Throughout my military career, whenever I needed a multi-tool, folding knife, fixed blade, or even an E-Tool, Gerber is the brand I chose because it never let me down. I usually opted for multi-tools or folding knives to keep on my kit, but over time I did start to realize the benefit of carrying a fixed blade like the Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade .
Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade
The StrongArm features a “full tang, 420HC steel blade” and with a blade length of 4.8”, this isn’t necessarily an EDC knife. However, for your tactical kit or vehicle EDC loadout, this is a fixed blade to choose for real world problems, as verified by Team Rubicon’s field testing of this product.
Here’s some specs from Gerber’s site:
- Blade material: 420HC
- Handle material: glass-filled nylon with rubber over-mold
- Blade length: 4.8” (12.2 cm)
- Overall length: 9.8” (24.8 cm)
- Knife weight: 7.2 oz (204 g)
- Overall weight: 10.9 oz (309 g)
- Nylon webbing for drop-leg carry and secondary retention
- Detachable belt hoops for horizontal belt carry
- Snap-in MOLLE strap
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Made in USA
- MSRP: $70
First impression:
Upon first handling this knife out of the box, you notice the ergonomic design of the handle and how natural it feels in your hand. The rubber diamond grip handle makes for a solid hold, and pulling the knife out of the sheath for the first time reveals an already sharp single edge blade. There is no serrated edge on the blade, but I personally prefer that if the blade is as sharp as the StrongArm’s. A feature that really lends itself to the craftsmanship of this blade is how precisely it’s balanced where the blade meets the handle.
Like I said, I usually just kept a multi-tool or folding knife on my kit, but I was a Platoon Leader who was more concerned about conserving space for my radios and maps so I didn’t get lost (you can’t come back from being a lost PL).
The Sheath
That said, what I really appreciate about this blade is the functionality of the sheath for tactical or emergency situations. Gerber touts the multi-mount, snap on sheath as optimal for MOLLE webbing, belts, or whatever else you might need. No need to twist your arms precariously under kit to reach the blade or fumble with Velcro flaps. Set this up where you need it and all it takes is a quick pull of the handle to reveal a sharp blade ready for action.
Whether you need to cut a rope, handle a threat, or slice open a box of MREs for the boys, the Gerber StrongArm is a fixed blade that is well worth the modest price tag.
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About the Author:
Stephen Zachensky served as a Rifle Platoon Leader in the 82nd Airborne with a deployment to Iraq. As well as two deployments to Afghanistan as a Strike Force Platoon Leader. And Chief of Operations with the 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics and is currently working as a banking associate.
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