In this review I compared two knives made by the same company. I recently bought the new Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife which is made by Gerber and compared it to the Gerber ASEK LMF II Survival Knife, which I have had for a couple of years now.
By B. Lynch, a reader of SurvivalCache.com
For this review, I was not able to properly field test the Bear Grylls knife over a period of time or in the 
conditions that I would like to simulate a survival situation. However I was able to conduct some field tests to verify this knife as a viable survival tool.
The specifications on the Bear Grylls Knife:
Knife Features:
- 1/2 Serrated High Carbon Stainless Steel Drop Point Blade – Ideal for edge retention and cutting rope
- Full Tang Blade Construction- For maximum durability
- Ergonomic Textured Rubber Grip – Maximizes comfort and reduces slippage
- Stainless Steel Pommel – At base of handle for hammering
- Emergency Whistle – Integrated into lanyard cord
Sheath Feature:
- Fire Starter – Ferrocerium rod locks into sheath, striker notch incorporated into back of
knife blade - Nylon Sheath – Lightweight, military-grade, mildew resistant
- Land to air rescue instructions
- Diamond Sharpener – Integrated into sheath for on-the-go sharpening
- Priorities of Survival – Pocket guide contains Bear’s survival essentials
Tech Specs:
- Overall Length: 10-Inch
- Blade Length: 4.75-Inch
- Weight: 11.2-Ounce alone, 14.72-Ounce with sheath
Price: $45.59 at Amazon (click here)
The specifications of the Gerber ASEK LMF Knife.
- 420HC Stainless Steel drop point partially serrated blade
- Glass-filled Nylon handle with TPV overmold
- Over-molded handle successfully limits blistering
- Complete separation between the tang and butt cap, so the knife absorbs the shocks from hammering and prevents the shocks of electricity
- Smartly situated grooves and lashing holes let the LMF™ II convert to a spear
- Includes a low-profile Ballistic Nylon with fire retardant coating sheath that facilitates movement, limits noise, works for parachuting, and attaches to a belt or MOLLE vest
- Patented, integrated sharpener
- A smaller cord cutter/skinner is also included.
- BLADE LENGTH: 4.84″
- OVERALL LENGTH: 10.59″
- Made in the USA
Price on Amazon: $77.40 in Forest Green (click here) or for the new Coyote Color $84.95 (click here)
The Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife
The Bear Grylls Knife certainly was not razor sharp when I took it out of the package but after a few
swipes on the integrated diamond sharpener (that is included with the knife) it was easily taking hair off of my forearm. The Second thing I noticed was the rubber grip. It was very comfortable and shaped to feel right at home in my hand. It made quick work chopping out a notch in a 2 x 2 wood board that I had lying around as well as some fallen limbs in my backyard. As for fire starting, it shaved slivers off branches with ease and it was just big enough to use as a draw blade. After creating a small pile of fire tender, I used a small portion of the back of the blade designed to be used with the striker to get a few sparks flying. At first I was worried that the striker was going to be too small compared with the size of the knife but it worked just fine and within seconds I had a little fire going. The fire starter is a nice feature that it snaps right into the sheath.
Next I used the pommel to drive a 3 ¾ inch nail into the 2 x 2 wood board, which it did. It was slightly 
uncomfortable holding it with the tip of the blade pointed upwards and driving the handle down like an ice pick, but it worked. The whistle which is attached to the pommel got in the way while I was trying to use the knife. I will probably end up taking the whistle off and attaching it to the sheath. The whistle is of lower quality and far from being a Jet Scream Whistle, but it worked. The pocket guide is a nice little touch and it “tucks” right into the land and air instructions on the back of the sheath. You’ll have to pry the rubbery pocket to stretch it so the pocket instructions will fit. However it has the main basics skills you would need to survive if you were lost for a bit and it is always good to brush up on the basics.
The Gerber ASEK LMF Survival Knife has some heft to it, not heavy but you definitely know its there. This weight 
came in handy when chopping notches and also hammering the nail. In order to hammer with this knife you have to have the blade side of the knife in the palm of your hand so remember to wrap something around it before you start hacking away. This knife too is quite easy to sharpen with its sharpener integrated into the sheath. The extra rope cutter/skinner I have only used to cut 550 paracord which it does with ease. I like the sheath system on this knife better because it has two straps so that you can attach it to your thigh but they are removable if you want it attach to your belt.
Do you want to know what to look for in a Survival Knife? (click here)
Even though when the Man vs. Wild TV show first came out I was an avid watcher, I have grown a little bit tired of it 
and was a little skeptical of what the Bear Grylls knife would be like. If it hadn’t been made by Gerber I probably would not have spent what I did on it, but I am glad that I did. Even though I have not had the chance to properly field test it over a few days in the woods I think it is a tough knife with some nice extras for the price. If you are looking for a new survival knife or just add to the collection I would recommend the Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife, for the money it is a decent knife.
About Bear Grylls: (From Wikipedia) Born Edward Michael Grylls, 7 June 1974) is an English adventurer, writer and television presenter. He is best known for his television series Man vs. Wild, known as Born Survivor in the United Kingdom. He was the youngest Briton to climb Mount Everest, doing so at age 23. In July 2009, Grylls was appointed the youngest ever Chief Scout at the age of 35. He then briefly attended the University of the West of England where he was a member of the Officer Training Corps. In March 1997, he joined the British Army and after passing on his second attempt United Kingdom Special Forces Selection, from 1994-1997, he served in the part-time United Kingdom Special Forces Reserve, with 21 Regiment Special Air Service, 21 SAS(R), as a trooper, survival instructor and Patrol Medic
All Photos by: B. Lynch
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Nice review! If you were able to choose only one of the two knives tested in the post, which would it be?
I would have to say the bear grylls knife. Due to the cost, the extras that come with it and thus far I have not had a problem with it. The only downfall with the infantry knife is that it really doesn't fit my hand that well, its almost a straight handle. But you won't go wrong with either of them because I have been a Gerber man for quite some time and LOVE their blades and tools. I think they have the best multi tool around all others feel flimsy to me.
Thanks Tinderwolf. I've looked at both of them, but haven't bought either yet.
Man vs. Wild is entertaining but I'm cautious about many of his antics. For example, he regularly runs around and sweats during the cold winter, or he takes short cuts through a caves. Those things, in real survival situations, can get a person killed.
Nevertheless, Gerber makes a good knife and I'm glad to hear you've found this one to be good. I'll likely end up getting one at some point.
Thanks!
Joe
I very much agree about his antics. They have run out of ideas for the show so they have to set up scenarios which I get bored with. His style is definitaly more of a weekend adventure with the risks he takes and how hard he pushes. Granted sometimes you might have to do what he does but….I liked les stroud's survival man much better because he had to do everthing himself and didn't have a team with him all the time ( he did have an emergency team with him at all times but they would camp a mile away from him) His show was just more realistic and interesting to watch for the common man.
Well said.
I would choose the Bear Grylls knife.
Thanks for the review. The price is tough to beat but sometimes you get what you pay for.
Gerber makes a good blade. What sold me was the fire starter and diamond sharpener. I want one.
I believe you may have the LMF II ASEK System reviewed, not the Infantry. The LMF II ASEK System has two leg straps, the infantry comes with only one. The LMF II ASEK System is IR Resistant, whereas the Survival and Infantry versions are not. There aren't much in differences between the three, just minor ones. Different years of the same knife used different steels as describe below.
http://72hoursurvival.com/the-gerber-lmf-ii-blade…
http://ezinearticles.com/?Clearing-Up-Confusion-i…
I would choose the LMF II over the Bear Grylls. The LMF II's are made in the U.S.A. and from what I understand have better manufacturing checks, whereas the Bear is made in China. Gerber knives are okay. I won't buy a made in China one because the quality I've seen from them seems to be lesser (somewhat) than the made in U.S.A. ones when it comes to Gerber. It's like the Gerber 06 Automatics vs. the Gerber 06 FAST's. I own an LMF II ASEK System, took off the system's strap cutter and bought the Gerber Strap Cutter stand-alone and attached it (took some thinking, but I got it in a good spot where is doesn't interfere). They are more durable and better quality and have a better glass break (not that you need one when you have the knife. Again it's a manufacturing quality check issue. The LMF II strap cutters are made in China vs. the stand-alone Gerber Strap Cutter which is made in the U.S.A.).
I honestly don't care if something is made in America when it comes to survival. Heck, I bought a Nepalese kukri because most of the American ones have a thin machete style blade instead of the thick chopping style blades of the ones from Nepal. I just want quality because it's survival. Their knives made in China seem to be of less quality then the ones Gerber manufactures in America. I also own a Gerber Gator II for my full-sized folder. It has some great features and is a decent quality knife.
I chose the LMF II ASEK System because of the built in sharpener, sheath system, and the features the knife itself has with the hammer pommel, insulated grip, lashing holes, etc.. Other knives to consider are Busse knives and ESEE knives. ESEE has some higher quality versions of Ontarios like the Junglas which is basically a better RTAK II. I'm not saying Ontarios, Gerbers, etc. are bad knives. They both make some quality knives. I am just merely pointing out quality differences and saying that Busse and ESEE take quality a step further. It all depends on what you are willing to spend and what you consider the quality standard you are looking for in gear. I tend to go for the spend more get more ideal, but it limits you in the expanse of obtaining gear in at a given time. I know other people who will sacrifice (some) quality to have a more complete survival system and try to replace things over time.
I forgot to mention it was a good review.
Sorry if I got the model wrong was trying to match it to what I could find on their sight.
I apologize if I got the model wrong, I have had it for a couple of years and was trying to find exactly what model it was from the web and that looked like the best match to what I have.
Oh, I understand. They are so similar it's scary lol. Just thought I'd inform people in case such minor differences matter to them. I liked reading through a review on the knives.
I love my LMF II.
Oh I agree, I have chopped my way through some fun stuff with my "infantry." can't wait to see if the grylls knife holds up
Good catch, just updated the article.
A little off subject but am I the only one that thinks "bear" is a complete tool?
No. I get a little tired of his exhibitionism, especially.
I find myself talking to the TV too: "Hey, Bear, no one else on this planet is ever going to do that!" lol. But I can also say I've learned things here and there.
All told, no worse than most of what we watch on the boob tube, eh?
Good review. I would like to see the comparison once you have time to run the grylls knife through some tougher tests though. I look forward to seeing that update.
Test the Gerber Gator II! The knife has some great features
.
I agree with one of the posters above , the guy is too Barnum & Baily , makes for a great show ( with a grain of salt ) . I wouldn’t buy anything that helps a guy for his own self promotion . He also gives bad advise for climbing , etc . If you are not in preemo shape and have been specially trained to do things ” the hard way ” like he shows , you WILL hurt yourself and badly . If you want no BS survival for the common man , Hawke Green is more for the rest of us . Yes he can do everything the other guy does but he also knows most people in a situation are not going to be ex green berets either . Thumbs down on anything Grillis sells .
Here's the deal, you bashed on Bear for promoting himself when all your doing is promoting Hawke Green. And besides wouldn't you like to have an ex green beret teaching you survival skills, and showing you survival gear that he personally designed? Anyway buying anything helps someone, so why is it all of the sudden a problem to buy a knife from a renowned survivalist (bear Grylls) and a renowned Knife company (Gerber)? As for your comment below, the knife comes sharpened, the sharpener is there to sharpen it once it gets dull.
I have a cold steel knife that shaved my arm right out of the package , no sharpening needed .
Great review. I just bought one myself for a number of reasons. When I opened it, I was glad I did. After reading your take, i’m more so. All I would change is to have a straight edge option for those who want the choice, and I’ll be switching the whistle to the fire starter and putting a 550 lanyard on the knife.
Gotta say, I’ll sure be glad when people stop slamming the guy for giving viewers what they want. If a true-life survival show would keep all involved employed, then make you’re own show.
Forgot to mention mine was shaving sharp right out of the package, and fits my hand like an extension of my body.
i'm interested in what the parang is like
I bought the BG knife a few weeks ago while going through Chinamart (Walmart). I was highly skeptical at first, being from Chinamart (nothing from Chinamart last longer than two weeks), and being branded with the Bear Grylls name, but being a Gerber I thought it would be interesting. I was quite surprised with the knife. I actually think it is a quality made knife, and worth the money.
I bought the second generation of this, it came in a nice Gerber Box not clamshell plastic, I have had it out on two conoe trips thus far and it has performed flawlessly from cutting tangled rafts apart to batoning through oak and maple for fires. I did this to test the knife, I used it as a can opener a hammer I did some buscraft like making fuzzy sticks and tent/trap stakes. It has done fine and is still in great condition. I used it to start the fires with the included rod it is a neat package and a great deal for the money. Just my experience on the Rifle and Au Sable rivers conoe and hiking trails here in Michigan.
I just want to add that I have nothing against Bear, I think he is a man I think I would get along with very well. I just question marketing ads.
I was wondering, Is this the 2nd "generation" of the BG knife being tested? I have read that the first run of these were poorly made, and Gerber had to go back to the drawing board. I am always interested in a decent knife for a decent price. Keep up the good work!
Regarding BG… Although some of his BS Hollywood antics sometimes causes and eye roll or two he is still better than starvation man (Survival Man Les Stroud) in my book. He is a stud. If you have half his strength and endurance you will do well in a survival scenario. Relying purely on your stores and gear for survival will leave you vulnerable.
I wouldn't eat all the crap he does but then again I wouldn't get lost on the middle of the Sahara either.
Haha I love the comments on Bear, pros and cons. The show is axactly what it says, a " show"; it's intended to draw viewers and solicate consumers through advertizing. Yep, he's a little hollywood at times, but I bet each of you know someone who acts exactly like that! haha I know I do. In regards to the branded BG knife. I have not used one, but have given it the once over just because it has the "Gerber" brand attached. Hey at least it ain't the "First Blood" copy!
I have an old "Case" brand Marine style knife and a Gerber lock blade folder, also old, that have served as my larger blade needs for many years. But for the dollar vs value, the BG knife seens a good way to go, if you need a knife.
Don't get me started on Bear guys. I admit that his show is fun to watch but in real survival situation doing things he does will get you injured/killed.
Love my bear ultimate…Gerber is now owned by the same foreign company that owns Fiskers and will stand behind their products. The pommel on the original ultimate broke off after medium use…I don't know how they reinforced it or if they hooked it to the tang but it seems to be much better. Bear has three kids(interesting names) and is involved in scouting from that level. The knife can be hooked to the molle vest using the D-hook and mounting it upside-down with small velcro strap at bottom. The sheath "clicks" the knife solid in place…the 2 piece sheath can detach from th base and be used for diving using an extra velcro strap(s) for your comfort and needs. Using a Gerber (or other) pocket sharpener is much easier than stoning..google stone, carbide or ceramic sharpening. Hook the better whistle(sonic blaster-3 whistles in one…loud!)to the firestarter so you don't smash it using the hammer pommel. If you have large hands you canuse the paracord trick or use bicyle type gloves(great bug out gloves).
Bear climbed everest after breaking his back and is a legitimate man who I would not say a damn word to face to face. That said, the vast majority of people who end up in truly life or death survival situations might know nothing except what they've seen on television, and if all they've seen is Man vs. Wild then it might actually worsen their chances.
As for whomever referred to Les as "starvation man," I'm kind of curious about that. I'm not saying Survivorman is going to save anyone's life either, but I think Les is at least more practical. He'll note that crossing the slippery, treacherous, deadly ravine is not even kind of a good idea, or that you should think about snakes before reaching or walking through snakey sorts of areas, or whip out some statistics about the stupid things people do when they're not thinking clearly. Again, not going to save your life, but at least you don't walk away from that show thinking you have to be Spetsnaz to build a lean-to.
Tottaly flipin' awsome!
To be 100% honest I actually didn't even to take the time to read this article or any of the comments . . but I do own this knife and actually had a very interesting chance to use it. Some of you might have heard of the infamous us army sere school ? Well I saw this knife at Cabelas and thought to myself this knife will be perfect to bring along . . . Well to keep a long story short it wasn't. As a matter of fact I found myself wishing I had one of the cheap SOG multi tools the army gives me every time I turn around . The Blades is to big to any delicate work with and the fire starter is sub-par at best. Your better off with a mag bar and a swiss arm key chain knife. Just my two cents. Hope i didn't ruffle any feathers but this knife sucks almost as much as Bear Gryls in a dark alley.
How Rude
Quick question: The LMF has lashing holes, but I was specifically taught that you NEVER lash your knife to something in a survival situation ~ if something goes wrong, there goes your most important tool. Any thoughts?
Maybe for lashing it to yourself? I have a BK2 with similar holes and that's how it occurs to me to use them. Or perhaps to attach stuff to the sheath, but I haven't done so yet.
This is true that you should think twice about why you are lashing your knife to a say a stick to make a spear. If you absolutly have to make sure that the lashings are VERY tight so the knife doesn't fall off or get stuck in something you are trying to probe. Though in reality I probably wouldn't lash it it anything other than myself. If you need a spear for protection say from large predators than a good wood spear can easily be made and will serve the same purpose as if your knife was on the end. So I guess yes in general I would not lash your knife unless it was absolutly necessary.
Personally I carry Ontario knives, BUT truth be told I bought this knife for the same reason as many did , The name Gerber.
I must say I was impressed, staight out of the box I could actually shave with the darn thing, From what I have learned they made 2 models of this knife , The first was a joke (more like a nightmare Im told) The pommel fell off the tip broke and it was very cheaply made, But Gerber does have a reputation to up hold and came out with a new version and all the problems were solved. I still carry my Ontario but I must admit the Bear knife has found a home as a spare in my B.O.B Well done Gerber Well Done indeed.
I think the Bear knife seems to have many advantages, but as I look at it in the store I think " Holy crap that thing is expensive". I have always trusted Gerber knives so either way is a good choice i have not seen the other knife anywhere else so I cant say if it is accurately priced for what is has. Im hoping to get the Bear Gerber Scout knife for Christmas as it is getting near.
I think there is a discrepancy between the show and real life. I agree that the thing that Bear does is dangerous and will get you killed or hurt. However, the finer points he shares in between is what needs to be looked at. Remember he is showing worst case scenario and if you, for example, would slip on ice and fall into a small lake; he shows you what to do next. How he ended up there is no concern, it is just the fact you got there. So as far as his knife goes, I would like to hear more. I did buy one and got it in the mail and am anxious to try it out.
I bought a BG fixed blade model and I think it's a great value. I have beaten the hell out if it and it's performed very well. I haven't had to put an edge on it yet, so time will tell.
Who gives a shit about BG? Is the knife worth the investment or not?
I have beat the crap out of mine splitting wood doing small chores around camp and such…not one issue on my canoe/hiking/camping trips I have been on over the last year…I got my on sale but I am sure there are better blades out there that might work, but you can't find many places to actually pick it up and use it to get the feel…I think more money is wasted on gear that get's a raving review but I can't get my hands on it I don't care what another person says…I got my hands on Bucks, KA-Bars, Gerber's and a few customs, this one felt the best had a useable blade and great accessories that do work if used and practiced with..my knife looks rough but tha't because I have actually taken it out for more than a youtube review…just my .02.
just got the knife a few days ago but i havent had the chance to field test it yet
I just bought the BG knife and I am quite happy with it. It looks and feels like a good knife, but only time will tell, The only bad thing about this knife that I have heard is the pommel is not as attached as it should be. Other than that, Its a good knife, and for $50, you can`t beat it.
Really appreciate you sharing this blog post.Thanks Again. Awesome.
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