Both Gerber Strong Arm and Gerber LMF 2 are highly praised survival knives with excellent quality. They both seem to offer great value, but Gerber Strong Arm is a little bit more expensive than Gerber LMF 2. Gerber Strong Arm is available in a fine-edge version and a serrated-edge version. On the other hand, Gerber LMF 2 has a combo edge with both fine and serrated parts. Which one is the better survival knife? Continue reading below to see the comparisons between Gerber Strong Arm vs LMF 2!
Handle Design
You can notice that these two knives have different handle designs. On Gerber Strong Arm, the handle is somewhat slimmer and more symmetrical. The handle is made of glass-filled nylon with rubber overmold. It is highly textured to enhance the handling. It feels nice and solid. On the rear end, you can find a striking pommel.
On the other hand, Gerber LMF 2 has a handle that is made of glass-filled nylon with TPV overmold. It also feels nice and comfortable, though the grip of Gerber Strong Arm still feels more superior. Near the blade, there is a pair of lashing holes that are handy for wilderness survival. You can use these lashing holes to attach the knife to a stick and create a spear. The striking pommel is more pronounced here.
Blade Design
Now, let’s compare the blades of Gerber Strong Arm vs LMF 2. At first, they seem to be similar. Both blades are made of the 420HC stainless steel. This is a fine choice of material. The edge retention is not as impressive as some other stainless steel types, but it is easy to sharpen and more durable in a sense that it resists chipping very well.
However, Gerber Strong Arm is full tang. Gerber LMF 2 is half tang, with a split between the tang and the pommel. So, Gerber Strong Arm is certainly more rugged and durable. It is less likely to break apart.
Gerber Strong Arm is available in two versions, the fine-edge version and the serrated-edge version. You can choose the one which suits your needs best. The fine-edge version is generally more versatile, suitable for a variety of tasks. Note that Gerber LMF 2 does not provide you such choices; it has a combo edge with a fine edge on the front and a serrated-edge on the rear.
Sheath
Gerber Strong Arm comes with a lighter, simpler sheath which has detachable belt hoops. You can use these belt hoops for horizontal carry. Despite the light weight and simplicity, the sheath is usable and practical.
On the other hand, Gerber LMF 2 comes with a low-profile sheath with a built-in sharpener. The sheath is MOLLE-compatible. However, it can only be carried in a vertical position.
| Name | Gerber Strong Arm | Gerber LMF 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Key Features | - Full tang, ceramic-coated 420HC drop point blade - Rubberized diamond-texture handle for unshakeable grip - Striking pommel at base of handle for rescue + survival | - Originally designed to free an aircrew from a downed aircraft - Tough enough to cut through the fuselage of an aircraft - Purposeful break between the tang and the butt cap |
| Price | ||
| Best Offer* | Save Money Please click here | Save Money Please click here |
Conclusion
In general, Gerber Strong Arm is more recommended because of the more solid blade quality. It is a full-tang knife with a nice, lightweight sheath. You can choose either the fine-edge version or the serrated-edge version according to your needs. Gerber LMF 2 does not have these features.