Cold Steel SRK vs. Gerber Strongarm (The Battle of the Budgets)

[@Maryland_Kulak]

This was a good video. In my opinion based on 30 years as a Soldier, these are both among the best choices for a military knife. But are excellent survival/bushcraft/utility knives, but both make good fighting knives as well. They combine the best features of many categories of knife. If I were going to war tomorrow, I’d probably take both of these knives, and a Spyderco Delica 4 folder and that’s it.

[@martinmiller1087]

I didn't know the SRK now comes in SK-5 steel. Last time I checked, they were AUS-8 (or AUS-8A?). I bought an SRK in Lynn Thompson's old proprietary Carbon V steel at a show in Fairbanks in early 1990. Of course that steel has disappeared from Cold Steel's lineup. I found out that Carbon V was Lynn's name for Sharon Steel 0170-6. Sharon Steel Corp went bankrupt in late 1992 and Lynn Thompson's source of "Carbon V" steel disappeared. My SRK in Carbon V/0170-6 is a fabulous knife that I've enjoyed using since 1990. I have an aversion for blades made of 420HC, like the Gerber Strongarm, Bucks, and Case CV (surgical stainless chrome vanadium). ... Cutlery manufacturers sure like to confuse us by giving ordinary steels exotic sounding proprietary names. ... A.G. Russell (who passed away a few years ago - his wife Goldie, runs the business now and design engineer Phil Gibbs is still onboard. Phil converted lots of A.G.'s drawings to CAD/CAM for production.) bought 8 tons of 0170-6C steel at auctioni, when Camillus Cutlery went out of business. The steel was recommended to A.G. by Dan Maragni. Maragni has an interesting resume as a custom knife maker, of working with Cold Steel on designs, edge geometries, heat treats, etc. He is currently a master bladesmith with Ontario Knife Company. A.G. Russell asked him to develop a special heat treat for his supply of 0170-6C. Dan did so, and the process he developed needed a salt water bath for cooling the hot steel, so A.G. had one constructed. In honor of Dan Maragni, A.G. Russell named his "new steel" DM-1. A.G. Russell uses the steel in their Sandbox series of knives, designed for use by deployed military folks. I don't own one of the 4 Sandbox models made from DM-1/0170-6C with the special heat treat, but there are You Tube videos of them surviving abusive treatment we'd never put our own blades through - such as batonning them through concrete blocks. ... I suggest you give A.G. Russell's 4 Sandbox series knives a look and a video of a field test would be great. I love your field test videos. ... All the best, God Bless, Marty

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Wow thanks for the history I didn't realize that! I will have to look into those blades!

[@craigcook1571]

@Martin M......yours is probably a better knife, steel wise, than the newer ones, although yours has the long choil which I dont care for. I still think they are a great bang for the buck wether it's the older version or the new. I have a strong arm and several Bucks with the 420HC steel and I'm not a big fan of 420 although it does have its place.

[@martinmiller1087]

@@craigcook1571 Hey Craig. That Cold Steel Carbon V steel was the cat's meow. ... Regarding my vintage SRK, I think you're referring to a longer ricasso, rather than the small, semicircular sharpening choil. ... I snapped a Buck General blade off at the guard in the Vietnamese jungle in 1968, on a tour of duty as an Army Ranger Infantry Platoon Sergeant (E-6). On a canoe hunt for moose on the Tanana River in the Alaskan interior in 1985, my hunting buddy and I attempted to baton a rib off the spine of a bull moose with a Western Bowie (steel unknown). At the first strike of the baton, a circular piece of the blade about the diameter of a quarter, near the ricasso, simply disappeared into the wilderness. I didn't even hear it as it parted company with the rest of the blade. It simply vanished.... In my book, there is no substitute for great cutlery steel, especially if the chips are down, or if your life depends on it. ... I have quite a few Case SS folders and a Martini fixed blade with 420 SS. I agree, 420 steel does have its place. All my blades made with 420 steel are placed in a shoe box with other blades I never use. ... Stay safe out there Craig. ... Marty

[@craigcook1571]

@@martinmiller1087 thanks for the reply. I guess I should have stated it, but by 420 having its place, I was referring to salt water environments, and it's ease of sharpening for for folks that that are not very skilled at sharpening. Thank you for your service. My dad worked for the State Department and was in Vietnam from 66 till just after the Tet Offensive of 68. We lived in the Philippines during that time.

[@neon_4444]

@@martinmiller1087 Thank you for the advice, appreciate it. Hope you are doing well in life.

[@shonuffisthemaster]

one thing to note about the cold steel is that the secure-x sheaths use a glass reinforced nylon with so much glass in it that it will actively dull the knife as you draw and re sheath it. unfortionate because its otherwise a nice shesth

[@sirsir9665]

I got the Gerber Strongarm when it first came out at $40 and it was a gift to me for Christmas so it's a win win for me.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Nice!

[@stevenh4669]

You saved me $40, I got impressed by the Strongarm gauntlet videos but that price on the SRK can't be beaten and your analysis brought the performance to a real level.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

I am so glad I could help!

[@mbuser781]

The Strongarm isn't a budget anymore. It's $40 more.

[@bluegrasssurvival9423]

You should have gone with the Gerber Strongarm. That 30-dollar SRK in SK-5 steel has a weak hollow grind. That tip will bend or break under any abuse. The Gerber carries better and is tougher. To drive my point home, these are both styled as survival knives which should be able to go anywhere and hold up, well, and that SRK will rust badly near any type of salt water where the 420HC has excellent corrosion resistance. I LOVE the SRK and it's design, but until they make one in Magnacut, the Strongarm is better.

[@happyknife8785]

I have had both for years and they were my 2 options I only ever took out bush, every time I buy a knife I ended up drifting back to the Strongarm, for me I love the sheath, its light weight, sheath and carry options are compact and in reality its rare you need a bigger knife than its size and if you do you just make do. I find it more comfortable than the SRK but they're both great, the SRK if it came with a good sheath and carry option would maybe take over but the sheath and carry options are junk, dull my blade and are really tight, I'm currently looking at option. I'm always looking (and buying) for the next great knife but I've almost done a 360 and might get a 2nd Strongarm and keep her locked away. My other fav options, Esee 4 to 6, Halfbreed Blades LSK-01, Lionsteel T5, Becker BK2 or 7 and Hogue Ex-F01 (but too expensive). I think I come back to the Strongarm because they're lighter than all these and cheapest.

[@timbo4374]

I have both, and personally, I prefer the Strongarm. That being said, I really don't carry either one very often. I just have to many other knives I like better. We all have different hand sizes, different preferences, and we use our knives differently, so what's better for one won't be better for another, so that's not a knock on the SRK. Both will get the job done just fine.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Thank you, I could definitely see that.

[@davidlayne8755]

Which knife keeps it's edge better... I'm asking because I have a cold steel knife and older one I love the blade length and the handle but it will get dull just setting, I don't need another one like that..?

[@timbo4374]

@@davidlayne8755 My Strongarm seems to hold it's edge a little better, but I have an old Amazon exclusive in a different steel. Mine is in BDZ1 steel, which holds an edge longer than the standard 420HC that the stock models have. My SRK still holds an edge fairly well considering what it is. I'm curious though. You said you have an older one. Is it the old Carbon V steel, or the SK5 version they're now made of?

[@davidlayne8755]

This knife is twenty years old.... Don't know what steel it has in it... But I do, hesitate about buying another cold steel.. I went to KZbin and watched a test and the SRK bent right where the blade and handle meets ... The metal going through the handle is only about 1/2" wide , it looks a little light to me...

[@timbo4374]

@@davidlayne8755 At 20 years old, it's probably Carbon V, assuming it's a carbon steel version.

[@diapedesis1093]

You have a very pleasing voice to listen to. Thanks for the video. I have a strong arm but I’m looking for something else and was considering an srk compact. Everyone’s perfect knife is different

[@jordy703]

I like the Strongarm more but thats because of the look. For me the srk compact was so light it felt strange in my hands. I will pass it on the my son.. 😉👍🏼

[@bladeuser101]

Ive owned both knives for quite a few years now and find both are great bush survival knives but being a practitioner of bladed weapons fighting i find that the Gerber has an advantage with the skull crusher or pommel which can be used to smash bone and help neutralize an attacker in case of a self defensive scenario and this gives it a more multifunctional use for me. Also i find the handle is very grippy and easier to control when changing from sabre to reverse grip positions and the different sheath mounting abilities is a bonus . As youve shown it depends on what you want from your blade.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

You know it!!

[@oliviergavillet6418]

Good review, not too long not too short, useful details about both knives and a nice and calm voice. Thank you very much and take care.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Just the way it should be

[@chewher4171]

Very informative. Thanks for taking the time and putting this up for data. It really helps and makes a difference when the rest of the fellas need to make decisions on which knife to purchase.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

You are very welcome!

[@outlawgt3045]

I got the limited edition Strongarm coming to me in the mail. It's OD green and the blade doesn't have the black coating. You can only get this version at Blade HQ for a limited time. Cost the same as a regular Strongarm too And the Strongarm smokes the SRK in durability by light years.

[@lorenray9479]

Gerbers are not the best for versatility imho. When cutting, the glock performs better with a 17° angle reprofile for better cutting! I grind off 4 saw teeth from guard area for striker steel and reverse grip for close cut and hard cuts. I also cut groove at false edge by saw for fire pot handle grabber. One for food n fire bug out bag, one for camp kitchen. A slight stroking with chainsaw file at lock notch on sheath can make release easier. Handle down hanging makes this ready and able beside off grid kitchen! Nuff said! Love my 81!

[@LocalDiscordCatgirl]

Only thing I’d want a strongarm for is a serrated edge for thick ropes. I’d love a serrated version of the SRK.

[@andriesduplessis7182]

Thanks, I like the short to the point videos. Good job.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Glad you like them!

[@Squad2ND]

Couldn't decide, bought both!

[@DaveOfTheForest]

Love this review. I've got a few SRKs but got a Strongarm after watching this. No worries about handle size despite having big hands. Can't decide which is my favourite.

[@timmytool1231]

Gerber junk

[@BalmainRick]

@@timmytool1231 Why is it junk?

[@bingobandit]

@@BalmainRick they break, poor material, and made in commie Oregon

[@LGSkywalker82]

The only reason you like the SRK over the Strongarm is that you chose the brown Strongarm. The black performs better, Lol. Just kidding. Thanks for the comparison!

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Darn it..... you caught me. Hahaha thanks for watching

[@LGSkywalker82]

@@AlaskanFrontier1 yessir! Lol

[@garypotter5569]

If the Strongarm filled the hand like the SRK did it would have won this competition. Also, the Gerber has a definite 'recurve' you can sharpen to 20° to carve thing with while leaving the tip nice and thick and strong. Only reason the Gerber lost was it has a more 'tactical' grip.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Quite possibly

[@ShepherdsSheepdog]

...aaaannnd then there's the sheath. Hands down Gerber in a no-contest walk-away win for the Strongarm. Night & day difference.

[@oddoutdoors]

I have both of these knives. I think the gerber is a bit tougher but the srk is a bit easier to use over long periods.

[@SpamMusubi308]

Very similar blades so stick out of the box what kind of tweaks would you consider doing to each blade to bring it to the next level?

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Hmmmm

[@Sanguivore]

Good review! Thank you, friend.

[@blindfredy6128]

I have both but like the SRK far more than the Gerber because the handle is too small for my long fingers.

[@James-ke5sx]

You saved me $. I have the SRK C and I was thinking about the Gerber but I think I will stick with the cold steel. I need something small but not too small. I have a Esee 4 but for some reason the SRK C it's just the perfect size and I like to handle more. Canada.

[@Will-W]

Strongarm sits on the plate carrier. SRK is camping knife. :) at lest that's what I've found. Both are good values for the price.

[@jasonbennett9995]

Call me cheap but you can get two SRK for the price of the strong arm I'm a bit of a cold steel guy I have bought a few of them and never disappointed with any God bless from Canada eh!

[@sinqros]

I got the Gerber Prodigy fine edge, I bet it’s identical to the Strongarm in most areas..

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Yes it should be, aside from the full tang

[@007twm]

Good comparison video. I own both and they each have their specific purposes. Two thumbs up.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Thanks for watching!

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

I like the carry options that Gerber has

[@tomritter493]

Iv had both srk was the old san mi but ya I don't see much of a difference except like you said fero strikes .but that's and easy fix great video matt

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

That you. They are definitely similar!

[@411Outdoors]

Excellent review bro!

[@SupremeTele]

whats a bushcraft knife? please explain why its not, suitable for bushcraft in your opinion? (i dont get it)

[@kennywheelus6857]

Both are great knives in my opinion

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

They are solid for sure

[@kennywheelus6857]

@@AlaskanFrontier1 ,definitely

[@timothykitzmann3124]

How about the SRK-C verses the strong arm. Seems like more of a better comparison.

[@HarveySpectre415]

They are both well regarded knives. The one thing you didn't touch on was sheaths and the Strongarm's blows Cold Steel's standard Secure Ex out of the water. Durability wise the Strongarm is bomb proof and if I had to take one I knew I could rely on the most I would again gravitate to the Strongsrm there. For the most of what the average person is realistically going to do though they are both great options.

[@davidwarren719]

Going to have to respectfully disagree about the sheaths. Perhaps there is variance due to qc issues, but my Strongarm sheath wouldn’t retain the blade against gravity. Mounted it upside down on my pack sans the handle snap as a test of its security. About half a mile into the hike it fell right out of the sheath. I’ve since had a kydex sheath made for it, which is pretty cheap, but personally I have to automatically add that cost onto the price of the strongarm because the one it comes with is inadequate. The SRKs sheath leave some things to be desired, but in my experience at least it is secure. All else being equal this gives the SRK a slight edge in value over the Gerber.

[@tymccutchen]

Have both. Srk on my hip gerber on my vest. Good to go on both for shtf. 👍✝️🇺🇸✝️

[@theimaginariumnetwork5621]

Unfortunately...in Canada...SRK is around $80....Strongarm...$145. Strong arm is way out of budget for most of us here in Canada.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

That is not fun

[@T1mduk2]

They are going to combine the STRONGARM and the SRK. I've seen the future

[@thatguyglenn7558]

I ended up buying both at the same time lmao

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Nice!

[@arvidsozols]

well, in europe Strongarm costs 130€, Cold steel 75€.... and the only real budget option is Glock for 40-50€

[@SpamMusubi308]

Price point is close depending on options. I think the Gerber has an actual through tang where as the srk has a definite rat tail tang.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

You're correct.

[@BrewCityRider]

Nope, SRK is technically a full tang, but most refer to that style as an encapsulated tang these days. It's tang runs the full length of the handle, and is just slightly narrower than the blade to account for the handle material. Plenty of xrays on the web. Rat tail is a different animal. Take a look at a Ka-Bar pommel to see what a rat tail looks like...they are very thin.

[@SpamMusubi308]

@@BrewCityRider but it doesn't have an exposed pommel like the Gerber or Kbar

[@BrewCityRider]

@@SpamMusubi308 That is true, it's encapsulated. The lanyard hole goes right through it.

[@SpamMusubi308]

Wrong link let's try kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3-TnJl4gtlga68 @ 7:54 you get a clear view of the tang

[@fredbear7561]

The Strongarm is made in Portland Oregan so it is automaticly the winner!

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

I'm not sure about that. Have you Seen Portland here of late?

[@fredbear7561]

@@AlaskanFrontier1 Good Point

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

@@fredbear7561 🤣

[@annodomini7250]

why because it is made in America? The strongest and best Knives are Cold Steel made in Taiwan, China and Japan. CS have a far better reputation for making excellent knives over Gerber. Where a knife is made counts for nothing it is the production quality of the company you buy from not the country it is made in. BG Ultimate Pro brilliant knife made in China for Gerber it is indestructible. I do not own a Strongarm and I am sure it is a good knife but it is not because it is made in Portland.

[@ventana2011]

Thanks for share!

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Of course!

[@IlmarBeekman]

I’ve have/had both this exact StrongArm and the 3v SRK. I only still have the StrongArm. I had to return the SRK 3 times due to loose handles. Eventually I just gave up and took a refund. Also hated the ergonomics. The SRKs square handle is hotspot central after a while and harder to control the edge angle with fine cutting. The blade was really good, no complaints there. The StrongArm is a far better tool imo in that it’s tougher (at least in the handle) and more care free, better sheath by far, and overall fit and finish. Believe me, the rattling handle on the SRK really makes you question the quality control.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Wow, that is insane! I have not heard of that problem. And certainly never had that experience.

[@IlmarBeekman]

AlaskanFrontier1 yeah you can google it. It’s real. I started to notice it after minimal usage and once it started it never stops. The last one I had was the least noticeable but I returned it to amazon anyway. Oh well. Some people love them for sure and I’m glad they do. I just wish they would update the handle design to be more like a jaakaripuukko or bushcraft black where it’s molded directly onto the tang. That and a protruding tang would make for a perfectly updated SRK.

[@Pjotr1982]

Gerber have a better tang, but steel is very cheap and crap. SK-5 is much much better.

[@Squad2ND]

Did you use the SRK for batoning and that's why the handle is loose?

[@IlmarBeekman]

@@Pjotr1982 that is a fair arguement

[@DaddyDog]

Cool comparison video and subscribed when you said God bless 👍 always like to support a brother in christ!

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@JoJo-wc6vj]

The strong-arm is full tang and the srk has a small hidden tang

[@lorenray9479]

Haha jumped vids still say gerbers are not all the rage! Never had a srk. Hmm!

[@johnnyeas1431]

Strongarm for me

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

fair

[@user-sw1gc6bd2q]

Srk in sk5 is a hollow grind guy..the 3v is flat grind...thats why the supersteel srks dont fit well in the sheaths.

[@rnkmode1876]

I'd take an SRK in AUS8A or San Mai over the Strongarm any day.

[@brucehigh4414]

The SRK is a hollow grind.

[@justlooking...2412]

I heard they lowered the quality of the steel in the new SRK knives

[@rhino67]

Words are hard...

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

You know it!!

[@kevinrowe3936]

What about the need to resharpen? You have a great speaking voice.

[@DrTech-pw2cu]

I like the SRK better.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

It is a pretty nice knife

[@silvanigra]

"more easier"?

[@timmytool1231]

I won't buy Gerber anything, off shore sailing the Gerber multi tool left me high and dry, fragile almost every tool broke on me. I'll go with the SKR any day.

[@garypotter5569]

I get you. This specific knife is and always has been made in Portland, Oregon. Which, since it has a Marxist government, may be owned by the CCP by now so nvm

[@timmytool1231]

@@garypotter5569 another reason not to buy anything from there.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Hahaha I love this!

[@bingobandit]

@@AlaskanFrontier1 they should stick to making baby food!

[@lobsterpots]

I also got a made in china multi tool from gerber :(

[@Pjotr1982]

Gerber cost 100€ and Cold Steel only 50€ in my country and 420HC is crap steel. Cold Steel is better choice for me.

[@nathan_k567]

SRK san mai blows strongarm out the water

[@randomescu]

srk is alot cheaper in my country. 350 vs 564. $70 vs $121... i ordered a srk compact, $50 and a Ulticlip slim3.3 to rotate with my 4MaxScout. nice review, ive got my eyes on Strongarm a time ago but it was too large, especially with the sheath.

[@shadowx8405]

You'd be great at ASMR.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

This is true

[@evanjack1466]

This isn’t even a battle for the price of one Gerber strong arm you can get two knives from cold steel one SRK clip point and also the Recon Tonto And which both of these knives will out perform the strong arm every time the strong arms handle is slippery when wet.

[@KnivesSurvival]

Well one is $40 and the other is $80 or so.. They are basically the same so I would go with the Cold steel..

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Yeah thats true

[@hardboileddetective4788]

what brand are the pants hes wearing?

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

I think Viktos Multicam Contractors

[@hardboileddetective4788]

@@AlaskanFrontier1 Thankyou kind Sir.

[@neon_4444]

Hahahah this is the most random comment

[@Natecoxy]

Srk is fragile compared to the strongarm, hollow grind, fine tip and stick tang that is prone to rust out under the handle.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Just no. None of this is true.

[@Natecoxy]

@@AlaskanFrontier1 absolutely 100% true! Just search for videos of it being tested(Start with joex he's tested both) the tips always snap off with ease. The rubber over mold traps moisture under it and rusts out the sk5 steel(stainless version won't have same issue) I've seen one break is little skinny little tang because it rusted out under the rubber handle.

[@f804.de.ruyter]

​@@AlaskanFrontier1dont the newer srk's have a flat grind?

[@andrewkeeton3627]

I’ve broken that plastic guard crap on the handle of the Gerber. Ruins everything

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Thats terrible

[@Brettnyspears]

First

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Thanks!

[@Brettnyspears]

AlaskanFrontier1 great vid by the way. I’ve actually been thinking about getting the Gerber strong arm. So this vid was really helpful

[@SVTsupercharged]

The strongarm looks cheaply made. Especially the handle, it's garbage. Save your money and buy the SRK.

[@AlaskanFrontier1]

Hahaha agreed

[@neon_4444]

I'm naturally gravitating more towards the SRK because I just like it better but the sheath is the only shitty thing. If only there was a substitute :(