Gerber 420HC Steel Knives: How They Stack Up [2025]

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 utilize 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 steel knives. We’ll compare them on their specs, prices and key features to help you understand which knife is best for your needs. Let’s get started.

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.

About Gerber’s 420HC Steel

Gerber, as a brand, have a wide offering in the mid-price range for tactical & outdoor knives. As such, Gerber have a lot of 420HC knives on offer.

420HC is one of the most popular knife steels. Why? Well, it strikes a great balance between quality and affordability.

The vast majority of knives you see in the $50-$100 kind of ballpark are likely to be using 420HC, as well as many more expensive knives.

Other than affordability, these are the two main advantages of 420HC:

High resistance to rust & corrosion = easy maintenance
Easier to sharpen compared to s30v and other steels

The reason why it’s easier to sharpen is because it’s a slightly softer steel. That means edge retention and toughness aren’t quite as good.

How Gerber’s 420HC steel stacks up

I don’t have any hard objective data on how we can compare Gerber’s 420HC steel vs. other 420HC steels in the market.

It’s what you would expect from 420HC steel. Good hardness, easy to sharpen. If you keep an ear out in the knife forums & online communities, you’re likely to hear that Buck, for example, have a better quality 420HC generally.

For example here, from a BladeForums.com thread:

Buck’s heat treatment is legendary, so it’s no wonder that theirs is more consistently harder.

That being said, Buck is typically a more expensive brand too, and as such you can feel assured that the 420HC you get with Gerber is good value-for-money.

Not all of Gerber’s knives are made in the USA, but many are. In fact, they go through 686,000 pounds of US steel every year.

Still interested? Let’s take a look at some of Gerber’s best 420HC knives. I’ll separate them: fixed first, then folding.

3 Popular Gerber 420HC Steel Fixed Blade Knives

1. Gerber StrongArm

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.

Check Price & Reviews

2. Gerber Ghostrike

Next we have 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 rubberized 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 nimble fixed blade knife (with a military feel)

Check Price & Reviews

3. Gerber Principle

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

3 Popular Gerber 420HC Steel Folding Knives

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

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, Gerber 420HC knives 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 here in the US.