New Strongarm

bt93

bt93

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May 12, 2015
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Just thought I'd give a heads up about a new Gerber Strong Arm. It's made with BDZ-1 steel, which I have never heard of. I'm assuming it's a cheap super steel. Just when I think I know of most knife steels, here's a new one, atleast to me it's new.
 
Bdz-1 steel is essentially 14c28n iirc (or one of the Sandvik steels). Just from another steel company. It's a lil better in edge retention than the 420hc the original strong arm has. And iirc it also has a different tang or a full tang. I forgot how the marketing went, as well as a different blade.

Should be slightly better overall but also more expensive.
 
Mo2 said:
Bdz-1 steel is essentially 14c28n iirc (or one of the Sandvik steels). Just from another steel company. It's a lil better in edge retention than the 420hc the original strong arm has. And iirc it also has a different tang or a full tang. I forgot how the marketing went, as well as a different blade.

Should be slightly better overall but also more expensive.
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That is interesting. Do you have a credible link to more information on the source/details around BDZ-1? Hadn't heard of it, or the notion that it's same recipe as 14c28n. For some reason I thought the strongarms were being made in the US and in Gerber's flavor of 420HC.
 
maximus83 said:
That is interesting. Do you have a credible link to more information on the source/details around BDZ-1? Hadn't heard of it, or the notion that it's same recipe as 14c28n. For some reason I thought the strongarms were being made in the US and in Gerber's flavor of 420HC.
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This is a new version of the strong arm. I'm not sure if it's replaced it or not.

They did a Kershaw Blur in Bdz-1 of which Kershaw mentioned that info. The thread was old and here on bladeforums.
 
Is it the same as CTS BDZ1? Here's from Cartech's site:

Composition (Nominal):
0.60/0.75 C, 1.00 Max. Mn, 0.025 Max. Ph, 0.01 Max. S, 1.00 Max. Si, 12.50/13.50 Cr, 0.75 Max. Mo, Bal. Fe

A martensitic steel chemically balanced and processed to provide a uniform, fine carbide structure. This structure has been suitable for the manufacture of thin sections and fine blanking operations. The alloy can achieve a tempered hardness capability into the low HRC 60’s.

CTS BDZ1 alloy is an excellent candidate for razor and utility blade applications, which demand high hardness and edge retention. This proprietary alloy is part of the CarTech CTS family of alloys, offering superior edge retention and surface finish and an ability to be machined to a fine edge and consistent heat-treatability from lot to lot.

This alloy is subject to decarburization during thermal processing. Take precautions to control this condition.
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Revolverrodger said:
The regular strongarm is already full length tang
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Via Gerbers website

This proven fixed blade offers an upgraded full tang, fine edge blade, now made of BDZ-1 steel. Also featuring a grippy rubberized diamond-texture grip, this is a knife you can bet your life on. The MOLLE-compatible multi-mount sheath system offers optimal customization, keeping your knife ever at the ready in combat situations.

Product will ship 11/17
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maybe they just mean it's made of Bdz-1 now or maybe it's upgraded design wise. Dunno.
 
Gerber is doing sprint runs with the strong arm. My guess is they’re experimenting as an effort to redeem the company. Poor start in my opinion.
 
BDZ-1 is a Carpenter steel that's lower than CTS-BD1. If Gerber was to use BD-1 I would get one. BDZ is just a step up from 420HC.:(
 
I like it. But then I like the original as well.

Made in the USA, of adequate steel at a decent price. Nothing special, but it gets the job done.

Gonna get me one of these.
 
This new version has caught my attention. The stone wash looks nice, and I love the grey handle. The upgraded steel is nice too.

I don’t care much for “tactical” knives, but I may need to check this one out.
 
I have an original strongarm. Its turned out to be an acceptable knife. Ide buy another if I lost or damaged it.
 
Might be a good thing, but looking online, about $15 more than the 420 version.
The 420 version I have is a pretty dang good knife that is well worth the $$. The one my son uses has been outright abused as he and his pals play caveman a lot in the woods.
 
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