The Gerber StrongArm is a robust fixed-blade survival knife with an extremely comfortable grip. It fits into my large hands perfectly, and may actually be one of the most comfy knives I’ve ever held. The grip is textured with a rubbery-feeling non-slip surface. Honestly, the grip is great.
What’s the first thing you do when you get a new knife? See how sharp it is. So I grabbed a piece of paper and sliced right through it like butter. This, as I’m sure you know, isn’t something that most knives (at least in this price range under $90) are capable of doing.
The blade itself is made of 420 HC (high carbon) steel and is a full tang fixed-blade with a fine edge for easy sharpening. This survival knife also seems like it would perform well in rescue applications in addition to bushcraft. Whenever a hard surface like glass needs to be broken, simply smash the hardened pommel, which extrudes from the grip, into the surface and it should give way. Though, I do have to admit that I didn’t actually break any glass during my evaluation.
The balance of the knife seems to be as close to perfect as you can get with such an affordable knife, and weighs in at 7.2 ounces. Honestly, it fits great in the hand, and does everything you could ever need a blade to do in a survival situation, from chopping wood to sharpening spears and everything in between like filleting a fish.
I do have a downside to note, however. Even though I’m sure the engineers over at Gerber put a lot of time into the sheath, it is a bit difficult to figure out at first because there are a few different ways you can mount it. You have the option to affix it to your MOLLE Gear or your belt in two different configurations.
I tried to carry the knife horizontally on the belt, but the overall size of the knife coming in at just under 10 inches (including the 4.8 inch blade) was protruding out the side just a bit too far to be considered comfortable while sitting. I did, however, find the vertical method of carrying it comfortable, and it seems as though the sheath will hold the knife secure.
MSRP $86
For more on the Gerber StrongArm visit GerberGear.com
