Knives Advisor

All you need to know about knives!

  • Home
  • Recommended
  • Reviews
    • Buck Knives Review
    • Dalstrong Knives Review
    • Kai Knives Review
    • Shun Knives Review
  • Blog
  • Japanese Knives
    • Best Japanese Knives
    • Gyuto Knives
    • Sashimi Knives
    • Nakiri Knives
    • Japanese Cleavers
    • How To Sharpen
    • Cutting Boards
  • Outdoor Knives
    • Comparisons ➡
      • ESEE-3 vs Izula-II
      • ESEE-3 vs ESEE-4
      • ESEE-5 vs ESEE-6
      • ESEE-5 vs RAT-5
      • ESEE-6 vs BK7
      • Gerber StrongArm vs Prodigy
      • Buck 102 vs Buck 105
      • Buck 110 vs Buck 112
      • BK2 vs BK-22
      • Ontario RAT-1 vs RAT-2
    • Best Hunting Knives
    • Best Skinning Knives
    • Best EDCs Under $50
    • Survival Knives (w/ Firestarter)
    • Ganzo Knives
    • Hog Hunting Knives
    • Buck 119 Review
    • Best Gerber Knives
    • Bushcraft Knives <$100

ESEE-3 vs ESEE Izula-II: Which EDC Should You Buy? [2021 Comparison]

Posted on April 3, 2021 Written by James Elliott

ESSE and one of the most popular and trusted knife brands in the world. Founded by Jeff Randall and Mike Perrin in the late 90’s, the pair were tired of poor quality tools, so set up on their own brand to create high quality outdoor essentials at a bargain price.

Whilst they manufacture a lot of different products, it’s their knives they are known for. They have a really wide range, covering fixed and foldable knives, knives that are perfect for surivial or tactical situation alonsgside a great range of everyday carry knives – and thats where we’re focused today!

comparing the esee 3 to the izula ii

Getting it right with an EDC can be tricky, but two of the best models available anywhere, let alone just from ESEE, and the ESEE-3 and the ESEE Izula-II. Knife fans loves both for their mix of slim profile and supreme cutting power with many advocators for each knife believing one is the best.

So that’s what we’re going to try and answer once and for all – which is better, the ESEE-3 or the ESEE Izula-II?

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Comparisons

Gerber’s 420HC Steel Knives (6 Popular Folding & Fixed Blades) 2021 Best Picks

Posted on April 3, 2021 Written by James Elliott

gerber 420hc steel knives

Gerber is one of the most popular outdoor knife manufacturers in the world. Pete Gerber founded the Portland-based company in 1939 and, since then, they have been creating some of the best foldable and fixed blade knives on the market.

Gerber knives utilise a range of different steels, including the incredibly popular 420HC variant. The 420HC strikes a great balance between being super tough and budget-friendly. For these reasons, you’ll find it used in many of Gerber’s fantastic budget knives.

In this article, we’re going to pick out the best folding and fixed Gerber 420HC knives. We’ll compare them on their specs, prices and key features to help you understand which knife is best for your needs.

At a glance:

  • Best 420HC folding knife: Gerber US-Assist
  • Best 420HC fixed blade knife: Gerber StrongArm
  • Best 420HC knife for bushcraft: Gerber Principle

We also have a general list of the best Gerber knives overall, but if you’re specifically looking for a 420HC Gerber knife, you’re in the right place.

3 Popular 420HC Folding Knives From Gerber

Every outdoorsman needs a light and compact folding knife on their belt for those surprise tasks. Luckily, Gerber has some great 420HC models to choose from – here’s our top 3!

1. Gerber Sharkbelly Knife Fine Edge Knife

We start off with one of Gerber’s most modern folding knives with the Sharkbelly Fine Edge Folding Knife.

This knife is the perfect foldable carry at just 2.3oz and includes a handy scratch-resistant pocket clip. The Sharkskin grip’s uni-directional scales make controlling the fine edge, 420HC sheepsfoot blade a dream for all of your day-to-day tasks.

Naturally, with Gerber, this knife is USA made and attracts tonnes of great reviews online, with many customers commenting on how it outperforms knives 3/4x more expensive.

Here’s a quick look at some of the Sharkbelly’s key specs:

  • Blade Length – 3.25″
  • Overall Length – 7.75″
  • Weight – 2.3oz
  • Blade Type – Sheesfoot
  • Blade Edge – Fine
  • Lock Type – Lock Back
  • Price – $35

Perfect For – Stylish and compact folding knife with a great grip.

Check Price & Reviews

2. Gerber US-Assist Assisted Opening Everyday Carry Pocket Knife

If you’re looking for a Gerber folding knife that’s a little more robust and full of action, we’d point you in the direction of the Gerber US-Assist.

The B.O.S.S (Ball of Stainless Steel) bearing system allows for instant access to the blade, making it easy to quickly deploy for use. This knife comes in a couple of different steel configurations with 420HC an option alongside a more premium S30v.

It’s a knife that’s packed with other great features such as dual ramped thumb studs, a pocket clip and, a plunge and cross-bolt safety system! This is a super versatile folding knife for those that need fast action and great performance.

Here’s a quick look at some of the US-Assist’s key specs:

  • Blade Length – 3.0″
  • Overall Length – 7.2″
  • Weight – 3.9 oz
  • Blade Type – Drop Point
  • Blade Edge – Fine
  • Lock Type – Lock Back
  • Price – $75

Perfect For – Premium all-round folding knife that’s great for robust tasks.

Check Price & Reviews

3. Gerber Commuter Pocket Knife

Gerber describes the Commuter as the ultimate pocket knife, and given the combination of the great blade, rubberised grip and, a bargain price, it’s hard to disagree.

At just 1.2oz, it’s the lightest and slimmest knife we’ll feature in this roundup. Despite that small size, you’ll get a great fine edge blade, which can be controlled with ease thanks to the rubberised grip and finger jimping across the top of the blade.

Check out the key specs of the awesome little Commuter knife:

  • Blade Length – 3.0″
  • Overall Length – 7.21″
  • Weight – 1.2 oz
  • Blade Type – Drop Point
  • Blade Edge – Plain Edge
  • Lock Type – Lock Back
  • Price – $30

Perfect For – Super-compact folding knife for day-to-day carry.

Gerber 31-003136 Commuter, 3.0 in. 420HC Plain Blade, GFN/Rubber Inserts  Handle
Check Price & Reviews

3 Popular 420HC Fixed Blade Knives From Gerber

There’s nothing better than a fixed blade knife that’s perfect for the task at hand. Naturally, getting the right fixed blade comes down to picking the perfect size, so let’s look at a range of Gerber fixed blades that are perfect for outdoor adventures!

1. Gerber Ghostrike Fixed Blade

We start with a versatile and modern fixed blade knife from Gerber in the form of the Ghostrike. This will especially appeal to those who love a skeleton handle and a more military look and feel.

At 3.3″, the blade is a good size for tactical tasks without being overbearing in hand. The rubberised handle adds extra control to the blade, with the 420HC steel sporting an additional ceramic coating to boost durability.

Here’s a look at some of the Ghostrike’s specs:

  • Blade Length – 3.3″
  • Overall Length – 6.9″
  • Weight – 3.6 oz
  • Blade Type – Drop Point
  • Blade Edge – Plain Edge
  • Sheath Type – Plastic
  • Price – $50

Perfect for – Tactical but nible fixed blade knife (with a military feel)

Check Price & Reviews

2. Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade

One of Gerber’s most popular fixed blade knives is the StrongArm, and we couldn’t do a 420HC roundup without including it.

It’s a great all-around fixed blade knife, with a 4.8″ ceramic coated blade, nylon handle with rubber over-mould, full tang construction whilst weighing well under 8oz. It comes with Gerber’s awesome MOLLE mounted sheath and has handy features such as a striking pommel on the base of the handle.

Check out some specs for the StrongArm below:

  • Blade Length – 4.8″
  • Overall Length – 9.8″
  • Weight – 7.2 oz
  • Blade Type – Drop Point
  • Blade Edge – Plain Edge
  • Sheath Type – Plastic
  • Price – $75

Perfect for – The ideal fixed blade knife for most outdoor tasks.

See also: Gerber StrongArm vs Gerber Prodigy

Check Price & Reviews

3. Gerber Principle Fixed Blade

We finish up with a knife that Gerber claim is the perfect bushcraft knife for anyone heading out on a woodland camping trip!

The zero-edge Scandinavian grind, 90-degree firestriker edge, lashing holes and ergonomic handle shape make this knife the perfect outdoor companion.

Of course, it’s also coming with all the additions you need, such as a versatile sheath, blade guard and MOLLE mounting capability so that it’s fully secured when not in use.

It’s time for some Principle specs – check them out below:

  • Blade Length – 3″
  • Overall Length – 7.5″
  • Weight – 3.7 oz
  • Blade Type – Drop Point
  • Blade Edge – Plain Edge
  • Sheath Type – Plastic
  • Price – $60

Perfect for – The ideal bushcraft knife with it’s versatile performance.

Check Price & Reviews

Summary

Whether it’s a folding or fixed blade you’re after, Gerber will have you covered with their range of awesome 420HC knives. If you’re on a budget, these are some of the best knives on the market, all from one of the world’s best-known knife brands in Gerber, and all manufactured right at home, here in the US!

Filed Under: Blog

ESEE-5 vs RAT-5: Which Should You Choose? [2021 Comparison]

Posted on April 3, 2021 Written by James Elliott

When it comes to outdoor bushcraft and survival knives a few brands always rise to the top. Especially when it comes to top quality, you can always expect to see offerings from ESEE and Ontario, and with the latter, specifically their RAT range.

Both brands have a wide selection of different knives, but today we’re looking in the 5″ range – the perfect fixed blade size to help you overcome pretty much any task when out in the wild!

Specifically, we’re going to put the ESEE-5 and the Ontario RAT-5 up against eachother to help you find out which knife may be better for you!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Comparisons

Head to Head – S30v vs 420HC Steel [2021 Comparison]

Posted on April 1, 2021 Written by James Elliott

If you’re in the market for a new knife, one of the key factors you’ll likely be considering is the material of the blade. Whilst it’s a given the blade will be made of steel, there’s a wide range of different variants to choose from.

And when you consider that the steel does all the work, it’s important to get it right when choosing the perfect metal for your needs.

BIG BOWIE Camp Knife

In this article, we’ll be putting the S30v and 420HC steel variants up against each other. As two of the most commonly used steels for outdoor knives, there’s a chance your next knife might use one of the two variants.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Comparisons

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • Next Page »

Recent Posts

  • Buying Guide For The Best Skinning Knife (From Budget To Premium) in 2021
  • ESEE-3 vs ESEE Izula-II: Which EDC Should You Buy? [2021 Comparison]
  • Gerber’s 420HC Steel Knives (6 Popular Folding & Fixed Blades) 2021 Best Picks

Popular Posts

The Best Chef Knife Under $100: 6 Top Picks For 2020

15 Best Japanese Knives For All Budgets In 2020

11 Best Knife Oils For Folding Knives, Japanese Knives & More [2020]

13 Best Pocket Knives for Women (EDC & Self Defense) – Buying Guide & Reviews

Copyright © 2021 - Knives Advisor. All Rights Reserved. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We participate in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates program, and affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliate sites.