Bought myself one for a tour of South Sudan when serving in the British Army, my version had the serrated blade, used it regularly and never let me down, a great knife and now sits in my grab bag in the boot of my car.

420HC with a good heat treat, is a respectable steel.

Ive tested the hell out if this knife on my channel. I think its a great knife, but the oddness in fine control comes from the double guard, which stops the natural 'thumb creeping on the blade' thing. I have gotten mine razor sharp on the worksharp, using the outdoor guide. I also stuck it an inch into a tree and the steel survived me stompibg on it. The BG ultimate pro snapped. A dumb test, but the Strongarm, LMF2 avd my trusty Fallkniven F1 passed this test. All stainless, all tough. Abuse certainly, but telling of the merits of 420HC as a survival blade. All viewabke testing on my channel.

Strongarm is hands down the toughest knife you can buy close to the price point.

1. They do offer a serrated edge. If you do not know how to sharpen, go with serrated. 2. It's a teflon coating. It does wear, but like you said, VERY slowly. It does help glide thru wood when splitting. 3. If you're worried about sheath retention just take a hairdryer and heat up the retention lips and press them together, let it cool, and you'll get a VERY good lockup

Imported Gerber is crapola. Gerber out of Oregon is top notch, and I've always been a fan.

Man that knife is one of my favorites. It is such a well made knife, it just takes a person, who is so used to handling other types of knives so much, a little while to get adapted to. I have bent & broken many knives including both bear grylls knives stabbing hard types of wood & trust me that strong arm is the only one that never bent or broke , it is a monster especially at the tip.

Its a combat knife plain and simple. Its not designed for wood or any of that. I get why we test it that way but at the end of the day the real question is will it serve as a defensive back up in combat if needed? Answer...Hell yes

I know this is an old vid but I cant let this go.The something that you don't like is the awesome simplicity. You are clearly a knife snob and because it doesn't cost $200 you cant brag about " your awesome expensive knife". If you "an expert" cant put into words whats wrong its cause there is nothing wrong with it. If there is something wrong with the edge its because you or the guy before you messed it up. I have been using these knives along with the prodigy "the serrated version" for years and they are hands down the best knife in its price range. Its even better than 90% of the knives in the $200 price range. I am a subscriber and enjoy your vids so I mean no disrespect. I was surfing through your old vids when i found this. I own lots of different brands and I am in no way a Gerber fan boy. They did however hit a home run with this knife. Maybe do an update for 2020 and put into words what you don"t like. That way even if i don't agree i can respect your opinion. Telling us you don't know what it is but don't really like it is something we expect from a nub who knows nothing about blades, which you by no means are.

I feel like if somebody tested this same knife with 150 dollar price tag that review would be a lot better

We just used my Gerber strongarm on a bullet proof vest.it had no problem going through it far easier than I was expecting.

"Boom, they can cut space/time" ... best line ever!

I had a Gerber in the 1970s in Alaska. It was stainless with a metal textured handle. I skinned and processed moose, caribou, and a large black bear. It was a good knife. For processing wood I used a bowie or a hatchet. Thanks for the video Chris.

I got mine yesterday and it is partially serrated. So far I am very impressed with the knife. It is super sharp and feels great in the hand. I also love the sheathe. I am sure it will last me a lifetime.

My Strongarm is a year old now and very pleased with it ,with the exception of the sheath is made in China , couldn't get past it , so now it' rest in a leather .

if you enjoy being in the woods get a good axe and a foldable saw a single knife will never replace those two plain edge is the best option

Great video!

I really enjoyed that review. It's great to see you reviewing different brands.

this is the first video i've seen of you and it is so awsome keep making videos man it makes me happy🙌

This is one of the best feeling knives in the hand, and I love everything about mine including sharpening it.

Thats one thing I have liked about most Gerber knives are the handles. They do a great job there. I've been eyeballing this knife for a while. I still use my BG knife once in a while, do some hard work with it to see if it will fail and its still holding up. I would use it more but I dont care for the serrations and brandishing the BG logo. Im glad they also offer this in OD green, I might have to get one and see for myself.

I have this and prodigy straight edge I love them Gerber has phenomenal edge it's easy to sharpen anywhere and keep a great edge

I have the LMF2, I love it. gonna order this one soon, thank you for the review! subbed.

Gerber is so much more than just their bear grylls knives. What’re you talking about😂

The clip that holds the horizontal belt loop on the sheath is also a MOLLE clip, to attach directly to a vest or pack.

I have one in coyote brown. It's one of my favourite knives. I think Gerber really got their act back together with this one. It's excellent value for money at that price point. Great review.

I have a strongarm, its held up well. No problem with it at all. I took a chance with it and haven't regretted it.

There is a serrated version, but I'm with you on preferring the plain edge. I suspect it's the thickness of the knife, coupled with the angle on the secondary bevel. I had a similar issue with the factory edge on my BK14 and it took me a while before I ground t to the angle that really worked for me.

I bought one today from a pawn shop for $20.00 out the door. It's the tan one with all the sheath items in nice shape about 97%+.

Would this be a good backpacking knife

Chris, does this knife have a full tang or is it a 3/4 and not attached to the pommel like the LMFII?

I wasn't a big Gerber knife fan or of the HC 420 steel they use in this one.but I am very impressed with the one I have.i hear they got one in bdz1 steel upgrade would love to try it out myself.

Good to see your review cycling idea is working out.

If you had to choose between this knife and the bear grylls ultimate pro which would u prefer?

After watching your review and decide to go ahead and pick one but there are some discrepancies I would like to address first and foremost there is a designation on the Tang of the blade near the made in USA Mark that is different than the one that I bought. my Tang is stamped with 08720 and I'm also noticing some slight variations in the blade shape can you tell me what's the Tang on this knife States

how valid is any test if you chang e the angle of the bevel to something other than what the manufacturer set? any new one out of the box for anyone is not going to perform the same... be it worse or better.

What size belt can the knife fit on? I us an old Alice pack with the standard kidney pad but changed the belt to a pistol belt so I could keep things on it and take it off as a patrol rig. I don't plan on using molle anytime in the foreseeable future. Will this fit or do I need to do some modification? Edit: I need it to be like a snap for it, It's hard to take off the buckle.

I had the same knife and put a slightly higher angle grind on the blade and it corrected the problem with the wood shaving . It then became one of my best backup knives. Someone stole it so it is what it is. I guess they needed it more than I did. Love your show by the way.

What angle does Gerber put on the blade from factory? 20° 25°?

Chris, I just got the Strongarm. For some reason I can't get the dang thing sharp. I do have a Worksharp, basic powered edition and field sharpener. Have you got any specific recommendations about the process? Just keep repeating the process until it's sharp?

GREAT REVIEW! I JUST ORDERED ONE FROM AMAZON. CANT WAIT TO GET IT

Thanks so much for making this video I was waiting for this.

I love your concept of the gauntlet right from the get go... and I of course am not alone there! I will say that it would be nice to see a review of this knife outta the box, with the edge, unaltered. But still, I liked this review a lot.

It was more designed for pilots or soldiers to be able to cut their way out of a downed aircraft, I think that's the geometry is the way it is.

My Bk 7 arrived in the mail today ! Lovin it

What Rod is that? I need a new one...

Tell me what you don't like about 420 HC. You chopped, cut, feathered, batoned - all the typical stuff. Did the edge dull, roll or chip?

3 years with mine. I think what you were trying to say at the time was on the knife actually catching or grabbing the wood so it can slice it better.

I agree with you, bought a Gerber Prodigy very similar to that, it’s brand new, and not too sharp, had it sharpened yesterday, pick it up tomorrow, had my KBAR 1211 sharpened there, he did a great job..I like you want to like this knife, the ergos are great, good weight, pummel is sharp, but I cannot get around a blade that does not hold its edge, we will see if it passes tomorrow.

Can you now quantify what you do not like about the Gerber?? How do it compare it to the Schrade SCHF42?? Or is that's the difference?

Do you use standard worksharp belts or the higher end stuff? Considering the harder steels.

I bought a combo blade tan version. I like having the deep cutting power when I need it. I mainly bought mine to use the horizontal carry. When I'm outdoors and caring my fixed blade, I had a hard time caring both my knife and pistol on body and easily accessible. This keeps my gun at my 3-4 o'clock and my knife at my 6. The knife is good enough for it's price and American made status. Yeah, my bk9 is going to be better at wood processing, but that's why I keep it in/on my pack. The Strongarm works as a intermediary between the convenience of a folder and the heft and size of my bk9. I think of my Strongarm like a slightly bigger Mora. Again, my biggest love with this knife is it's sheath and American made status.

Doesn't Buck use 420HC on their knives as well? Just curious.

That sheath is just awesome

Great video Chris, Does Gerber make this knife with better steel than 420HC?

People beat up on Gerber for the BG knives but it was a smart move for Gerber! They made a fortune with those knives, like him or not! Very smart move for Gerber! You would do the same thing if you had a knife company and you where approached about collaborating with BG to make millions, and don't say you wouldn't!!

After all this time I finally got one! Would have liked it in green but they only had them in tan. That's okay. Still s great looking knife and I don't question the quality. Made in Oregon Gerber's are well made. Still have my MK II I bought way back in 1980! Tough as nails and scalpel sharp! The Gauntlet Reviews really sold me on this knife. Only had it a few days and I'm dying to try it out!

It Looks like the Black Edition is bigger . Is it bigger or not?

Always liked Gerber good to see

Enjoy all your videos bud, thanks for the input on this blade 😊

Im very interested that you said it was difficult to sharpen. I was under the impression that the 420HC had much lower carbon content than 1095, leading to less abrasion resistance. My only experience with 420 HC is on my buck 110 that ive had for 5 years. It is very easy to sharpen, takes a keen edge very quickly. I have sharpened it with a file VERY quickly (followed up with a quick coarse and fine stone before finishing with strop). I havent timed it, but it takes significantly less time to sharpen than any 1095 i have sharpened. Do you mean that it just kept creating a bur? I could see that being a problem with using power tools to sharpen a softer steel.

Can you tell us what is your favorite survival knife or knives that you recommend ?

Hello, I would like to buy a knife compact, stainless, robust and not impossible to regrind the daportare field in my travels around the world in nature. This knife is reliable based on your experience? the trust with life? Let me know what you think, thanks to Michae

Is the steel just hard to sharpen or not so good all around

Why is the Gauntlet not called the Full Tang Clan?

What kind of pack are you wearing around your leg/ waist? I like that and have never seen one like it!

I find this interesting because the prodigy is almost the exact same knife made from the same 420hc and it sharpens easily on a blade medic or smiyhs sharpener I even saw a guy sharpen a prodigy on a stone he found in the woods in a few minutes so thst is interesting to know about the strongarm

Very honest review. Thank you.

Man, I was already a big fan of you, would consider you as my favourite youtuber.....now also as my favorite knife designer?! THIS DESIGN IS AWESOME! when designing this you was definitely thinking out of the box! Love that design, hope it won't be to expensive so I can afford myself one of these, the other knife designs of you are great aswell!

I thought Schrade was a department store brand?

Haven't seen your vids in a while. I appreciate your channel

I worked the edge of the blade with the worksharp just with the straps on all my strongarms and the convex obtained is magnificent on all they are all perfect for real boushcraft use...

I've recently received my order of the Gerber Strongarm and yes I to noticed that problem with the knife. I think it's the edge it's sharp don't get me wrong but I think there is to much metal right above the sharp edge that causes the knife to sort of glide against the wood instead of slicing it. You can still do feather sticks it just takes a little more effort to do so. Like Chris said though you can rework the edge of the knife so that the edge grabs the wood a whole lot easier.

Thanks a million for this great informative review. It was like I’m doing the tests. A couple of notes here; 1- maybe that coating is a problem aside from you like it or not. 2- For the geometry wish Wako could have hand’s on it. And at last, I need to ask your opinion on a2 steel. Recently I ordered half a dozens of knives including survival, bushcraft, hunting, butchering to a great local costume knife maker. He told me a2 is the best locally available so I gave him a go. It’s kind of tool steel I’ve heard. But not sure about it as a knife. Anyway, excited a lot about your judgment and about when I get and use that package. Ps. For past 23 years my 420hc buck zipper has been my first and only hunting company and served really great for that purpose. My Jessica :d Thanks again and keep it up

Hey Chris, love your channel Do you have a catalog of your knives or a website where one could see your knives f oi r purchase?

I have to say it, the moment people reviewing Gerber knives start bitching about BG I switch off.....you just come across as having an axe to grind about him personally that overshadows what you are saying about the knife. Review the knife as a stand alone product, he isn't part of the equation. And the Strongarm does come in a serrated version.

Hi Chris. Excellent review. My son has a friend in the navy and he has this knife with serrations. I have a work sharp so you know the story. I do not like serrations on the blade. put them on top and that will work. I did like the knife. looked good. felt good. I am considering one for myself. After seeing your review I think I will get one. I think I can work around the grind. Thank you. Grate channel.

Great review !

Chris, your review of the various knife steel options and the pros and cons would be a GREAT vid...

2022 ..........i still have mine but i dont use it ......u still use urs?

Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro is the John Cena of knives. Tacky, Brandy, Colorful, and it Never Give(s) Up. Also, "U Can't C" it in my collection because I would never buy it!!!

definitely looking at this knife. lol i like this intro more than the other; it's classic PM101

I'm pretty new to sharpening using the lansky kit. Bought a used strongarm that may have been a factory second since it did not have the sharpened edge. The stones just sort of slid around on the curved portion. Did freehand on a diamond block to speed up the reprofile needed. It took a lot of work to get it down to 30 degrees on the curve to the tip...the blade seems very thick there. Finally reached the edge and verified it with my loupe. Have to conclude they made the bevel very large in that area of the knife for some reason. Sold it and may buy a new one that is factory sharpened. Thanks for your vid

We're did you get your strongarm from...

How would you recommend to sharpen this knife? Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱

Black or Coyote, which looks better? Brown would probably suit those bushies or hunters that like to wear camo though

Aaron is who I first heard about this one from & was on the fence. Think I will stick with my ESEEs, BKs, & TOPS...y'all both do terrific reviews. Peace man.

Buck and Gerber do their 420HC right, it will compete with higher end steel's, it's more about heat treat than the actual steel.

what kind of ferro rod is that? I like the size of it.

So the strong comes in a smaller and bigger sizes??

great vid man, thank you!

You mentioned that you had a hard time with the grind on the blade....that you had to seemingly work harder both in the field and at home. Well Arron didn't just sharpen it, he clearly stated that he spent about 20 minutes re-profiling the blade.

Its all about the angle. I ree angle all of my knife that have an angle like this. The 420HC that gerber offer is a very well heat treated steel. My Prodigy is razor sharp and very easy to fix in the field if you need that. Just flat the edge out a little bit and then you have yourself a superknife.

Hi - what knife would you say is the best 'Suurvival' knife is this kinda ballpark pricerange? Thanks

good vid cris, t.y. posted earlier comment at 8min or so(children halloring :) )just before i realised horizontal attachment was optional? gotta look into that, but can u tell me what that other knife was u were testing(bark stripping) cheers man, you and Aoron are my go to guys on a knife test hands down, wealljuggle on his limitless knowledge(and collection) haha-what id do for that collection-all cool guys and appreciated, cheers.

I just picked up the serrated / fine edge version of this blade from an ebay auction, $41 delivered. I took a hike yesterday and stopped to give the knife a good field test. I am really impressed with the heat treat of Gerbers 420hc, extremely awesome! The handle material has a fantastic grip to it. The only thing I would like to see is the grip a bit thicker. Although, it won't take long to get used to the current thickness of the grip. Where you said there is a certain feel to the knife that you could not put a finger on it, I think it was the handles slimmer size that may of bugged you a bit. I can say for me, I did get used to the slimmer handle size pretty quick, a good day or two. All in all I think its a great blade! Thanks for the video on it, good job!

Ok so I'm curious, you said that this wasn't a knife easily sharpened on the work sharp..which one did you use? I Just bought the Ken onion version last Friday and sharpened my strongarm the other day on it. Starting with the x65 and working up to the x4 it took a shaving sharp edge in about 8 minutes (the reprofiling with the x65 taking the most time). When I say shaving sharp edge I mean that literally, I was able to cleanly shave my face with it. (Was bored and running out of arm and leg hair from testing all the knives I sharpened with it lol) Anyone curious about this knife get it!!! For $55 online you get a knife that'll take a wicked edge, has great edge retention, and not overly bulky. It feels great in the hand and can take a beating just like its predecessor the prodigy.

Good honest review..Thanks..

I get it. My favorite hard use work knives -> Gerbers.. But I've never been happy with the factory angle for my tasks. 20deg or less works well for me. Play around with it, I've seen em roll over, but never chip lower than 20deg. Room to play with angle on these things. Price is right if you lose one. But like cheap sunglasses, you never seem to. -Primary tasks, Survey work in North Canadian Boreal . Cheers mate.