Gerber Strongarm Real vs Fake Counterfeit Knife 

$50

The guy who made the counterfeit be watching with a note pad figuring out what to fix in his production line😂

Thank you for taking the time to make this. It sucks getting ripped-off, but you've turned it into something better by trying to help others.

Just bought one off Amazon, and it's most likely a counterfeit. Shaving sharp, but with the edge that starts closer to the handle. Bubble wrap packaging, instructions on cheap paper, and the handle and sheath are clean like the original.

Lol says "Portlamd, OR." Must be legit!

I'd love to see a durability test on the fake one and see if it's just as strong or not. I'm pretty sure it maybe isn't but still, want to see what it does and how much it can bear before chipping/cracking.

Man, this popped up on my feed. I've never even questioned it. Watched your video. Mine is the exact box as yours. Paid the same as you did. Just a few dollars cheaper than online. Thought I had a deal. And bam. I bought the fake one. Soooooo pissed right now. Went straight to ebay. It's been well over a year. And they are doing nothing about it. Thank you for letting everyone know out there. That dealer is a dick for doing this to everyone!

I buy all of my knifes, auto & fixed from Blade HQ. They do not sell fakes and have great service.

They got me too..... I wish I would've paid attention to this video before purchasing. Never ever again. But I will be giving that seller a sheety review.

The real one is not available to buy in my country. Mi fake strongarm came supersharp. I got it from gearbest. It did not say gerber in the publication of the product, it only said 440c tactical knife, from the photos it could be seen that it was a copy of the strongarm, the brand was erased but when it arrived it said gerber like the original, the only difference is the micro bevel. I think it is the same fake that you see in your video, but the details are more polished. I have brutally punished it and it has excellent edge retention, it has not broken even after prying

I just purchased one from a local pawn shop. I've done a lot of business with them and know them to be honest. Didn't even think about it being counterfeit. After watching this video, I'm satisfied that mine is authentic. Whew! Have been wanting a tactical knife for hiking, because I hike alone with my dog and was impressed with reviews about it's versatility. It's my first fixed blade knife. I'm very impressed with how well this knife fits my hand. Now I need to use it and get comfortable with it. Oh, and the price was only $40. Color me happy. Thanks for this video. ❤

I just received a StrongArm Serrated through Amazon -Skinny box -Handle looks more green than brown. -Hole is off-center. -Edge a bit sloppy. -Box has a label : "Made in China." (!) -Male snap is on the left. -Weight (accurate scale): 7.65 oz. Heavier than it's supposed to be. (Also not good for a couple of reasons.) -Length seems about right. 9.75" vs 9.8" per specs. -Also, was not cheap. Basically full price. -To top things off, the box was torn open, and badly scuffed (like a return.) It's possible that Gerber has some products made overseas. But this one is supposed to be made in US. I just did what I should have done in the first place: Order from a certified Gerber dealer. Wow. Thanks for posting the video.

Yah I was wondering about those cheap prices for these. Who counterfeits a gerber knife 🙄🙄🙄

That's crazy! I've apparently had a fake for a year now! My mother naught it for my bday, so I didn't look into it. The only thing that made me suspicious was a small chip on the spine of the blade. Everything else was PERFECT, including the sharpness (easily cut through paper). I wanted to return it due to the chio, but my mother ordered it over a month before, so we couldn't (that time limit was in the seller's description). But I've loved this knife so much that I wanted to buy another one. I guess I'll be sure to get it from a recommended seller, especially since the other guy is no longer on Amazon. Lol.

I went through exactly the same situation! Florida seller, no red flags etc. Like you I contacted Gerber and sent pics of the knives and boxes. The Gerber rep told me that the box itself was proof of it being a fake. He said he would look in to it and let me know what he found out. He never responded again after two or three more tries. I contacted EBay and did receive a refund and was assured they would investigate. These same sellers are still operating and have suffered no repercussions after nearly 2 years!

You should put this seller on blast to protect other ebay buyers!

Just got my strongarm in and having no gerber before it to compare to, I was disappointed in the quality. I started having my doubts about authenticity. This video was suggested to me by YT and for once, am glad. My knife and sheath look just like the fake one you have. It didn't come with the box, so I couldn't compare. Thanks for the video! Now I've got to get my money back and get a real Strongarm...

Real ones also come in a plastic clam shell packaging. I've seen them in stores like that. But wow I almost bought one on eBay myself and glad I didn't pull the trigger on it now.

Thank you for all the time you took to show us all differences. I am sorry you had to experience being scammed out of your hard earned money.

I purchased one from Amazon, from the Gerber store. It has the narrower box with emblem up in the corner… Like your fake one. ???

I bought a Gerber folding knife for $5.00 on eBay 7 years ago. Same story as this guy^ only difference is it’s the best damn knife I’ve ever owned. Used that thing working at a carwash in highschool every single day, no exaggeration. It was humid and just not a nice environment for tools, but it kept an edge like a mf and I still carry it today. Only con was when the belt clip broke off. $5.00, I don’t care if it was counterfeit or not, I love that knife. I’ve gathered some really nice alternatives since, kabar and some others, but I almost hate to admit that five buck piece is my favorite.

Just got one for the equivalent of 13.5 USD and to be honest given that price this counterfeit I got is still insanely a good buy for that price given how worse the competition is. Even though its softer and lower quality in all material and production aspects, its still pretty cool to get a thick and hefty sharp out of the box knife like this with the very convenient versatile sheath. Can't believe they sell it for $50 over there For reference, the average chinesium folding knife people would carry in my area would all be about $10 and those are probably half the quality of this counterfeit gerber strongarm or even less Nowadays the counterfeiting is now even better. Razor sharp out the box, the plastic injection moulding on the sheath is much better however the handle moulding is worse. Other than the ENORMOUS price gap and the nasty handle moulding in some areas, the only other sign would be the Made in Oregon text. Mine was made with a whacky non uniform font that looks horrendous and was printed out of square. Also worth mentioning that the one i got has an insane notched saw blade section thats larger than usual and is still honestly well ground given the dirt cheap price its unbelievable sometimes. Great video! I do hope that counterfeit knives wont be a liability to their users when quality is to be put to the test, specially to those who were tricked into buying fake ones..

Thanks for your information! Important.

Man i have to admit i was very nervous i had gotten a fake. I didnt keep the box mine came in but i remember it was the cardbord wraping in the box not the bubble wrap. Thanks for showing us this.

Bought my strongarm directly from Gerber. No confusion there...

Buy knives on OFFICIAL site... from the SHOP and not from People

2020 now and they're 70-80 bucks now. Knew I should have got one a while ago

Snaps being reversed is the first thing I noticed. Almost bought one on eBay, good thing I saw this video. Snaps were like the fake one. No idea they would sell fake knives.

I just bought a Gerber Strongarm and paid like $80.00 bucks for it. I absolutely love it!

Dude, you had me scared thinking that mine I Bought off eBay for $50 also was a fake haha! Had to go find the box and all. Fortunately, all the differences on the real are on mine also. Down to the barcode sticker on the box bottom. Thanks for making this video.

Man I'll be honest, it seems more likely that this knife was maybe set aside by QC as opposed to being a total fake.

Thank you. Bought one online, and this gives me confidence it's authentic.

Thank you for the explanation, kind sir

You should disclose scammers names though.

Thanks for the heads up. I was juuust about to buy on ebay. The steel quality cannot be as good.

Got my at the local outdoors store..it came in a plastic see through case..which i prefer cuz you can look at them and short out the best most center grind plus it makes it easy to look for defects and so on. ☺

I bought today this knife from Norway shop XXL. Package is smaller like fake one, but knife is exactly the same like real one. Nice video thank you

I GOT THE ALL BLACK GERBER STRONG ARM. I GOT IT AT MY FRIENDS KNIFE SHOP. I TRY TO BUY ALL OF MY KNIVES LOCALLY BECAUSE I LIKE TO ACTUALLY SEE IT AND HANDLE IT IN PERSON. THAT WAY THERE'S NO QUESTION ON MY PURCHASE.

Got mine for under 50$ on Blade HQ. I really don't get how they always manage to have good knife of sale for like 25% off an higher

The GERBER logo on the sheath is also different. The real one is shiny if you hold it to the light at an angle.

Get a tripod way to much camera movement, thanks for the information.

I have a very early Strongarm from right after they released it. I can tell you the lanyard hole isn't a steong indicator, nor is it being sharp from Gerber. Mine was not what I'd call sharp. After i put it on my wicked edge it reached it's full potential though. I double checked my box and it's the right same as your real Gerber. I just find it hard to believe someone would go through so much trouble to KO a 50 dollar knife. Hell, when it was new I think I paid 42 before it became popular. I winder if someone was sneaking out factory rejects or something.

Bro i think the one i bought off amazon is fake

Plot twist, the right one is the fake and the left one is the real. And you paid more for the fake... WHAT???

Bought mine straight from Gerber.

Recently I purchased a Strongarm knife, I bought it from Dick's Sports store, and once I found this video I was following along trying to see what you mention. Thanks, this helps a lot.

Mine are not counterfeits and they have some imperfections (small circles) on the back of the sheaths. I believe you do have a counterfeit, but you're also nitpicking just a bit 😀 those knives/cases are mass produced, and will have imperfections like any other mass produced items, and you can always find something if you look hard enough....

I don't know if fake is the correct term. What it looks like is... Walmart Gerber vs USA made Gerber Made by Fiskars under license for Gerber. Gerber design made at a different company for a lower price point. There are many manufacturers who have done this. Another reason not to like Walmart. This is what it looks like. You may want to look into that. I have purchased more than one knife from Wally World.... But for a serious knife... just buy direct from Gerber USA. Costs a little more, but it is worth it. I have bought Fiskars before... Not bad for the money.

I just received one of these, in black, from Amazon today that was fake. Other than not being tan, it looked just like the one on your left. The price was just under $50 too. It is going back. Thanks for helping me confirm my suspicions!

Now I know why this great deal brand new Strongarm I just got on ebay has absolutely no blade retention in the sheath.

Back of the box on the fake one says "Portlamd Oregon"

Thank you. After watching your video, I cancelled my order from Amazon and went ordering from their website directly. I found out you can even customize and add laser text on the knife so I did that as well!

The box of the so-called fake one has "Fiskers" written on it but take a guess who owns Gerber.

I have the same knife. I do not think it is false, it must be a batch of Gerber that came out with some irregularities and decided to put it on the market at a lower price. Counterfeiting a knife to that level of accuracy and quality is not something that results in profit.

Well the one so called "fake" knife has longer cutting edge. If the both knives have same steel and heat treatment, so we can be happy with it.

That’s why it’s a good idea to check the seller’s name on eBay and Amazon. I only purchase if those are from a knife store or Amazon itself

I just bought a knock off on EBay. The counterfeit in your video has the same serial number as my knife! All of your other observed differences ring true. Very annoying. Thanks!!

Which one is better? How big the difference in quality are when it comes to use?

The funniest thing to me is the packaging of the bootleg saying it's made in "Portlamd, Oregon"

There are other online shops which looks exactly like the real one and comes with the small box.

Thanks, I just bought that nice at Sportco last week and and very happy with the knife.

There is an easy and fast way to distinguish fake vs original! (found in comments under one Polish review of real Gerber Strongarm) Genuine Gerber Strongarm blades have individual serial number, while fakes have the same number, seen also in this video: 0871214B well seen at 11:46

Could it possibly be a factory second? If it's a fake they did a damn good job really.

Why does the fake box look better than the real box? 😂

Not sure if this was commented on before, but the counterfeit box had the FISKARS parent company name on it at time ~3:20. The genuine one lacks that. However, they also have different dates with the fake box having an older date. Interesting video though! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you for the video. I too Have apparently fallen into the same trap but on Amazon. I purchased a strong arm directly from Gerber so as I can directly see the difference. Doing Gods work 👍🏼 take care and Have A Knife Day.

I bought my first one from gerber, my second one on eBay. I knew something was wrong when the eBay knife had an inch less oal. Fortunately eBay refunded me and closed the sellers account.

You call it a tripod and montage ;) I believe it's what you need.

It says Fiskars right on the back of the fake box. They are a big manufacturer in, I think, Sweden. It may be that they are a licensed distributor for Gerber. So it may not actually be fake.

Me thinking I bought a fake knife at first then remembering I almost cut my finger off because it was so sharp

If Ebay doesn't want to show any interest in stopping this u lost why you wouldn't expose who they were. I'd be pissed, this goes on to much. Protecting them doesn't help the situation.

For the price on Amazon which I found to be $2.00 dollars less than Gerber, I just went with Gerber. Even if it was $10.00 less. My thoughts are that Amazon is a companies way of selling off 2nd or 3rd quality runs that don't make it into their official store inventory.

Should have watched your video sooner, I bought the fake one, but the price is pretty good, cant complaint much in my case. 23$

I have three Strongarms in all the colors. I also just bought a Temu version for $12.00 - free shipping. You (or I) can’t tell by looking. They do NOT say it is a Gerber. The Chinese strongarm is an exact copy accept - no logo or name on knife or sheath. The instructions does however have a very faded Gerber logo. I got it just to compare. Promise, you can’t tell. I purchased my three Gerbers when they were $79.00 (Amazon). I would not pay more than that even today. Quality and such - I have no idea. Probably never will because I treat them like tools hence, I am used to taking extreme care of them just like I would a Japanese pull saw or router blades. Destroying knives for fun is just not my thing. Great vid though. FYI your fake eBay knife may be something I have not seen before. The Chinese really just copy the products, precisely but do not claim they are a real brand. I think their intent is to make products the same quality and charge almost nothing for them. Opinions about their success at that vary’s. //ji

I'm not convinced it's a fake, there was a three year difference on the box, I'd check the number on the blade. It came from eBay so it was probably used. I don't know but they do change packaging year to year.

I have 2 of these knives, bought both from Amazon. Aside from one of them having a slight blemish on the spine they both came in the box with the insert and paper work. So I'm relieved.

Thank you good review on my amazon account and I couldn’t tell if mine was real or fake but this helped me find that mine was real thank you.

Thx Man! Thx to your vid I saved myself from purchasing fake one.

Damn looks mine is fake:( which explains why it was only 35 bucks from ebay.... Then i was throwing it against the tree and i noticed the edges of the blade were already getting cracked and chipped... so ya i definitely i have a fake, bummer May i ask where did you purchase your real one? Can i get a link or something?

Very interesting. But also interesting to see the ricasso was smaller on the fake despite less of plunge where the bevel start. Smaller ricasso usually makes the knife more usable. Otherwise the original should of course be better.

Looks like some people are spending an extra $10 for a sharpened knife.

Mate I just cut my finger as I drew my strongarm out to look for your details out. Mines definitely a real one. The bad news is, I now need to contact your lawyer to sue you for the boo boo on my pinky finger. 🤣🤣🤣

really appreciate this video, i've been looking into getting myself one of these and never knew how common fakes are

I heard, the Original Gerber comes now from China. Eventuell this the Same Fabric and Chines Selled B-Ware?

I was watching reviews on the Strongarm Knife and this one popped up. I went ahead watched it and listened to everything you said three or four times. I then went got my Strongarm to compare it and I bought a fake. I have reported it to eBay and waiting for answer on what to do. Everything wrong with yours was wrong with mine. Makes me feel like a fool for being taken in. The seller is in CT Clubber something. I got mine on 14th of February 2022 took me six days to figure it out. Thanks for your help with your video.

Fiskers is originally a finish co. but the chinese are producing a lot of their stuff and walmart was until recently selling their products

Interesting, I bought mine from sportsman's but it seems to combine elements from both. The sheath seems well done on the front and sloppy on the back

Counterfeit box also says "Portlamd, Oregon".

Thankyou for this video, good thing im going to buy mine from the actual Gerber website

I'm having problems getting the sheath setup for vertical carry like you have there, mine dangles really low. Now sure how to do it the right way! :)

A precious information. Thanks for this video.. God bless you.

According to this, I *might* have a fake, based solely on the packaging. The knife itself & sheath are pristine, sharp, and conform to your "real" model in every way. Someone said the knock-offs are 440 steel. The Gerber is apparently actually 420. So if I got a knock off, at least it has technically better steel. Also, the balance is pretty much perfect. And it shipped from New Jersey, not Florida, if that's any indication. But understand that Gerber actually makes a lot of their knives in China. These are marked, of course, made in Portland. Not easy to get them past customs when they are made en mass with that printed on them. They would have to be finished in the US then, and that just soaks up extra cost. So... jury is still out on it for me. BUT the only real thing that counts is the utility and durability which remains to be seen over the next months and years.

I got a fake today. Thank you for the video all this time later

I've been wanting to get one for years but I'm not sure if the dealers in my country are trustworthy because they sell both fake and real Garber knives until I stumbled across your vid today. Thanks a lot for very honest and very informative video. You've got a new subscriber. Ps. Sorry for my english.

Are the blade thicknesses about the same?! Would be interesting to measure the thickness of each one with a digital caliper tool, and report your findings, if there's a discrepancy there too!

Thanks for making this video man.

Just got mine direct from gerber uk my box is the same size as yours but there's a picture of the strongarm and info on the front its a genuine gerber insert is the same the knife checks out its a great knife.

Frak me. Thanks for this video I've been looking at a $53 strong arm knife from FL on ebay for the past week. I'll def order from Amazon!

Strongarm's are made in the US. Knockoffs aren't. So buying a knockoff is costing American jobs.

Did anyone else notice that the fake knife spelled "Portland" wrong on the box? dead giveaway...