January 2008

This is a comparison and review of the Gerber LMF II Survival Knife Vs. The Gerber Prodigy Survival Knife.

I first purchased the Gerber LMF in May 2007, So I have had about 8 months of using it, and I have just recently
picked up the Gerber Prodigy in November.

I have been able to use the LMF the most and have taken it with me on every trip to the woods, Since I just got the
Prodigy I have not gotten to use it much except on short outings recently.

I thought I might like the Prodigy more since it was a bit smaller in size and weight, and after using the LMF for
awhile it seemed a little bigger than I normally like to carry. After I got the Prodigy I noticed a couple of things:

  • Smaller handle didn't suit my hand as well as the LMF handle did.
  • Weight is not balanced as well on the Prodigy. Balance point on the prodigy is forward of the index finger.
  • Blade was the same thickness - 3/16" and length 4.84" but not as wide 1-1/8" vs 1-3/8" on the LMF.
  • Only one hole in the Prodigy handle, not that I would ever lash my knife to a stick for a spear. It lessens it's versatility in my opinion.
  • The rubber over molded handle on the LMF is different than on the Prodigy which appears to have a plastic composite handle with
    a thin textured rubber coating on it. I would bet over the long run you would have more problems with this style of grip.
  • Cheap construction of the Knife Sheath on the Prodigy, uses screws to hold the nylon and the actual sheath pieces together.
  • Only comes with one 1" leg strap. Vs two 2" heavy duty rubber textured straps on the LMF knife.
  • No integrated Knife sharpener on the Prodigy. While not the best sharpener in the world does a sufficient job to sharpen it enough
    for Combat or Survival use.

I bought the Gerber LMF for $85 shipped to my house and the Gerber Prodigy was just $55 shipped. For the $30 difference I
think I would always go for the LMF.

Here's some specs from the Manufacturer;








Gerber LMF II
Gerber GR-22-01463 LMF II Infantry, Coyote Brown Kraton Handle, Black Blade, ComboEdge.  The Gerber LMF II
Infantry Knife, designed by expert military instructor Frank Heyl and Jeff Freeman, features a 4.84" part serrated
drop point fixed blade made of 12C27 stainless steel. The blade has a non reflective black finish. The nylon handle
has a tan TPV overmold, a metal butt cap that is suitable for use as a hammer or glass punch, and lashing/lanyard
holes for spear conversion option. A brown low profile composite belt sheath with integral sharpener included.
Overall length of 10.59".  Weight: 11.39 ounces.
Common Features:

* Overall Length: 10.59"
* Length of Blade: 4.84"
* Weight: 11.39 oz.
* Blade Thickness: 3/16"
* Blade Style: Single serration
* Blade Material: 12C27 Stainless Steel
* Handle Material: TPV over molded on nylon
* Handle designed to reduce shock absorption
* Low-profile sheath to minimize interference
* Sharpener is integrated into sheath
* Easily cuts through nylon straps and seat belts
* Made In USA
* Lifetime Warranty
















Gerber Prodigy
Gerber  GR-22-01121 Prodigy Fixed Blade Knife, Combo Edge. The Gerber Prodigy Knife features a 4.8" part
serrated drop point blade made of Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel. The blade has a non reflective black oxide finish,
full tang construction, black hard substrate handle with textured Soft Grip overmold and notched thumb ramp for
secure grip, a window punch pommel and a lanyard hole. A black hard sheath with MOLLE compatible nylon
backing is included.


Common Features:

* Overall Length: 9.8"
* Length of Blade: 4.84"
* Weight: 7.0 oz.
* Blade Style: Single serration
* Blade Material: 12C27 Stainless Steel
* Handle Material: TPV over molded on nylon
* Low-profile sheath to minimize interference
* Easily cuts through nylon straps and seat belts
* Made In USA
* Lifetime Warranty

Various Photos; Click on pictures to enlarge, very large in some cases.
Gerber LMF II Vs Prodigy

Update September 2009; Overall after using both of the knives for a couple of seasons I've become more
accustomed to using the Gerber Prodigy, It is much lighter and easier to handle for light chores, cleaning
game and fish etc. It's definitely not the wood chopper like the LMF is but after hiking mile after mile the lighter
weight prodigy is the better pick for me, if I had to only have one knife over a  whole season and weight wasn't
a concern I would easily pick the LMF. Any way you go they are both great additions to your collection