REVIEWS: Gerber Ultimate Pro Bear Grylls

Most survival experts agree on one thing: if they could only have one thing for a worst-case scenario, it would be a knife – as a universal tool that makes many situations easier.

Naturally, Bear Grylls also knows this, the most famous survivalist in the world thanks to his series on the Discovery Channel. And the Brit, who polarizes in the community, of course also uses a blade on his trips to the wild ends of the world, but not just any: in collaboration with the American knife brand Gerber, he released the "Bear Grylls Ultimate" a few years ago and based on the experiences of the first model, the new "Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro" is now available.

There are several differences between the two knife generations: the most important one being the "Full tang construction", which means the blade now extends all the way to the end of the knife. This definitely adds extra stability to the system and is a feature appreciated by those who do not just buy their knife for display, but understand it as a uncompromising tool. However, the serrated edge is gone, and as a result, the Pro successor is now twice as expensive as its predecessor.

But step by step, there are some pleasant aspects to report: the "Bear Grylls Ultimate" sees itself primarily as a knife and not as a steel toolbox with a dozen more or less useful functions. This was already a pleasant surprise with the "Ultimate" and the "Pro" is not made into a bear-killing survival knife in the style of the early eighties, which could do many things but weren't actually very useful as knives. The blade is made of rust-resistant and edge-retaining "Carbon Stainless Steel" in a new mixture (9Crl9MoV) and is delivered already with a usable sharpness. However, there is still room for improvement if you take the time to thoroughly sharpen the knife with good sharpening stones. The matte black glass bead finish not only provides a discreet look, but also withstands rough carving.

Speaking of carving: with the equally stable and universal drop-point blade shape, the Ultimate Pro is suitable for sharpening hazelnut sticks as well as filleting fish, or for drilling holes in hard wood.

In this regard, the knife is a real workhorse and feels comfortable when used properly. Hardly anyone will miss the serrated edge of the original. Thanks to the aforementioned full tang construction, it also patiently withstands beating with a stick, so if used as an axe to split wood – its robustness is also credibly documented in various youtube videos.

The Ultimate Pro has not become a precision tool like its predecessor: not even the excellent non-slip handle and the practical groove in front of the sharpened part of the blade, which allows better grip and more pressure on the blade, can change that. The Ultimate Pro is a "jackhammer" here and not a poet. Those looking for a knife for delicate woodwork will surely find a subtler companion.

Useful and consistent, however, are the two holes on the guard: with paracord, the knife can be attached to a longer stick and thus turned into a spear. And the stainless steel handle is heavy and robust enough to be used as a hammer. Not for hammering nails in a survival situation, but rather for smashing nutshells and making other tools. Certainly not important as a feature, but once again an expression of the general robustness of the piece.

In the utility corner, which is part of the Ultimate Pro, there is also the (loud) signal whistle, mounted on the handle end via a short cord (left below), and the groove on the back of the blade (right below). This is the rubbing surface for the included firestarter, which is securely stowed (Lift up slightly before removing!) in the nylon sheath. It is important to scratch off the coating of the firestarter first, otherwise it won't produce sparks.

The sheath, which holds the knife extremely securely and also makes a high-quality impression, can do even more: in the top part, a compressed Bear Grylls Survival Guide can be inserted and pulled out again with a tab (probably not something you'll need often) and on the back of the sheath, a sharpening stone is integrated (better). The latter is certainly not a full replacement, but it's a nice addition. For all these additional features, it applies: if you don't need them, they won't bother you. And the function of the knife – unlike the hollow handles of previous generations of survival tools – is not affected by them.

Those are the inner values. The outer dimensions of the "Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro" should also be mentioned: the weight is 389 g, the handle length is 13.3 cm, and the blade length is 12.5 cm.

CONCLUSION: And what is the conclusion? Bear Grylls is not everyone's cup of tea and knife design can be debated. Some may find the look, which suits its creator well, too flashy. Others may like exactly that. And you don't have to be a Bear Grylls fan to like this piece: the fact is, for under 100 euros (currently on Amazon - the original list price was more than double!), you can be very pleased with this knife: And by that, I mean less the nice additional features that complement a good product but don't make it. When it comes to the knife, it's about the knife itself. It has to fit. And in this case, it does – the "Pro" deserves its name: it is well crafted, nothing rattles here and with the test product provided, nothing has dissolved after thorough use, let alone anything has gotten broken.

The somewhat mixed feedback on the predecessor seems to have been taken seriously by Gerber. Not only has the design (especially the blade construction) been upgraded, but there is nothing to complain about in terms of manufacturing quality. Of course, there are more high-quality and exquisite knives that are not "Made in China". However, for those, you'll have to dig much deeper into your pocket. Those looking for solid quality, well thought-out features, and a useful workhorse knife at a fair price are very well advised with the Gerber. HERE you can find the current Bear Grylls Collection at Gerber Gear.

GERBER on the Internet: www.gerbergear.com