I placed the order last week, it’s in the mail and I should see it Monday. To recap - that is the Gerber Strong Arm blade. It’s Gerber’s lowest priced serious survival knife. I gotta say I had more fun shopping for it than I’ll prolly get from actually owning it. I poured over reviews from pikers and experts alike. I watched “test to destruction” vids by sadists and morons trying to put numbers on performance envelopes with sketchy methods and conclusions. The truth is I will never push those limits in my lifetime. I love my cheapo Mora knife… but I just want something stronger.
I poured over metallurgy reviews. Everyone sneers at the budget priced 420HC stainless blade and sings the praises of D2 and other exotic or harder alloys. I am not impressed with them - anyone who understands the tempering process knows that as far as knife blades go… the heat treat is far more a factor than material construction, more times than not. A properly heat treated 420HC blade will retain its edge and be tougher than a poorly heat treated D2 blade.
What sold me is that sheath. There’s a million ways to carry with a sheath like that. I’d rather not wear a big blade if I can avoid it - but this one will clamp on to any piece of real estate on my ass pack and can be counted on to stay there if circumstances dictate. Most often though… it’ll probly just ride inside the pack.
Now all I need is a ferro-rod to strike sparks… and my gear bag will be up to snuff.
yeah, I ordered one myself after finding it on sale. I owned Gerbers before and have always liked their blades.
ReplyDeletealthough I ones I still have they don't make anymore.
I bought them back in the 1970 and 80's as that was when I was still doing stupid "stuff" for uncle Sam. I keep mine in the truck as the police will not look as hard as it as they would with my "other" blades by Gerber. Amazon does get busy this time of year so, my blade is coming on Tuesday.
Congratulations on your choice. Gerber has been around for a long time. Like you, I agree that standard 420HC when well constructed will do just fine. My pack knife is a Buck with same blade steel - no complaints here. Schrade USA 1095 was a long time favorite - my only want was a more rust resistant finish. 1095 sharpens quickly and holds the edge well.The sheaths on both are standard leather with belt loop - no alternate attachments.
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