Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife vs Gerber ASEK LMF II Knife Review for 2021

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By Joel Jefferson •  7 min read

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.

KNIVES DETAILS
  • 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
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Amazon.com
  • 420HC Stainless Steel drop point partially serrated blade
  • Glass-filled Nylon handle with TPV overmold
  • Over-molded handle successfully limits blistering
Check Price on
Amazon.com

For this review, I was not able to properly field test the Bear Grylls knife over a period of time or in the Man vs Wild Survival Knifeconditions 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.

Bear Grylls Knife Review

Knife Features

Sheath Feature

Tech Specs

Gerber Knives 31-000751 Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Knife, High...
  • Partially serrated blade is made of high carbon stainless steel for excellent edge retention...

Last update on 2024-03-27 at 22:53 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Gerber ASEK LMF II Knife Review

Knife Features

Sheath Features

Tech Specs

Gerber Gear LMF II Infantry Survival Tactical Knife - Fixed Blade with...
  • QUALITY CRAFTED: Features a partially serrated fixed blade that doubles as a pommel, lashing holes...
  • SURVIVAL GEAR AND EQUIPMENT: USA Made with a 420HC stainless steel blade and MOLLE-compatible sheath...

Last update on 2024-03-27 at 18:52 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife vs Gerber ASEK LMF II Comparison

Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife

The Bear Grylls Knife certainly was not razor sharp when I took it out of the package but after a fewMan vs Wild Knife Review Gerber 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 gerber ultimate knife review man vs wilduncomfortable 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.

Pros

Cons

Gerber ASEK LMF II

The Gerber ASEK LMF Survival Knife has some heft to it, not heavy but you definitely know its there. This weight ultimate knife reviewcame 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 the sharpener that is 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.

Pros

Cons

Do you want to know what to look for in a Survival Knife?  (click here)

Wrap Up

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 man vs wild survival knifeand 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.

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.

However, if price is not a concern I would stick with the Gerber ASEK LMF II. The knife and the accompanying sheath feel more durable and I think it will serve you much longer.

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

KNIVES DETAILS
  • 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
Check Price on
Amazon.com
  • 420HC Stainless Steel drop point partially serrated blade
  • Glass-filled Nylon handle with TPV overmold
  • Over-molded handle successfully limits blistering
Check Price on
Amazon.com

All Photos by: B. Lynch

Joel Jefferson

Joel is one of the original founders of SurvivalCache.com. After college, he joined the USMC where he served as an (0302) Marine Infantry Officer. Joel is an avid outdoorsman and spends much of his free time in the mountains. Joel’s hobby is researching survival gear & weapons as well as prepping. Read his full interview here.