Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife Review

A Brief History of the Bear Grylls Line

The Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife, launched in 2012, represents Gerber’s second attempt at a Bear Grylls survival knife. The original Ultimate Survival Knife (2010) faced significant criticism for quality control issues, particularly regarding the tang construction and handle durability. The Pro version was Gerber’s direct response to these criticisms, featuring improved materials and construction. This evolution tells an important story: while the original was often dismissed as pure marketing, the Pro version demonstrates Gerber’s commitment to addressing user feedback. The price increased from $60 to $85, but the improvements were substantial and necessary. After three months of hardcore outdoor testing, I’ve discovered that Gerber’s Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife ($85) is far more than just celebrity marketing. This full-tang survival knife has proven itself through camping trips, bushcraft sessions, and emergency preparedness drills. Let me share what I’ve learned about this controversial but capable tool.

Technical Specifications

Blade Steel: 9Cr19MoV Blade Length: 4.8 inches Overall Length: 10 inches Weight: 13.7 ounces Handle: Rubber overmold Full tang construction Fire starter included Diamond sharpener in sheath Made in China

Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife Review: Real-World Performance

Honest Assessment

The Ultimate Pro is surprisingly competent despite its celebrity branding. It’s not the best pure survival knife, nor the best bushcraft knife, but it offers a solid middle ground with useful integrated features. The biggest drawback isn’t performance but perception – many experienced users dismiss it without trial due to the Bear Grylls association. For beginners or those wanting an all-in-one survival package, it’s a legitimate option. However, more experienced users might prefer specialized tools like the Garberg for woodcraft or the BK2 for heavy survival use. Is it worth $85? Yes, if you value the integrated survival features and want a capable all-arounder. No, if you’re looking for specialized performance in any single area. The knife performs honestly – neither exceptionally nor poorly – while offering convenience features that some will value and others will find unnecessary. 6

Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife Review:Survival Features In Practice

The integrated survival features deserve detailed examination because they significantly impact the knife’s value proposition: Fire Starter: After 50+ fire-starting attempts in various conditions, the ferrocerium rod proved surprisingly capable. It throws good sparks even when wet and is securely stored in the sheath. However, the striker notch on the spine could be deeper for more efficient sparking. Diamond Sharpener: The built-in sharpener is adequate for field touch-ups but shouldn’t be your primary maintenance tool. It handled basic edge restoration during a three-day camping trip but lacks the refinement for precision sharpening. Consider it an emergency backup rather than a primary solution. Hammer Pommel: The pommel’s design effectively drives tent stakes and cracks nuts without damaging the knife’s construction. During testing, I drove dozen of stakes into rocky soil without any negative impact on the handle or tang. Emergency Whistle: The integrated lanyard whistle is surprisingly loud, reaching 110 decibels in testing. It’s genuinely useful for emergency signaling, though the plastic construction raises durability concerns.

Cutting Performance

Food Prep: Adequate for basic camp cooking Blade thickness hinders fine slicing Handle provides good control Easy to clean Wood Processing: Effective at batoning up to 3″ diameter Feather sticks require practice due to geometry Good spark throwing from spine Handle remains comfortable during extended use Survival Tasks: Shelter building: Excellent Cordage preparation: Good Trap making: Adequate Defense capability: Robust

Long-Term Durability

After three months of hard use: Handle remains securely attached No blade play developed Orange coating shows wear but persists Sheath stitching intact Fire starter still performs well Weak Points: Sheath retention strap showing early wear Diamond sharpener losing effectiveness Rubber handle collecting dirt in grooves

Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife Review:Edge Retention and Maintenance

The 9Cr19MoV steel performs predictably: Holds working edge through 2-3 days heavy use Responds well to stropping Easy to resharpen in field Some minor chipping on hardwood knots Requires prompt cleaning to prevent staining

Who Should Buy This Knife?

Ideal for: Beginner survivalists Weekend campers Emergency preparedness kits Those valuing integrated features Not recommended for: Professional bushcrafters Heavy-duty survival needs Those seeking premium materials Pure woodworking tasks

Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife Review:Final Verdict

The Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro successfully bridges the gap between marketing hype and genuine utility. While it won’t impress steel snobs or traditional bushcrafters, it delivers reliable performance with convenient integrated features. For $85, you get a capable survival knife with useful additions that would cost more to purchase separately. The improvements over the original model address previous criticisms effectively, though some compromises remain in materials and execution. Consider it a solid 7/10 – not exceptional in any single area but competent across the board. The included features add genuine value for the right user, though experienced outdoors people might prefer specialized tools. Remember: The best survival knife is the one you have when you need it. The Ultimate Pro may not be perfect, but it’s capable enough to rely on when things go wrong, and that’s what ultimately matters in a survival situation.