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.

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.

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.

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)

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

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.

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!