← ComparisonsLength and spine thickness drawn to true scale from published specs. Profile is the shape family's outline, not a scan of this model.
Head to head
ESEE-4 vs Gerber StrongArm
ESEE-4 runs a 4.5″ drop point blade in 1095 Carbon; Gerber StrongArm runs 4.8″ of drop point in 420HC. The Gerber StrongArm is the lighter of the two by 0.80 oz.
01234567 in
- ESEE-4 · Drop Point4.5″ blade · 0.188″ spine · 8 oz · 1.25″ tall (published)
- Gerber StrongArm · Drop Point4.8″ blade · 0.187″ spine · 7.2 oz · ~1.3″ tall (derived)
Spine thickness, same scale
0.188″
0.187″
| Spec | ESEEESEE-4 | GerberGerber StrongArm |
|---|---|---|
| Blade length | 4.5″ | 4.8″ |
| Spine thickness | 0.188″ | 0.187″ |
| Overall length | 9″ | 9.8″ |
| Weight | 8 oz | 7.2 oz |
| Blade shape | Drop Point | Drop Point |
| Steel | 1095 Carbon | 420HC |
| Grind | Flat | Flat |
| Lock | Fixed | Fixed |
| Handle material | Micarta | Glass-Filled Nylon |
| Country of origin | USA | USA |
| Price band | Premium | Mid |
Tinted rows are where these two differ.
The steel difference
1095 Carbon
The American survival-knife standard. Dead simple, very tough at these hardnesses, and it will start rusting the day you put it away wet.
420HC
Buck's Paul Bos heat treat is what makes this ordinary steel good. Dulls sooner than premium steels and takes ninety seconds to fix.