← ComparisonsLength and spine thickness drawn to true scale from published specs. Outline is the shape family's, not a trace of this model.
Head to head
Gerber StrongArm MagnaCut vs Helle Nordlys
Gerber StrongArm MagnaCut runs a 4.8″ drop point blade in CPM MagnaCut; Helle Nordlys runs 4.8″ of drop point in Sandvik 14C28N. The Gerber StrongArm MagnaCut is the lighter of the two by 2.21 oz.
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- Gerber StrongArm MagnaCut · Drop Point4.8″ blade · 7.6 oz · ~1.3″ tall (derived)
- Helle Nordlys · Drop Point4.8″ blade · 0.122″ spine · 9.81 oz · ~1.3″ tall (derived)
Spine thickness, same scale
0.122″
| Spec | GerberGerber StrongArm MagnaCutCheck price | HelleHelle NordlysCheck price |
|---|---|---|
| Blade length | 4.8″ | 4.8″ |
| Spine thickness | — | 0.122″ |
| Overall length | 9.8″ | — |
| Weight | 7.6 oz | 9.81 oz |
| Blade shape | Drop Point | Drop Point |
| Steel | CPM MagnaCut | Sandvik 14C28N |
| Lock | Fixed | Fixed |
| Handle material | Glass-Filled Nylon | Curly Birch |
| Country of origin | USA | Norway |
| Price band | Premium | Premium |
Tinted rows are where these two differ.
The steel difference
CPM MagnaCut
The current answer to “why must I choose?” — near-tool-steel toughness with better corrosion resistance than S30V. The default recommendation for a hunting fixed blade that lives in a wet sheath.
Sandvik 14C28N
Developed with Kershaw. Tough, rust-resistant, and about as easy to sharpen as a good steel gets — the reason it dominates the value tier.