Thanks for the update! I picked up a Gerber Strongarm a couple years ago when the price jumped to $70. But I got a pretty good discount on it by taking care of an early delivery semi for the Ace Hardware that is attached to the store where I used to work. The Ace manager thanked me repeatedly for unloading their truck for them because it showed up 4 hours before anyone got there. When he asked how he could pay me back, I saw the Strongarm in the locked display case. I told me I’ll take the Strongarm as trade. He said he couldn’t give it to me for free, but offered it for half price. So $35 later, I had my new knife. Spent $25 on eBay for a snap on pistol mag holder and a Schrade folding diamond sharpener. Now I have the sharpener mounted to the Gerber sheath. Pretty slick little setup!
I think the main difference is the steel and the tang? Does the strongarm have a full tang? Because I'm pretty sure the classic KaBar doesn't, it narrows down at the handle, however it's still a ridiculously tough knife.
WWII Kabars and Camillus Mk2 fighters had lower Rockwell ratings (I.e. softer), which made them stronger, but also in need of more regular sharpening. Back then men knew how to sharpen knives, and just bent their Mk2 fighters back when they bent at the hilt, because they didn’t snap. If you’ve bought a few of the WW2 knives you know what I’m talking about. I love the Strongarm. Have a few, and have gifted a few.
@@lndrover100 I've found at a flee market some years ago, a Ka-Bar knock off written "Japan" on it at the base of the blade.. I've heard these were cheaper knives made during the Viet-Nam war era.. Believe or not, it's stronger (Japanese steel ?) than the real deal, and i've got the two of them, so can compare...
I believe the blade will snap just like any other knife if you actually want it too or course on a durable torture test but realistically in the end a kabar and this Gerber strong arm is this preference like for me I like Kabars better love hoe they look and they perform beautifully for the money
I still feel that the strongarm has its place, even at its current price point. For an indestructible blade, it can't be beat. However, I wish they continued to make the BDZ-1 version, as this was better all the way around. Granted it didn't have a 90° spine, which when grinded down, worked perfectly for striking ferro rods and stuff. I have 3 of them, all I bought long ago, but a black fine edge, coyote with fine/serrated, and a BDZ-1 version. The sheaths are no doubt just plain awesome and has been by far the best sheath to come from a commercial knife manufacturer. There's only one other knife I would say hangs right there with the strongarm in terms of toughness, size, price, and still have a good sheath, is the Terava Jaakariipukko. I bought the larger version with a 6" blade and I fricken love using that knife. I find the grip more comfortable, better steel is used, better blade angles, better edge retention, but commonly comes with a leather dangler style sheath. I've tried to break it with batoning and lateral prying on the tip, it took it all day. I still very much like my Gerber Strongarms, but I feel as far as any type of wood working goes, the Jaakariipukko beats the Strongarm hands down. Back then, both of these knives could be had for $50 or even less, but now both hover around that $75-$100 mark, which imo, for what they are, still worth it.
Frankly, it’s deserves better than BDZ-1, that was a small step up. Ideally MagnaCut, or if not that, either S35VN or CPM-154. Any of those 3 would make a great upper tier choice. That said, if they just changed it to 14C28N because it’s fairly cheap, it would be amazing. It’s a really tough stainless, certainly better edge retention than 420HC, but sharpening! No stainless sharpens like the Sandvik steels. That stuff gets screaming sharp without much difficulty. If it had that, I wouldn’t crave a high end steel.
I love mine, skrama is king for a bushman's chopper an a one tool option,that said it combined with a silky saw an a Leatherman an the pukko s,for game processing an general purposes,I like my Gerber for utility work stuff or tactical,I do love the handle ergonomics for wet or dry condition an feel great in the hands,I also have a camp an trail knife by corporal Kelly from self reliance outfitters,also got to meet the legend Dave Canterbury at blade show 2023 June 3bin Atlanta,it was amazing
I own 2 black in each blade style, a coyote in plain edge as well as a brand new BDZ1. I absolutely LOVE this knife! I am a landscaper so being dug in the dirt is common. I don't really have an edge retention issue at all.
The gerber strongarm is one of the best fixed blade knife I have ever used and I love blades and got a pretty big selection of them fixed and foldable. Strongarm for my main go bag for sure. Like Aaron said it is reliable.
Sadly, this question of “Is it worth it at that price?” seems to have become a universal question for me regarding all of the knives I’ve been pining after. I am a very poor knife enthusiast, so I may wait as much as two or three years before buying a model I want. The Para 3 in S110V, for instance, has climbed from something like $160 to over $200 in that time. I just yesterday saw listings for run-of-the-mill Bark River Bravo 1s for over $300 each. The Benchmade 940 went from $185 to $202. Hell, even the Victorinox Fieldmaster jumped just slightly above the “that’s a good deal” price range two days before I finally bought it.
I just bought the Benchmade 940 and its my most expensive knife I own. I wanted to own one premium iconic knife, but I agree, its not worth $202, more like $150.
Honestly, I think it’s a great knife. And besides, if you’re waiting 2 or 3 years before buying, then I think you’re a little late! C’mon... go get it! You know you want it
I got mine for $80(with promo codes normally it is $90), It is ariving friday(2 days) and I can't wait to try it out. It will be my first knife and from the reviews it seems it will be quite decent.
Had one since they released. Given a few away to friends and family and they all love them. It should also be mentioned that Gerber has a superb warranty on all of its products, and the Strongarm is no different. Any drama, send it to them and if it can't be fixed they'll send you a replacement. That's been my experience anyways. Solid video as always, Aaron. Cheers brother.
This is the kind of video that more reviewers should do - a practical examination of how knives hold up over time. I'd love to see an update like this on the Steel Will Roamer R305 and R315.
Awesome knife. Also love the Molly attachment system. Bought mine for around $45.00. Bought a black one and a coyote Brown. One of them ran on my body armor vest when I was on the job. The other on my get home bag. Still have them both. Retired now.
I have (2) Gerber StrongArms. 1st one all said and done back in 2015 @ $ 60 delivered to Alaska was in the 420HC Coyote-Brown. 2nd was in 2017 @ $63 BDZ-1 Grey. What impressed me regarding design and 'overall package' is the rendition and features of the quintessential 'field-knife'. Most characteristic: size, loadout, handiness, rugged high reliability, high value to lower cost, corrosion resistance, low maintenance (other than sharpening), and the brilliant multi-mode sheath. It is dependable go anywhere mild to wild condition/environment mix of tactical to field package with wide-ranging multi-uses. Textbook Field-Knife!!! Made in USA!!!
I'll add... something Gerber should have been up to (*and continually thinking about) is ongoingly offering runs of limited edition StrongArm in different and upgraded steels!!! This to me is a No-Brainer.
I have the Gerber Strongharm for many years now, its a magnificent knife ready to eat whatever you feed him, the steel is surprising excellent in durability, edge retention, the knife is light weight and very important thing, no corrosion! i follow Gerber since the 80's, my first knife from them was the Gerber BMF , great knife as well. You can't beat this quality knife at that price made in USA, the best Gerber fixed blade that i have is the Gerber Trident fine edge, its not the same price though.
The thing i like most about the strongarm is the reliability. Especially for urban environments. If you are in a building that has drywall (most homes and office buildings) this tool really shines to get into or out of a room during an emergency. Thats the entire reason i bought mine. I keep it by my bed in case there is an earthquake and i need to escape.
I keep like 7 knifes in my room, including the Gerber Prodigy fine edge, but I’m weird” I’m debating as whether to buy the Strongarm or the Mora Garburg, I already own 4 moras…
@@liquiddw2 This is a hypothetical. But it can be used to dig your way through a door or yes, a wall. Its tough enough to get through dry wall and even the studs behind it.
Wow they have gone up. I purchased my first one in 2015, the coyote tan for $49 bucks then the black one in 2016 for $45 bucks. Glad I got them back then ,, great knives
Hahaha dude just got mine today off of Amazon paid 80 bucks got the coyote color I have many many tactical knives and I love this one seriously but the main thing that I love about it is that it is made here in the good old USA......
I picked up a Gerber Prodigy not too long ago after the Strongarm went up in price. Same steel, similar blade shape, similar handle, great sheath, etc. You can get them for under 50 bucks if you catch a sale, and they're every bit as bomb proof as their more expensive cousin.
Great video! I’m sill kinda glad that I have one, but I wouldn’t buy it again. The edge retention really sucks, to be honest. As a knife, I’d look elsewhere, but if you’re looking for a sharp crowbar, it’s great.
I love my gerber strong-arm I also have 2 of the gerber lmf infantry knives which is bigger w an awesome rubber encased sheath. Gerber has great products and you can't beat the lifetime guarantee
I've had one for years, got when it had only been around about a year. It's built like a tank n keeps trucking... not my choice of steel but with its reliability I'm not gonna complain. I'd trust this knife with my life. Love to have a 1030 or Sandvik version. Oregon raised here guys, Gerber did a great job on this one 👏 👍🏻
I bought mine based on this video. It arrived today and I am as pleased as punch on the knife. I do wish the sheath was a little different and be more like a Morakniv kydex sheath with a belt loop.
I bought one for my son-in-law and had his name engraved in it. He is a Navy pilot and likes it a whole lot more than the issued survival knife. Then I got one for myself in coyote brown. After I went through the Pathfinder School Basic Course, I left it in my car and used a Tops Brakimo and my daughter used her $15 Mora Companion, because her husband wouldn't let her use the one I gave him. At the end of the course I gave it to her as a reward so she'd have her own. So I don't have one, anymore. But, I will say it just never felt very good in my hand (I wear XL gloves). I really wanted to love that knife as much as you guys did in your videos, but I just never bonded with it. One thing you have to watch for if you want to buy one, is that if you find it at a cheap price, it is more than likely a Chinese counterfeit. There are videos on TH-cam that tell you how to recognize the fakes.
The strong-arm is an amazing knife. But for someone considering one...the SOG Seal pup is a solid alternative for less money. I also just got a Cold Steel SRK (sk5 steel) and I'm a little disappointed that it's not actually a full tang.
IMHO, anything under $100 is still well worth it for a literally bombproof, jack-of-all-trades blade as versatile as the Strongarm. If anything, the very fact that it is more proven than many other “newer” or “nicer” blades is worth the price increase, because the reliability factor is indispensable in a situation where you may really need it.
I’ve got three, two of the all black in 420 high carbon steel, and the limited run of BDZ1 steel version. I keep one on my plate carrier, and one on my warbelt and one for all around. Love the sheath too. The blades are thick and strong and full tang blade. Absolutely love them!!
@@dompuzzo9752 yeah sounds like it! I’ve got one of my 420’s and I’ve used the literal hell out of it and everything is still good and strong, even the rubber overmold handle, the sheath, and of course the blade. I also took a flat file to the spine on a section so that I can strike a flint with it in the field. You’ve gotta be careful with Amazon these days. You’re liable to get a Chinese made knockoff and not even know it until it fails. It’s DEFINITELY worth it to buy one from gerber and they’ve got discounts you can register for as well as far as military, fire, medical.
I have 4. Two in EDC and Go bags. The other two were given to my two oldest boys when they reached their teen years. Gerber raised the price because they became so popular and they could still sell them at the higher price. I would still buy them again at the higher price. They are that good and a proven performer. I am close to pulling the trigger on the BK18.
I've gone to folders for EDC and hunting field dressing knives , , , but I carry a Strongarm on my belt for tougher camp duties. Just a superb sheath knife. I shoot traditional archery/roving (sightless recurves and wood shafts) and to dig a blunt out of a stump this is an ideal choice.
I love how when you made your first strongarm video, you were like “ehhh I don’t like gerber”... but here you are several years later loving this blade. I got mine at the original price point (it was like $60-$70 here because Canada sucks like that). I still plan on buying another one (it’s like $85 now) because I want a plain edge coyote tan - and when I do get it, I won’t have any second thoughts about it. I love this knife... here I am fanboying over it years later. You bring up a very good point on the sheath - because a fantastic blade can be not-so-good for a carry if it doesn’t have a sheath that doesn’t match it. For instance, I love my Honshu conqueror Bowie with D2 steel, but I wouldn’t carry it simply because it’s not feasible to pull from the sheath quickly. With the strongarm, you have a pretty indestructible blade and the sheath has the most versatile deployment options I’ve ever seen.
The price went up because of videos like yours (specifically the gauntlet series actually). I have been to Gerbers factory, and they had their own section for the strongarm (and prodigy due to the blades being the same) alone just to keep up with sales. I mean their were dozens. In addition to this, inflation and steel tariffs have caused the price to jump some. It’s mostly just because of its popularity. Just some insight. Great video!
@@enzowarren9832 the tarrifs trump put in place affected supply of materials (which we get mostly from china) despite being rerolled here, most of the steel is imported. Otherwise, it put pressure on our stagnant steel mills which caused them to surge their prices due to demand. Several manufacturing companies almost (or did) went out of business because of it (and or had to cut staffing). This for the knife world, and manufacturing in general. Why do you think prices for leatherman went up? They also use 420hc from the same place gerber gets theirs (niagra specialty steels from my understanding) and that’s why they increased prices about 10$ prior to inflation.
I was in structural welding when the trump tariffs happened. It raised american steel prices too. Lots of projects went on hold because all steel prices jumped dramatically.
Thank you Aaron for updating us about the Strongarm. For me though, the Prodigy (last time i checked around 54 bucks) is good enough & the only one in my wishlist for a reliable fixed blade. Pretty much the same specifications.
@@bluegrasssurvival9423 Because I just can't afford many knives that I want. Besides, I can't remain single for long. 😁 Thank you for dropping by anyway.
Thanks Aaron!!!!!i actually bought my strongarm based on one of your videos along time ago...... but fantastic knife just wish it was made with a better steel!!!!!
I'd love to see a head to head comparison with the Cold Steel SRK-C, which is about $35-40. Also, have you ever thought of doing a video to explain the different types of steel ? As a rookie knife enthusiast its hard to know which steel is better for which applications. Thanks!!
It outperforms the cold steel 10 to 1 brother. The cold steel has handle material that causes hot spots kinda. Don't get me wrong it's a great knife with a bit of modification but the strongarm and even the prodigy are amazing. The LMF is great if you have bigger hands
@@2ballsyourjaws since it was designed to be a tactical knife, it would have been made knowing the operator would usually be wearing gloves, hence hotspots are acceptable as the gloves negate them. Try some tactical gloves next time you use it. It feels even better in the hand and the grip level goes through the roof. Edit: I have three strongarms, an SRK, 3 prodigys and the LMF II. SRK has the better steel, Strong-arm has the best sheath and Prodigy has the best handle (imo). LMF is just a beast. Have you seen/bought the Schrade Schf40? It's a LMF clone (Gerber let the patent expire lol) but made of SK5. THAT is a monster knife.
Love the Strongarm but I prefer the finnish Jääkäripuukko 110 & 140 or the M95 Sissipuukko (both better for use in the woods). Would not hesistate to bring the Strongarm (better for urban use) into the field if I needed a slightly shorter but very tough blade. Best regard from Sweden
Love this type of content, I have purchased many of the things you recommended. Would love to hear about theses old recommendations, are they still in your rotation, what you learned , etc.
In Aussie dollars, the Garberg is AUD189, the BK-18 is AUD225. the Gerber Strongarm is/was around AUD120. I know what I would buy based on those prices and your long-term review, as well as JOE X's destruction test of the Strongarm and Garberg. I'm not sure if he's tried to destroy a BK-18 as yet though. But yeah, if I could, I'd buy a strongarm today. EDIT: I just bought the Strongarm Cyote blade (no serrations) with the kydex sheath and fittings for AUD109 (27 Aug 2022)
I purchased the strong arm in 2021 and then I gave it to my son. Then I started pinning after it and so I purchased another one. So we have 2 kicking about. When ever I watch a TH-cam video on the strong arm I always hold my knife and feel really proud to own it. I’m from the UK 🇬🇧 Scotland 🏴 I also own the Garberg carbon and Kansbol, Eldris and companion and companion HD and 120 wood knife and outdoor basic wood knife.
Hello, I've had my Gerber strong arm since 2018. I purchased it from a pawn shop for $15 and it has held up to all the tests I put my Becker bk9 through. It has never chipped or even dull really for that matter. All around great knife, I keep it in my car with my get home kit. I live in the city and car break-ins happen frequently so I won't feel too bad over losing a $15 knife, I have had any expensive tops or other name brand knives but from what I've heard this stands up there with them for the money. By the way been watching your videos for years and you have helped detour me from wasting money. Thanks, and greetings from Dallas Texas
@@Ve-suvius Yes I sure have. Before that I just kept it in the pack in my car for emergencies. It sure can take a beating! Have buttoned through oak and it came out hair shaving sharp. Just saw another at the pawn shop with a razor-sharp for 50$
I bought one within the past few years (from LAPG, no less) and can say I really like it - even at the current 74.99 price point. This one is going in my "go bag" for sure. I think trusting your life to this gem is a wise decision.
Yup, watching this with my strongarm. I love this knife, it has become 1 of my 3 used knives. 4max scout for work, strongarm for the backyard and hunting in the valley, and the 3v srk for the mountains and wilderness areas
I got the Gerber strongarm after watching your first review of it back in 2015 for around $90(AUD) now I see them for $150+ sometimes, glad I got it when I did that's for sure one of my all time favourite knives
@@michaelwaldeck7081 yeah they're so expensive now glad I got one way back then 😂 may get the serrated version eventually tho but I'll look at other places besides bcf that's crazy expensive especially for 420hc steel
Here in 2024. I think the Gerber Strongarm now $90 and Prodigy ($70-90) in Plain Edge versions are still two of the best all around knives for general camping/hiking and for Survival/Bugout Bags. I wonder if Gerber would ever produce 7 inch versions of the Strongarm or Prodigy. It would be a bit better for chopping and batoning. I purchased the Versafix Pro ($22 was a steal) for a camping trip this summer and was very happy with a 9 inch lightweight option but knowing the blade steel is 3Cr13 bothers me. It is nice having a 9 inch blade for under 1 lb with sheath included.
Great video! the Strongarm has become legend. Change of subject: Would you be able to possibly review & test two tomahawks? i recently began using a cold steel Frontier and Frontier Pipe Hawk concurrently, and have been truthfully amazed at the versatility of these two tools. After sharpening them on a stone, the plain, lighter Frontier Hawk is like a fine carving hatchet; the Frontier Pipe Hawk is like a fairly powerful axe. i have been in the woods a long time, and am seldom surprised like i have been with these two hawks. Would make an awesome video! :)
I class the Gerber Strongarm to knives, the same as the Sig Saur P226 Mk 25 is to military sidearms. It is a classic that never really goes out of style.
This is going to be my first proper knife I’m buying. Along with a Leatherman Rebar, I’m keeping these on my ATV as my do-it-all tools for emergency trail maintenance and cutting kindling for fires. If you have any other recommendations, I’m all ears! I’m also getting a Scherade Ferro-rod and striker for an emergency fire starter.
I have one of these I purchased 3 years ago. I'm glad to see someone say positive things about this do all knife. I absolutely love it. I see so many knife snobs shun the strongarm. For me it's been perfect without breaking the bank.
I find it funny how many people down this blade. I ended up buying 2 of them. I keep them in both of my trucks. I have been carrying Gerber knifes for a very long time
Excellent choices without breaking the bank! I can't tell you how many Moras and Rat models 1& 2 I've gifted over just the past year. Since getting my 3rd Tops knife, my Strongarm has been downgraded to heavy duty utility home knife but I'll be damned if it doesn't have the best handle and ergos out of all my fixed blades, if not knives, in general.
Wouldn't mind gettin one, but my 20yr old K-Bar and leather sheath still look almost new and I've used it for everything abused at work camping prying open 💩 chopped wood still has it's original edge just hone the blade properly and treaded the leather sheath.
Picked mine up for £50 in 2018 and have kicked the living daylights out of it and it just laughs at me. I keep seeing new knives that I want but tbh I can't justify the cost while the Strongarm is still doing what I want it to do. I actually think it was this channel that pushed me into buying it, so thanks for that, it was sound advice.
I picked one of these up on a whim a few years ago for my bug out bag. Always had good experiences with Gerber, it looked nice and was $30 at Ace Hardware. Definitely don't regret it. Crazy thr price has gone up so much
Agreed on the 7 inch Ka-bar. By far not the best choice in the woods. Those shorter knives you have way better control over the blade, the upper guard is annoying in bushcraft tasks , very unpleasant. For larger taskes, really, take a hatchet or a short machete. And you're covered way better with , than large knives that are master of none. The Joe X video on the Strongarm was amazing. Totally crazy how tough that knife is.
I’ve owned a few strongarms. I got the black one with serrations way back in the day, probably 2017 as my first fixed blade, but I didn’t end up liking the serrations as much as I thought I would. I got the coyote one in 2021 with no serrations, and shortly afterwards I bought a few spares because they were going for a decent price. Went for the first date with my fiancé 7 months ago. Before we went out I learned she likes knives. During the date I decided I really liked her, so I pulled one out of my trunk and gave it to her. The one I carry has been through the ringer with me. I was working as a framer and would use it for a number of tasks on the job, like cutting rock wool, scoring aluminum, prying things (usually starting the pry taking nails out of wood and then grabbing the nail puller), cutting materials 60 feet off the ground. It’s just so reliable - and the sheath makes it so you can mount it on yourself in the most reliable and easy to get to place so it’s always right there when you need it, rather than having to go into your pocket with work gloves on and a whole bunch of other stuff going on. I whittled the guard by the spine down a bit so I can put my thumb on the spine a little more comfortably.
Amazon had them on sale a few weeks back for 48 bucks. Snatched one right up! I've had the Prodigy for years but I wanted to see what all the hype was on the Strongarm but, NOT for 90 BUCKS!!! I like the knife. It's a great little blade (just like my Prodigy!). I'm glad I caught the sale otherwise, my Prodigy would've been more than enough knife for me. Great video too btw!!!
My dad gave me one when I turned 18 and it’s been serving me well in the bush but I got my buddy one and he managed to chip the edge in a week on an island in the North Pacific Alaska
I don't think there is such thing as a "perfect knife". But for me this knife comes the closes to 'perfect' there is. I have 3 of them and they are all as he says bomb proof, very happy with these knives.
Awesome video! Just picked one up today and wanted to see what you think about the knife. So far, I’m incredibly impressed with the stability of the Strongarm. Thanks for the insight!
Can y’all do that same torture test with the gerber principle. That six man test sold me on the strong arm and I love it. Im leaning towards the principle for edc.
Great blade for the money...however, be careful with LAPG....the shipping is slow as molasses running uphill in Nov....I placed an order back on March 22nd and still waiting for the items....
Yes I remember Walmart selling them for $40 and I never bought one and when I decided to buy one and the paying $70 at my local Ace Hardware but overall I love it
The strong arm like with most knives from gerber is not going to fail you. Edge retention is nice but these days sharpeners are so compact you can put it in a go bag and that will solve the edge retention issue. I have a larger full tang knife from gerber and it’s super solid. I don’t remember how much I paid but I’d spend $100 on it if I knew it would stay true in a survival situation. edit: i went back and looked i think its called "the ultimate it's going for $62 right now it's a great knife, but it is half serrated so not for everybody.
420HC is a super steel. It has higher toughness than 3V and very high corrosion resistance. It just doesn't have extreme wear resistance (obviously because of the high toughness).
I recently bought one with a sticker price of 74.99 that was up to 82 + change after sales tax. Like, bought it less than a week ago. Haven’t had a chance to use it yet but will be going to college soon and will be part of ROTC and after college, I plan for the Air Force. With future plans in mind, and without them in mind, do you think it’s still worthwhile in my use as a general everyday carry tool, or should I shelve it for something else? I also own a Morakniv Bushcraft that I bought around this last Christmas, but I bought the Strongarm because I know the name Gerber as dependable and the knife impressed me on first hold in the store. I bought the Morakniv for the good deal I got, Christmas money, and the fact that it’s Swedish steel. Figured “If Swedish steel was good enough for German tanks in 1940, it’s good enough for my knife. However, I got a good deal on the Bushcraft because I guess it was the last one and there was no outer sheath with the model out of the case, just the inner sheath the knife sits in which in turn snaps into the outer one. And because of this lack of outer sheath, I can’t legally carry it in public in my state (laws state that fixed blade knives MUST be open carried). Haven’t checked laws yet on state where my college is, but I want your thoughts on the future of this knife in my toolbox/arsenal.
No place i cant go with my strongarm and 357 mag. Perfect pair for the woods. I have more high dollar knives but the strongarm really is as tuff as they come
😂😂its funny...sometimes i go back and watch old videos of certain knives I've bought over the years.. the ones i still have love and use !!!and the strongarm is certainly one!!! But YES a screaming deal when it was 65 bucks!!! Thanks man God bless America 🇺🇸
Thanks for the update! I picked up a Gerber Strongarm a couple years ago when the price jumped to $70. But I got a pretty good discount on it by taking care of an early delivery semi for the Ace Hardware that is attached to the store where I used to work. The Ace manager thanked me repeatedly for unloading their truck for them because it showed up 4 hours before anyone got there. When he asked how he could pay me back, I saw the Strongarm in the locked display case. I told me I’ll take the Strongarm as trade. He said he couldn’t give it to me for free, but offered it for half price. So $35 later, I had my new knife. Spent $25 on eBay for a snap on pistol mag holder and a Schrade folding diamond sharpener. Now I have the sharpener mounted to the Gerber sheath. Pretty slick little setup!
You put the information out in an organized manner. GOOD CONTENT
I think the Strongarm is quite a bit stronger than the Kabar USMC knife.
I think the main difference is the steel and the tang? Does the strongarm have a full tang? Because I'm pretty sure the classic KaBar doesn't, it narrows down at the handle, however it's still a ridiculously tough knife.
@@DevDog67 the gerber strong arm is a 420C stainless full tang knife
WWII Kabars and Camillus Mk2 fighters had lower Rockwell ratings (I.e. softer), which made them stronger, but also in need of more regular sharpening. Back then men knew how to sharpen knives, and just bent their Mk2 fighters back when they bent at the hilt, because they didn’t snap. If you’ve bought a few of the WW2 knives you know what I’m talking about.
I love the Strongarm. Have a few, and have gifted a few.
@@lndrover100 I've found at a flee market some years ago, a Ka-Bar knock off written "Japan" on it at the base of the blade.. I've heard these were cheaper knives made during the Viet-Nam war era.. Believe or not, it's stronger (Japanese steel ?) than the real deal, and i've got the two of them, so can compare...
I believe the blade will snap just like any other knife if you actually want it too or course on a durable torture test but realistically in the end a kabar and this Gerber strong arm is this preference like for me I like Kabars better love hoe they look and they perform beautifully for the money
I still feel that the strongarm has its place, even at its current price point. For an indestructible blade, it can't be beat. However, I wish they continued to make the BDZ-1 version, as this was better all the way around. Granted it didn't have a 90° spine, which when grinded down, worked perfectly for striking ferro rods and stuff.
I have 3 of them, all I bought long ago, but a black fine edge, coyote with fine/serrated, and a BDZ-1 version. The sheaths are no doubt just plain awesome and has been by far the best sheath to come from a commercial knife manufacturer.
There's only one other knife I would say hangs right there with the strongarm in terms of toughness, size, price, and still have a good sheath, is the Terava Jaakariipukko. I bought the larger version with a 6" blade and I fricken love using that knife. I find the grip more comfortable, better steel is used, better blade angles, better edge retention, but commonly comes with a leather dangler style sheath. I've tried to break it with batoning and lateral prying on the tip, it took it all day. I still very much like my Gerber Strongarms, but I feel as far as any type of wood working goes, the Jaakariipukko beats the Strongarm hands down.
Back then, both of these knives could be had for $50 or even less, but now both hover around that $75-$100 mark, which imo, for what they are, still worth it.
Frankly, it’s deserves better than BDZ-1, that was a small step up. Ideally MagnaCut, or if not that, either S35VN or CPM-154. Any of those 3 would make a great upper tier choice. That said, if they just changed it to 14C28N because it’s fairly cheap, it would be amazing. It’s a really tough stainless, certainly better edge retention than 420HC, but sharpening! No stainless sharpens like the Sandvik steels. That stuff gets screaming sharp without much difficulty. If it had that, I wouldn’t crave a high end steel.
Yes I absolutely agree,I love my jaakari pukko 110 an 140 an my skrama,tough as hell they are.
I love mine, skrama is king for a bushman's chopper an a one tool option,that said it combined with a silky saw an a Leatherman an the pukko s,for game processing an general purposes,I like my Gerber for utility work stuff or tactical,I do love the handle ergonomics for wet or dry condition an feel great in the hands,I also have a camp an trail knife by corporal Kelly from self reliance outfitters,also got to meet the legend Dave Canterbury at blade show 2023 June 3bin Atlanta,it was amazing
I own 2 black in each blade style, a coyote in plain edge as well as a brand new BDZ1. I absolutely LOVE this knife! I am a landscaper so being dug in the dirt is common. I don't really have an edge retention issue at all.
The gerber strongarm is one of the best fixed blade knife I have ever used and I love blades and got a pretty big selection of them fixed and foldable. Strongarm for my main go bag for sure. Like Aaron said it is reliable.
I've got my strongarm on my belt right now. I think you hit the nail on the head. It is still an all-around excellent knife
i havent bought another fixed blade since i got my strongarm, based very much on your review.
Sadly, this question of “Is it worth it at that price?” seems to have become a universal question for me regarding all of the knives I’ve been pining after. I am a very poor knife enthusiast, so I may wait as much as two or three years before buying a model I want. The Para 3 in S110V, for instance, has climbed from something like $160 to over $200 in that time. I just yesterday saw listings for run-of-the-mill Bark River Bravo 1s for over $300 each. The Benchmade 940 went from $185 to $202. Hell, even the Victorinox Fieldmaster jumped just slightly above the “that’s a good deal” price range two days before I finally bought it.
I just bought the Benchmade 940 and its my most expensive knife I own. I wanted to own one premium iconic knife, but I agree, its not worth $202, more like $150.
Honestly, I think it’s a great knife. And besides, if you’re waiting 2 or 3 years before buying, then I think you’re a little late! C’mon... go get it! You know you want it
Sam here man 😭
Bark River all the way
I noticed that why are knives going up in price??
I got mine for 89.99 a week ago. I'm an outdoors person I love the grip & how it locks
Great review
Thank you Lawrence!!
I got mine for $80(with promo codes normally it is $90), It is ariving friday(2 days) and I can't wait to try it out. It will be my first knife and from the reviews it seems it will be quite decent.
Had one since they released. Given a few away to friends and family and they all love them. It should also be mentioned that Gerber has a superb warranty on all of its products, and the Strongarm is no different. Any drama, send it to them and if it can't be fixed they'll send you a replacement. That's been my experience anyways. Solid video as always, Aaron. Cheers brother.
This is the kind of video that more reviewers should do - a practical examination of how knives hold up over time. I'd love to see an update like this on the Steel Will Roamer R305 and R315.
Awesome knife. Also love the Molly attachment system. Bought mine for around $45.00. Bought a black one and a coyote Brown. One of them ran on my body armor vest when I was on the job. The other on my get home bag. Still have them both. Retired now.
Where did you buy it from?
I have (2) Gerber StrongArms. 1st one all said and done back in 2015 @ $ 60 delivered to Alaska was in the 420HC Coyote-Brown. 2nd was in 2017 @ $63 BDZ-1 Grey. What impressed me regarding design and 'overall package' is the rendition and features of the quintessential 'field-knife'. Most characteristic: size, loadout, handiness, rugged high reliability, high value to lower cost, corrosion resistance, low maintenance (other than sharpening), and the brilliant multi-mode sheath. It is dependable go anywhere mild to wild condition/environment mix of tactical to field package with wide-ranging multi-uses. Textbook Field-Knife!!! Made in USA!!!
I'll add... something Gerber should have been up to (*and continually thinking about) is ongoingly offering runs of limited edition StrongArm in different and upgraded steels!!! This to me is a No-Brainer.
Checkout Bark River knives
@@alaskaraftconnection-alask3397and a sharpening choil.
I have the Gerber Strongharm for many years now, its a magnificent knife ready to eat whatever you feed him, the steel is surprising excellent in durability, edge retention, the knife is light weight and very important thing, no corrosion! i follow Gerber since the 80's, my first knife from them was the Gerber BMF , great knife as well.
You can't beat this quality knife at that price made in USA, the best Gerber fixed blade that i have is the Gerber Trident fine edge, its not the same price though.
I believe I bought it around 55 dollars. The gauntlet video was definitely what made the strongarm reach the top of my list
The thing i like most about the strongarm is the reliability. Especially for urban environments.
If you are in a building that has drywall (most homes and office buildings) this tool really shines to get into or out of a room during an emergency.
Thats the entire reason i bought mine. I keep it by my bed in case there is an earthquake and i need to escape.
I keep like 7 knifes in my room, including the Gerber Prodigy fine edge, but I’m weird” I’m debating as whether to buy the Strongarm or the Mora Garburg, I already own 4 moras…
They are £120 in the UK!!!!!!!
Are you going to cut through the drywall to get out?
@@liquiddw2
This is a hypothetical.
But it can be used to dig your way through a door or yes, a wall.
Its tough enough to get through dry wall and even the studs behind it.
I bought a gerber strong arm years ago and I tortured the holy hell out of it! Still have it today, it is my go-to knife of all time!
Went digging around for mine. Still a solid feeling knife. The name rings with military service men and women. I'll be taking it to work today.
Wow they have gone up. I purchased my first one in 2015, the coyote tan for $49 bucks then the black one in 2016 for $45 bucks. Glad I got them back then ,, great knives
Yea
Inflation
Hahaha dude just got mine today off of Amazon paid 80 bucks got the coyote color I have many many tactical knives and I love this one seriously but the main thing that I love about it is that it is made here in the good old USA......
@@DannyCasino By a Finnish owned multinational company.... but sure, it's made here in the US.
I picked up a Gerber Prodigy not too long ago after the Strongarm went up in price. Same steel, similar blade shape, similar handle, great sheath, etc. You can get them for under 50 bucks if you catch a sale, and they're every bit as bomb proof as their more expensive cousin.
Great video! I’m sill kinda glad that I have one, but I wouldn’t buy it again. The edge retention really sucks, to be honest. As a knife, I’d look elsewhere, but if you’re looking for a sharp crowbar, it’s great.
This is NOT a knife you buy for edge retention, but for hard use.
I'd combine this knife with a good folder for cutting and slicing finer work.
I love my gerber strong-arm I also have 2 of the gerber lmf infantry knives which is bigger w an awesome rubber encased sheath.
Gerber has great products and you can't beat the lifetime guarantee
I've had one for years, got when it had only been around about a year. It's built like a tank n keeps trucking... not my choice of steel but with its reliability I'm not gonna complain. I'd trust this knife with my life. Love to have a 1030 or Sandvik version. Oregon raised here guys, Gerber did a great job on this one 👏 👍🏻
So your raised in Oregon....whoopdy doo...that has nothing to do with this knife . remember, nobody asked.
I bought mine based on this video. It arrived today and I am as pleased as punch on the knife. I do wish the sheath was a little different and be more like a Morakniv kydex sheath with a belt loop.
I remember your videos the Gauntlet. I bought mine in 2017. I live my strong arm. She’s thick though.
I bought one for my son-in-law and had his name engraved in it. He is a Navy pilot and likes it a whole lot more than the issued survival knife. Then I got one for myself in coyote brown. After I went through the Pathfinder School Basic Course, I left it in my car and used a Tops Brakimo and my daughter used her $15 Mora Companion, because her husband wouldn't let her use the one I gave him. At the end of the course I gave it to her as a reward so she'd have her own. So I don't have one, anymore.
But, I will say it just never felt very good in my hand (I wear XL gloves). I really wanted to love that knife as much as you guys did in your videos, but I just never bonded with it.
One thing you have to watch for if you want to buy one, is that if you find it at a cheap price, it is more than likely a Chinese counterfeit. There are videos on TH-cam that tell you how to recognize the fakes.
The strong-arm is an amazing knife. But for someone considering one...the SOG Seal pup is a solid alternative for less money. I also just got a Cold Steel SRK (sk5 steel) and I'm a little disappointed that it's not actually a full tang.
IMHO, anything under $100 is still well worth it for a literally bombproof, jack-of-all-trades blade as versatile as the Strongarm. If anything, the very fact that it is more proven than many other “newer” or “nicer” blades is worth the price increase, because the reliability factor is indispensable in a situation where you may really need it.
Bought my strong arm for $45 off Amazon back in 2015. I was looking for a good all around knife and the Gauntlet sold me on it.
I’ve got three, two of the all black in 420 high carbon steel, and the limited run of BDZ1 steel version. I keep one on my plate carrier, and one on my warbelt and one for all around. Love the sheath too. The blades are thick and strong and full tang blade. Absolutely love them!!
i got one last summer I was so hyped. and now it's beat to hell from moderate use. I think Amazon sold me a fake.
@@dompuzzo9752 yeah sounds like it! I’ve got one of my 420’s and I’ve used the literal hell out of it and everything is still good and strong, even the rubber overmold handle, the sheath, and of course the blade. I also took a flat file to the spine on a section so that I can strike a flint with it in the field. You’ve gotta be careful with Amazon these days. You’re liable to get a Chinese made knockoff and not even know it until it fails. It’s DEFINITELY worth it to buy one from gerber and they’ve got discounts you can register for as well as far as military, fire, medical.
@@KendrasEdge757 ohh yea mines def fake the pommel broke and it could strike fliint right out the box
@@dompuzzo9752 haha yeah, most definitely is!!
I have 4. Two in EDC and Go bags. The other two were given to my two oldest boys when they reached their teen years. Gerber raised the price because they became so popular and they could still sell them at the higher price. I would still buy them again at the higher price. They are that good and a proven performer.
I am close to pulling the trigger on the BK18.
The bk18 is realllllly nice. Got one as soon as I heard about them. Highly recommend them. I might get another sometime.
I've gone to folders for EDC and hunting field dressing knives , , , but I carry a Strongarm on my belt for tougher camp duties. Just a superb sheath knife. I shoot traditional archery/roving (sightless recurves and wood shafts) and to dig a blunt out of a stump this is an ideal choice.
I own three strong arms and I swear by them! Overall excellent knives and well worth the cost even today!
My go to knife is the Ontario Air force survival knife. I've been using it for over 24 years.
I love how when you made your first strongarm video, you were like “ehhh I don’t like gerber”... but here you are several years later loving this blade.
I got mine at the original price point (it was like $60-$70 here because Canada sucks like that). I still plan on buying another one (it’s like $85 now) because I want a plain edge coyote tan - and when I do get it, I won’t have any second thoughts about it.
I love this knife... here I am fanboying over it years later.
You bring up a very good point on the sheath - because a fantastic blade can be not-so-good for a carry if it doesn’t have a sheath that doesn’t match it. For instance, I love my Honshu conqueror Bowie with D2 steel, but I wouldn’t carry it simply because it’s not feasible to pull from the sheath quickly.
With the strongarm, you have a pretty indestructible blade and the sheath has the most versatile deployment options I’ve ever seen.
Only thing I regret on mine....the serrations...should have bought the plain edge version.
Thanks for the video!
I bought one for my son for his get home bag/truck knife a little over a year ago. He really likes it!
This is the day the Lord has made!
The price went up because of videos like yours (specifically the gauntlet series actually). I have been to Gerbers factory, and they had their own section for the strongarm (and prodigy due to the blades being the same) alone just to keep up with sales. I mean their were dozens. In addition to this, inflation and steel tariffs have caused the price to jump some. It’s mostly just because of its popularity. Just some insight. Great video!
steel tariffs? I’m pretty sure the 420HC they use in the Strongarm is made in Latrobe PA.
@@enzowarren9832 the tarrifs trump put in place affected supply of materials (which we get mostly from china) despite being rerolled here, most of the steel is imported. Otherwise, it put pressure on our stagnant steel mills which caused them to surge their prices due to demand. Several manufacturing companies almost (or did) went out of business because of it (and or had to cut staffing). This for the knife world, and manufacturing in general. Why do you think prices for leatherman went up? They also use 420hc from the same place gerber gets theirs (niagra specialty steels from my understanding) and that’s why they increased prices about 10$ prior to inflation.
@@hunterglaspell interesting, I did not know any of that. I appreciate the info!
Agreed.
I was in structural welding when the trump tariffs happened. It raised american steel prices too. Lots of projects went on hold because all steel prices jumped dramatically.
I like the Prodigy, very similar, with plain edge. Have 3 that I sharpen all at once and rotate them as they get dull lol
Thank you Aaron for updating us about the Strongarm. For me though, the Prodigy (last time i checked around 54 bucks) is good enough & the only one in my wishlist for a reliable fixed blade. Pretty much the same specifications.
Why settle for one? I own both! XD
@@bluegrasssurvival9423 Because I just can't afford many knives that I want. Besides, I can't remain single for long. 😁 Thank you for dropping by anyway.
Thanks Aaron!!!!!i actually bought my strongarm based on one of your videos along time ago...... but fantastic knife just wish it was made with a better steel!!!!!
I'd love to see a head to head comparison with the Cold Steel SRK-C, which is about $35-40. Also, have you ever thought of doing a video to explain the different types of steel ? As a rookie knife enthusiast its hard to know which steel is better for which applications. Thanks!!
th-cam.com/video/ldimuyAv9xY/w-d-xo.html
Ya that would be great
There’s quite a few on TH-cam already, but it would be nice to see a comparison from this channel as well.👍🏼
It outperforms the cold steel 10 to 1 brother. The cold steel has handle material that causes hot spots kinda. Don't get me wrong it's a great knife with a bit of modification but the strongarm and even the prodigy are amazing. The LMF is great if you have bigger hands
@@2ballsyourjaws since it was designed to be a tactical knife, it would have been made knowing the operator would usually be wearing gloves, hence hotspots are acceptable as the gloves negate them. Try some tactical gloves next time you use it. It feels even better in the hand and the grip level goes through the roof.
Edit: I have three strongarms, an SRK, 3 prodigys and the LMF II. SRK has the better steel, Strong-arm has the best sheath and Prodigy has the best handle (imo). LMF is just a beast. Have you seen/bought the Schrade Schf40? It's a LMF clone (Gerber let the patent expire lol) but made of SK5. THAT is a monster knife.
Very good point about how for a lot of companies, the sheath is an afterthought. There’s a lot of room for improvement in the future for sheaths
Love the Strongarm but I prefer the finnish Jääkäripuukko 110 & 140 or the M95 Sissipuukko (both better for use in the woods). Would not hesistate to bring the Strongarm (better for urban use) into the field if I needed a slightly shorter but very tough blade.
Best regard from Sweden
Love this type of content, I have purchased many of the things you recommended. Would love to hear about theses old recommendations, are they still in your rotation, what you learned , etc.
In Aussie dollars, the Garberg is AUD189, the BK-18 is AUD225. the Gerber Strongarm is/was around AUD120. I know what I would buy based on those prices and your long-term review, as well as JOE X's destruction test of the Strongarm and Garberg. I'm not sure if he's tried to destroy a BK-18 as yet though. But yeah, if I could, I'd buy a strongarm today. EDIT: I just bought the Strongarm Cyote blade (no serrations) with the kydex sheath and fittings for AUD109 (27 Aug 2022)
@@joex
Der Joe X aus Österreich.
The Strongarm performed amazingly in your destruction test.
I purchased the strong arm in 2021 and then I gave it to my son. Then I started pinning after it and so I purchased another one. So we have 2 kicking about. When ever I watch a TH-cam video on the strong arm I always hold my knife and feel really proud to own it. I’m from the UK 🇬🇧 Scotland 🏴 I also own the Garberg carbon and Kansbol, Eldris and companion and companion HD and 120 wood knife and outdoor basic wood knife.
Pinning?
Absolutely love mine ! Favorite fixed blade I’ve ever had !!!
Hello, I've had my Gerber strong arm since 2018. I purchased it from a pawn shop for $15 and it has held up to all the tests I put my Becker bk9 through. It has never chipped or even dull really for that matter. All around great knife, I keep it in my car with my get home kit. I live in the city and car break-ins happen frequently so I won't feel too bad over losing a $15 knife, I have had any expensive tops or other name brand knives but from what I've heard this stands up there with them for the money. By the way been watching your videos for years and you have helped detour me from wasting money. Thanks, and greetings from Dallas Texas
15$? That's Mora prices.
Here it is 110 € with plain edge, serrated 100 €.
It's tougher than the BK9 I think.
Having seen Joe X's destruction tests...
@@Ve-suvius Yes I sure have. Before that I just kept it in the pack in my car for emergencies. It sure can take a beating! Have buttoned through oak and it came out hair shaving sharp. Just saw another at the pawn shop with a razor-sharp for 50$
@@The5150owl
Cool.
Pity we don't have those prices here.
It's one of the toughest knives out there it seems.
Definitely the best fixed blade knife I own. Love this knife a true go to war blade
Bought this knife for $45.99 in march 2018. It’s now $89.99 in october 2024 !!! 😵💫
I bought one within the past few years (from LAPG, no less) and can say I really like it - even at the current 74.99 price point. This one is going in my "go bag" for sure. I think trusting your life to this gem is a wise decision.
Yup, watching this with my strongarm. I love this knife, it has become 1 of my 3 used knives. 4max scout for work, strongarm for the backyard and hunting in the valley, and the 3v srk for the mountains and wilderness areas
I got the Gerber strongarm after watching your first review of it back in 2015 for around $90(AUD) now I see them for $150+ sometimes, glad I got it when I did that's for sure one of my all time favourite knives
I just bought one for $130 and bcf has them for $169. Yikes. No way it is worth that much.
@@michaelwaldeck7081 yeah they're so expensive now glad I got one way back then 😂 may get the serrated version eventually tho but I'll look at other places besides bcf that's crazy expensive especially for 420hc steel
Here in 2024. I think the Gerber Strongarm now $90 and Prodigy ($70-90) in Plain Edge versions are still two of the best all around knives for general camping/hiking and for Survival/Bugout Bags.
I wonder if Gerber would ever produce 7 inch versions of the Strongarm or Prodigy. It would be a bit better for chopping and batoning.
I purchased the Versafix Pro ($22 was a steal) for a camping trip this summer and was very happy with a 9 inch lightweight option but knowing the blade steel is 3Cr13 bothers me.
It is nice having a 9 inch blade for under 1 lb with sheath included.
You’re not kidding, this thing just won’t quit! Love mine, it’s a real pleasure to use.
Thanks for the great video 👍
Great video! the Strongarm has become legend. Change of subject: Would you be able to possibly review & test two tomahawks? i recently began using a cold steel Frontier and Frontier Pipe Hawk concurrently, and have been truthfully amazed at the versatility of these two tools. After sharpening them on a stone, the plain, lighter Frontier Hawk is like a fine carving hatchet; the Frontier Pipe Hawk is like a fairly powerful axe. i have been in the woods a long time, and am seldom surprised like i have been with these two hawks. Would make an awesome video! :)
I class the Gerber Strongarm to knives, the same as the Sig Saur P226 Mk 25 is to military sidearms. It is a classic that never really goes out of style.
This is by far my favorite fixed blade knife, picked it up at the lower price point some time ago.
This is going to be my first proper knife I’m buying. Along with a Leatherman Rebar, I’m keeping these on my ATV as my do-it-all tools for emergency trail maintenance and cutting kindling for fires. If you have any other recommendations, I’m all ears! I’m also getting a Scherade Ferro-rod and striker for an emergency fire starter.
Great video, Aaron! I always appreciate seeing the competitive options with special attention paid to the ambidextrous set-up.
I have one of these I purchased 3 years ago. I'm glad to see someone say positive things about this do all knife. I absolutely love it. I see so many knife snobs shun the strongarm. For me it's been perfect without breaking the bank.
I find it funny how many people down this blade. I ended up buying 2 of them. I keep them in both of my trucks. I have been carrying Gerber knifes for a very long time
Glad I got mine cheap. I also picked up a couple of the Prodigy with the non-serrated edge. It’s a value as well.
I went to bass pro shop today and they were charging around $80 but thats their price lol. I do love Gerber again.
Between the Strongarm and Rat1 folders. I’m not sure which one I’ve gave away more. I put them in kits and when someone needs a good blade...
Excellent choices without breaking the bank! I can't tell you how many Moras and Rat models 1& 2 I've gifted over just the past year. Since getting my 3rd Tops knife, my Strongarm has been downgraded to heavy duty utility home knife but I'll be damned if it doesn't have the best handle and ergos out of all my fixed blades, if not knives, in general.
New color way avail now too! Appreciate the videos as always!
Wouldn't mind gettin one, but my 20yr old K-Bar and leather sheath still look almost new and I've used it for everything abused at work camping prying open 💩 chopped wood still has it's original edge just hone the blade properly and treaded the leather sheath.
I bought the "Strongarm" for the exact same reasons! It's a knife you can ALWAYS count on! Greetings from Central Italy.
Picked mine up for £50 in 2018 and have kicked the living daylights out of it and it just laughs at me. I keep seeing new knives that I want but tbh I can't justify the cost while the Strongarm is still doing what I want it to do. I actually think it was this channel that pushed me into buying it, so thanks for that, it was sound advice.
How about the Walmart exclusive Gerber Prodigy without serrations. Basically the same as strongarm and is only $50.
I picked one of these up on a whim a few years ago for my bug out bag. Always had good experiences with Gerber, it looked nice and was $30 at Ace Hardware. Definitely don't regret it. Crazy thr price has gone up so much
Did u find out the angle grind of Strongarm? Thank you very much.
I would do 18-20 each side
Want one. It seems to be an almost perfect knife in its class.
Mine is still on my backpack. Its served for many years, where lesser knives have fell from favor. Bombproof is the right word.
Aaron said bombproof just as I read bombproof on your comment 😂
My Favorite knife and I own a few' Prices have gone up on em for sure but definitely still worth it! Even with the higher price point.
the Prodigy is my fav. Fits my hand perfectly! I have 2, one purchased for 25 bucks brand new!
Agreed on the 7 inch Ka-bar. By far not the best choice in the woods. Those shorter knives you have way better control over the blade, the upper guard is annoying in bushcraft tasks , very unpleasant. For larger taskes, really, take a hatchet or a short machete. And you're covered way better with , than large knives that are master of none.
The Joe X video on the Strongarm was amazing. Totally crazy how tough that knife is.
Still rocking my Strong Arm on my battle Belt Hiking gear, bought it right after your initial review!
I’ve owned a few strongarms.
I got the black one with serrations way back in the day, probably 2017 as my first fixed blade, but I didn’t end up liking the serrations as much as I thought I would. I got the coyote one in 2021 with no serrations, and shortly afterwards I bought a few spares because they were going for a decent price.
Went for the first date with my fiancé 7 months ago. Before we went out I learned she likes knives. During the date I decided I really liked her, so I pulled one out of my trunk and gave it to her.
The one I carry has been through the ringer with me. I was working as a framer and would use it for a number of tasks on the job, like cutting rock wool, scoring aluminum, prying things (usually starting the pry taking nails out of wood and then grabbing the nail puller), cutting materials 60 feet off the ground. It’s just so reliable - and the sheath makes it so you can mount it on yourself in the most reliable and easy to get to place so it’s always right there when you need it, rather than having to go into your pocket with work gloves on and a whole bunch of other stuff going on. I whittled the guard by the spine down a bit so I can put my thumb on the spine a little more comfortably.
Blade h q has the very similar gerber prodigy knife on sale for $34.99 ...very close to same specs
Amazon had them on sale a few weeks back for 48 bucks. Snatched one right up! I've had the Prodigy for years but I wanted to see what all the hype was on the Strongarm but, NOT for 90 BUCKS!!! I like the knife. It's a great little blade (just like my Prodigy!). I'm glad I caught the sale otherwise, my Prodigy would've been more than enough knife for me. Great video too btw!!!
Still love mine. Bought it like 3 yrs ago
My dad gave me one when I turned 18 and it’s been serving me well in the bush but I got my buddy one and he managed to chip the edge in a week on an island in the North Pacific Alaska
So glad i got this knife when it was dirt cheap. I never even considering it would rise in value over time. Loving it.
I don't think there is such thing as a "perfect knife". But for me this knife comes the closes to 'perfect' there is. I have 3 of them and they are all as he says bomb proof, very happy with these knives.
Awesome video! Just picked one up today and wanted to see what you think about the knife. So far, I’m incredibly impressed with the stability of the Strongarm. Thanks for the insight!
Wow its held up for one day? Incredible
I like mine, got it when it was cheaper. I agree with you on the quality. Thanks.
Just a heads up. The Gerber Prodigy which is essentially the same knife with a slightly different handle is still around $50.
It’s gone up too. About 65$ now on average
@@hunterglaspell I just seen the other day at my local Walmart they have them for $54??
Can y’all do that same torture test with the gerber principle. That six man test sold me on the strong arm and I love it. Im leaning towards the principle for edc.
Great blade for the money...however, be careful with LAPG....the shipping is slow as molasses running uphill in Nov....I placed an order back on March 22nd and still waiting for the items....
Yes I remember Walmart selling them for $40 and I never bought one and when I decided to buy one and the paying $70 at my local Ace Hardware but overall I love it
The strong arm like with most knives from gerber is not going to fail you. Edge retention is nice but these days sharpeners are so compact you can put it in a go bag and that will solve the edge retention issue. I have a larger full tang knife from gerber and it’s super solid. I don’t remember how much I paid but I’d spend $100 on it if I knew it would stay true in a survival situation.
edit: i went back and looked i think its called "the ultimate it's going for $62 right now it's a great knife, but it is half serrated so not for everybody.
I wish that I would have picked up at least 1 more after I bought mine for that 50 bucks when it first came out. Love this knife.
420HC is a super steel. It has higher toughness than 3V and very high corrosion resistance. It just doesn't have extreme wear resistance (obviously because of the high toughness).
I recently bought one with a sticker price of 74.99 that was up to 82 + change after sales tax. Like, bought it less than a week ago. Haven’t had a chance to use it yet but will be going to college soon and will be part of ROTC and after college, I plan for the Air Force. With future plans in mind, and without them in mind, do you think it’s still worthwhile in my use as a general everyday carry tool, or should I shelve it for something else? I also own a Morakniv Bushcraft that I bought around this last Christmas, but I bought the Strongarm because I know the name Gerber as dependable and the knife impressed me on first hold in the store. I bought the Morakniv for the good deal I got, Christmas money, and the fact that it’s Swedish steel. Figured “If Swedish steel was good enough for German tanks in 1940, it’s good enough for my knife. However, I got a good deal on the Bushcraft because I guess it was the last one and there was no outer sheath with the model out of the case, just the inner sheath the knife sits in which in turn snaps into the outer one. And because of this lack of outer sheath, I can’t legally carry it in public in my state (laws state that fixed blade knives MUST be open carried). Haven’t checked laws yet on state where my college is, but I want your thoughts on the future of this knife in my toolbox/arsenal.
No place i cant go with my strongarm and 357 mag. Perfect pair for the woods.
I have more high dollar knives but the strongarm really is as tuff as they come
😂😂its funny...sometimes i go back and watch old videos of certain knives I've bought over the years.. the ones i still have love and use !!!and the strongarm is certainly one!!! But YES a screaming deal when it was 65 bucks!!! Thanks man God bless America 🇺🇸
That is awesome!
I heard about the strongarm last year and to this day I love the knife it was 149,99 $ CDN but I love it to me beats cold steel