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Gerber Experiments with New Steel for Limited Fixed Blade Run

November 15, 2017

Gerber is experimenting with steel and color options with the back-to-back releases of two limited editions. Two new runs of the Strong Arm and Ghostrike fixed blades feature new-to-Gerber BDZ-1 steel and a unique grey color scheme.

The Strong Arm and Ghostrike form a core part of Gerber’s US-made fixed blade lineup. The Ghostrike is a lightweight self-defense blade, with a rubber over-molded handle and a 3.3-inch cutting edge. With the Strong Arm, Gerber designed an all-purpose, heavy-duty knife with a 4.8-inch blade. In their original configurations, both knives had blades made of 420HC steel. Intended to be soldiers’ tools, their colorations fell into line with the preferences of the US Military: black, coyote brown, FG504, and OD green.

Gerber Ghoststrike BDZ-1

According to Gerber’s Andrew Gritzbaugh, the new releases aim to please customers who are more particular about their steel. BDZ-1, while not a super steel, should be a step in the right direction regarding keeping up with the demands of today’s market. “BDZ-1 is a slightly elevated option that increases the blades hardness and stain resistance, while not drastically increasing the product’s overall price,” he explains. “While the existing knives are incredibly successful as is, some of the community expresses a general disinterest with 420HC.”

Gerber Strong-Arm BDZ-1

Similarly, the military colorations may be practical but not to everybody’s taste. “They have a lot of benefits, and certainly cater to a large portion of the consumer market,” Gritzbaugh notes. “But individual preference will always reign supreme so it’s important we bring other options to life,” he says. He hopes that the “tactical grey” coloration will appeal to those who might have been less interested in the originals.

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Gerber addressed knife enthusiasts head-on earlier this year with the launch of the premium G1 Series and says these new releases, though aimed at a different price point, follow in that spirit. They will establish a new pattern of limited, more experimental runs. “People will begin to see more frequent, smaller batch offerings from the brand,” Gritzbaugh says. “We started with the new G1-001 build for 2017’s Blade Show, and will be introducing exciting concepts each year moving forward.”

The Limited Edition Ghostrike and Strong Arm are available to order now. The Ghostrike is limited to 3000 pieces and is ready to ship. The Strong Arm is limited to 2000 pieces and will ship later this month.

Knife featured in image: Gerber Strong-Arm BDZ-1

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