Gerber Armbar- Four out of Five

[Grant Lamontagne]

Oddly enough, the title of this thread isn’t a rating of the Gerber Armbar Series, it’s a comment on my collection.  This past weekend I was running some errands when I decided to pop into one of my local outdoors shops- where I found the Armbar Scout to add to my collection.

Out of the five Armbar models I now possess four- the Armbar Slim, the Armbar Cork, the Armbar Drive and now the Armbar Scout.  Only the Armbar Trade has thus far eluded me, but as I work around Trades people every day I don’t imagine that will last long!

This latest Armbar gave me the idea that I could start to compare and contrast the different models, and the line over all, and I can add to this when the Trade eventually joins up.

Without further adieu,

Overview:

Overall the Gerber Armbar Series is kind of like a Swiss Army Knife, at least in concept- it’s a single body that encompasses various functions and is larger or smaller depending on the model and features.  Also, the length is quite similar to a standard 91mm SAK like a Spartan.

That’s about where the comparison ends however, as the Armbar series is quite squared off and all feature a one handed opening blade with a liner lock.

That pretty well ends the similarity between Armbar models as well.

Most models, with the exception of the Armbar Slim (details below in the Slim section), feature a folding bottle opener on the end that also functions as a hammer- the Slim version is just a bottle opener and doesn’t have the hammer head function, but more on that later.

Quite honestly, I am not really inclined to use the hammer for much anyway.  I really wouldn’t want to try pounding nails with it, as it is a pretty small head and there’s a better chance of injuring your hand than accomplishing your goal.  I also have concerns that the cast steel hammer head likely wouldn’t hold up to too many nails- but then for tapping something into place I could see it being useful.

That having been said, for occasional use when you are desperate, it makes sense.  Let they who haven’t used a multitool as a hammer cast the first warranty claim after all! 

Another notable detail regarding the Armbar series- no two are alike.  Well, okay, every Drive is like every other Drive, but the non-blade side of each version is unlike that on every other model.  The Cork has a small checkered pattern on G-10, the Drive has narrow lengthwise groves cut into a V pattern cut into it’s G-10 slab, the Slim has larger lengthwise grooves into it’s aluminum side and the Scout has a flat aluminum strip with a pocket clip attached.

Further, there are trapezoidal shaped engravings in the main body of the Armbar.  They aren’t deep enough to really provide any grip- they seem to be just a stylistic thing and I kind of appreciate that it was added in just because otherwise it was a blank spot.  It’s a good sign when the design process pays attention to the tiny, insignificant details.

There are also features on individual models that I wish were carried through the entire line- for example the pocket clip found on the Armbar Scout or the keyring found on the Armbar Slim.  That’s a minor issue as there are some aftermarket pocket clip options that fit in the two holes on the exposed body panel, and the mounting point for the keyring is on all Armbar models- all you need to do is attach a split ring.

One other feature that is on the Armbar that is interesting is the two holes amongst the trapezoidal engravings.  These holes aren’t present on the Armbar Slim, but they are present on the other models, and are used to rivet the backspring for the corkscrew on the Armbar Cork.  The fact that they are in place on all other full sized models shows that Gerber is using the same parts across the whole range as a cost cutting measure.  Why poke holes in only some of them?

All in all, while we do see a few spots for improvement, we are just as interested in the Armbar Series as when we first saw them at SHOT 2020- pre pandemic SHOT seems like a lifetime ago!

SHOT 2020 Armbar Look

Enough overall stuff- let’s get to the individual models!

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

Armbar Drive

Named the Armbar Drive because of it’s bit driver with included double ended bit, the Armbar Drive also has the one handed opening, liner locking blade and hammer/bottle opener that defines much of the line.  It differs by having a pair of scissors (a major requirement for my personal EDC) and an awl.

I’ll admit that when you need an awl it is an invaluable tool to have.

But I will also say that I have had very few instances in my life where I have required an awl.  And, of the few times that I can recall, I’m quite certain a blade would have done the job well enough.  Quite honestly, the awl isn’t a drawback for me, but it certainly doesn’t give the tool any points in my mind.

Expanding a bit on the screwdriver, largely because it deserves it, it comes with a double ended bit featuring a flathead and a Phillips driver, held into the bit driver with a magnet.  It is also a standard ¼” (6mm) hex bit, you know, in case you need a different bit than the one that came with it.  While that is a major detail that I wish more manufacturers would realize, it isn’t the only great thing about this driver.

While the ergonomics of a rectangular tool with occasional pokey edges may be arguable, the tip of the bit remains in line with the handle, making it much easier on your hands driving lengthy or multiple screws.  I’d still suggest getting a real screwdriver (preferably a powered or ratcheting one!) rather than a multitool, but it’s nice to know that Gerber has you covered if nothing else is available. 

But, that’s a personal thing, and your mileage may vary- that’s why there are so many different versions, there’s one for everyone.

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

Armbar Cork

The Armbar Cork is so named because it was developed in County Cork in Ireland, near the world famous Blarney Stone.

And that whole sentence was definitely filled with blarney.

It’s simply called the Armbar Cork because it’s the only version that features a corkscrew and bootlever, making it handier than a Swiss Army Knife when a bottle of Burgundy is being a bit cheeky and not letting you in.  Let’s just say, mine has a few miles on it and the Armbar Cork works quite well- better even than that time I had to jam a SOG into it.

Accompanying the wine opener functions are the usual bottle opener/hammer end and the one handed opening, liner locking knife blade.  This blade is the same across the entire line, and it works well enough.  It’s not a fancy steel blade, but then I’ve never been one for the so called Super Steels as very few of my Amazon packages come wrapped in carbon fiber or kevlar boxes.

The Armbar Cork also features the same scissors found on the Armbar Drive and a can opener.  I finally was able to use it the other night for the first time and it worked well.  I hadn’t used it sooner because, well most of the cans I open are for the benefit of my cat and her food has pull tabs on the top.  The can opener opened a tin of beans nicely.

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

Armbar Scout

One of the biggest complaints about the Armbar series from the very beginning was the lack of a pocket clip.  The Armbar Trade and Armbar Scout both come with pocket clips, but since I don’t have an Armbar Trade I will concentrate on the Armbar Scout’s.

It’s a pocket clip.  It clips to your pocket and holds the tool.  It works as it should.  I’m not going to get misty eyed over it, even though it is quite nice, with a round, wavy kind of pattern lasered into it. 

In addition to the usual hammer/bottle opener and blade that you should be used to by now, the Armbar Scout also features the can opener mentioned above and the scissors I’ll talk about below.

Really, there’s nothing new with this one (except for the pocket clip) that hasn’t been mentioned above- just like the Swiss Army Knife comparison, it’s basically the same tools in different configurations, and I like that idea in the Armbar series just like I like it when Victorinox does it.  It means that when I get a new one, I know how to use each tool, I know what it’s limits and strengths are and so on.

One reason the Armbar Scout stands out amongst the other Armbars is that this one came in green.  I like green.  I have been driving an army green Jeep for over a decade, and the shade of green on the Armbar Scout is very similar to the shade of green on my Jeep, and, frankly, that has to count for something, at least in my mind!

See?  Proof that we write all of our own stuff here- the AI generated articles you see everywhere else would never have mentioned that!

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

Armbar Slim

Despite the name that makes I sound like a cowboy themed wrestler, the Armbar Slim is a nice tool in it’s own right.  As the name implies, it is thinner than the other Armbar models, and therefore a little it easier to carry.   It would be nice with a pocket clip, but that would negate the slim profile, so I’m not sure how well that would work out overall.

The one I have is the Armbar Slim Drive- there are two versions of this, the Driver version having a bit driver identical to the one on the Armbar Drive and the Armbar Slim Cut, which swaps the bit driver for a pair of scissors.

As I mentioned above, I prefer to have scissors, but in this case if I had to choose, I’d take the bit driver over the scissors.  The blade can cut a lot of the same things the scissors can, but neither can turn a screw very well, and/or without taking damage and perhaps giving you stitches in the process.
My Armbar Slim came in Coyote Tan, which isn’t as nice as the green, but is still very sharp, making this a nice option for semi-formal type occasions- especially given it’s smaller size, the Armbar Slim could almost be considered elegant.

It also features a keyring, but since the main body is slimer it doesn’t have the trapezoidal engraving that the other models have.  Because of this, it also doesn’t have the standard bottle opener/hammer attachment.  Instead it has a thin, flat version of the bottle opener, suitable for opening bottles, but not including the hammer option.

On my example, the bottle opener is also almost impossible to pull out.  I don’t know if this is common amongst them of not, but it is definitely an issue on mine.  It is designed with a little jimping around the pivot that is supposed to make it easy to flip out, but mine would rather permanently alter my fingerprints than allow me to open a bottle. 

After much use over the past couple of years I find the most effective way of extending the bottle opener is to open the screwdriver, pull out the bit and poke the bottle opener out enough that I can then grab it and open it that way.  Not a big deal, but when it comes to multitools, they are a convenience thing, and when they are inconvenient it defeats the purpose of them.

All that said, I do like the Armbar Slim.  It definitely has it’s place.

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

Conclusion

The scissors, found throughout the Armbar line are no the best in the multitool industry, but also far from the worst.  They are quite adequate for most jobs- in fact, I haven’t encountered anything they can’t do, but they aren’t as refined as the offerings from Victorinox. 

But then what scissors are?

The can opener works better than many- it’s long so you’d get a lot of leverage, and the lobster claw type opener has been in use for over a century.  It isn’t exciting, but it works, and what more do you want in a can opener?

The knife blade is more than adequate- they all have solid lock up and nice, utilitarian drop point blade that doesn’t seem like a super serious risk if you drop it on your toes.  But I still wouldn’t recommend trying it.  If I had to find a problem with it (and what’s the fun of having your own website if you can’t nitpick?) I’d say that the opening hole in the blade isn’t the most comfortable to use.  The edges aren’t as smooth as I’d like, and the shape isn’t as good as it could be.  There’s a reason why Spyderco uses a circular hole to open blades, and, whether you like the “Spyderco Hump” or not, you can’t argue that it’s effective.

I mean, you can, but you’d be wrong.

All in all the Armbar series from Gerber are really handy and I like them a lot.  They aren’t as feature dense as a comparable sized Swiss Army Knife, nor is it as high quality as the average Victorinox.  But, if you are like me, you like the differnet, the odd and the variety.  If you didn’t, why are you reading this?  Go buy a Swiss Army Knife and send me a nice Thank You letter afterwards.

But if you like to mix it up a bit, give an Armbar a try- they are available in a bunch of different configurations and colors, and who knows? 

You may just enjoy it.

Def

[AzteCypher]

I picked up a new to me Armbar Drive and I agree with all your points.  I'd like a pocket clip so I'm going to mod an Amazon clip to work with mine and I'm trying to figure out how to house tweezers in it.  I know you can put them under the scissors, but I wanted to see if there was a way to house them under the knife.  Maybe 3D print a housing for it that I can attach with epoxy.

[G-Dizzle]

Come on over to Center Drive Wednesday as well! All gerber “Drive” tools are welcome

[G-Dizzle]

What a comprehensive write up.  Going to be a good read.

[Grant Lamontagne]

When you have a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

When you have a 3D printer.... 

There's a few of them on Thingiverse- I may try one or two out at some point.

https://www.thingiverse.com/search?q=gerber+armbar&page=1

I tried a few pocket clips for different things already but I haven't had much luck with the finished product.  maybe I will try some of these and see if they work any better.

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

What a comprehensive write up.  Going to be a good read.

Get comfortable, there's a lot of BS in there.   

Def

[Farmer X]

An absolutely fantastic write-up! Like AzteCypher, I recently picked up a new-to-me Armbar, thanks to BPRoberts. It's waiting for the right day in the currently running Rotation Challenge to make its photo debut.

[Grant Lamontagne]

If anyone has an Armbar Trade , preferably in orange they'd be looking to sell or trade, send me a PM.   

Def

[charlie fox]

I carry and use my Drive at work almost daily. I like the fact the driver uses regular bits instead of a proprietary one. The awl was a strange choice for me, but after starting a hole with it for a Molly screw it made a lot more sense. I agree about the hammer; I use it more for tapping things into place. The only complaint I have (along with everyone else that owns one!) is that the driver arm doesn't lock. I find it an inconvenience on a tool of convenience, so I won't whine too much

[Chako]

I am also on the hunt for a Scout and a Trade as well. I can only source the Slim, Cork, and Drive locally and on Amazon.ca.

[BPRoberts]

I don't think you mentioned the saw on the Scout. Get a chance to use it yet?

[Barry Rowland]

Great write up Def!