to work. Hopefully my seller will provide a replacement and I can try to cut something with the blade.

This knife is like the hot girl you see from across the room who gives you butterflies, but when you talk to her she sounds just like Fran Drescher and acts like Paris Hilton. Though the looks are there, a working relationship just isn't.

[Youtube]Ji5MYCFSyRQ[/youtube]





Even if the grinds were even, I don't particularly care for how the edge doesn't begin at the plunge. Minor complaint.











So whaddya think guys? Are we in a honeymoon phase with this new knife and just so relieved to finally see a USA non-BG fine edge that it has clouded our vision? Or have I just got a rare lemon?

I'll let everyone know when I get a better example in hand.

 

[Glenn Jones]

I, like you, have just bought this knife unseen based on reviews which have been overwhelmingly positive. In fact, there have been so many positive reviews on places like youtube and amazon that I think it more likely that you have received a lemon. At least I hope so as I have 2 on their way to me in rural Australia from Amazon. My fingers are crossed hoping that your replacement knife will be A1 and that your first one somehow slipped through Gerber’s quality control system undetected. Gerber seem to have lifted their game lately and I hope this isn’t a sign of deteriorating standards.

 

[chunga]

I just got one of these 2 days ago based on the many positive reviews I've seen. I think or hope you just got a lemon there. Mine came very sharp and the grind looks pretty good--not great but not bad. I haven't had a chance to use it much yet but I'm happy with it and at $45 on Amazon I feel that this was a good purchase.
I really like the sheath and the versatility for carrying methods is a great plus. I did have one problem though. A grommet was missing on one of the nylon parts. I called Gerber--the dude who answered was very cool and a new nylon strap is in the mail.

 

[Glenn Jones]

My two arrived. Both are fine.

 

[GrinderMcgee]

I received a replacement for the Strongarm this week. Thankfully this blade was more than just serviceable, it was sharp!

Watch the Video

[Youtube]TMOCrINzM8g[/youtube]

Negatives first, because that list is much shorter than the positives. If I were to nit pick, I could say this blade still has a good bit of steel removed from the edge grind on the first factory sharpening, more than I would like. Also, the edge seems like it could be just a bit closer to the plunge-line of the grind.

Other than that, I am impressed with the abilities of this knife. It has a weight-forward feel, and it really slices well for being so thick at the spine. It flies through cardboard and shrink wrap when sharp. It can even slice a tomato if you need it to! Apples you may need a baton Of course the sheath still fits like a glove with NO rattle.

For comparison I really want to compare it to Fallkniven F1, Cold Steel SRK or even Kabar but those blades are just in another class as far as size/weight. The Gerber Strongarm feels close to an updated Ontario Pilot Survival knife. My closest comparison to this knife, however, (drum-roll please) has to be the Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival knife! :foot: I have to be honest when I say I never understood the intense hate for the BG knife apart from the orange BG grip. I found the overall design to be sharp and capable straight from the box. Well, after using the Gerber for the last couple days on every cutting task in my routine, I get it. I think it must come down to not only the style and look, but the tip configuration. The BG's last 1/2" or so is very finely tuned, leaving endless possibilities for failure during high-stress usage. If you manage to snap the point off of the Gerber Strongarm knife, than it is no one's fault but your own, and you probably shouldn't be allowed to use a screwdriver, let alone a knife ever again!















Thank you for checking back in. Once I got the replacement, I was finally able to give this blade the thumbs up that I have long wanted to give to a Gerber Product. Yes, the Big Rock is a fine and very capable slicer, but not a beater knife to the caliber of the Strongarm. I know this will be a very popular product for the company, and I will be sad when I start to see it in Walmart because, for now, this seems like my little secret.

 

[retzius]

Thanks for your update. Ironically, the grinds on your Bear Grylls knife look much better than those on your Strongarm

 

[Fuori]

For comparison I really want to compare it to Fallkniven F1, Cold Steel SRK or even Kabar but those blades are just in another class as far as size/weight.

What about a Mora Bushcraft? Which would you prefer?

 

[GrinderMcgee]

For wood carving, I would prefer the Mora(any mora). For the collection, I really like the Gerber and it has a lot of utility, and of course, features = xtra weight. It really depends on what you need from your knife as a tool.

 

[Survival Solutions]

Thanks for your update. Ironically, the grinds on your Bear Grylls knife look much better than those on your Strongarm

Heres some funny stuff. I ordered a Strongarm as well and I had the same experience as GrinderMcGee with the blade being off grinded and dull as hell. I sent it back for a replacement. Now when I ordered my Bear Grylls Ultimate PRO, it had a perfect grind, the finish was awesome, and it was shaving sharp. And we complain about China? The Strongarm was made in Portland U.S.A where the Ultimate Pro is supposed to be made in China.

 

[Mistwalker]

For wood carving, I would prefer the Mora(any mora). For the collection, I really like the Gerber and it has a lot of utility, and of course, features = xtra weight. It really depends on what you need from your knife as a tool.

Thanks for the review. I have been researching this one for a while and it seems like a good one for the money for the role I want it for. I just ordered one for the get-home-bag in my wife's car because I think it is durable enough to feel comfortable with her having it, and it's low cost enough and corrosion resistant enough I feel comfortable with it in long term storage in her trunk in high humidity environments.