1st Impression: Al Mar Sere 2000

Jeff Manney · May 9, 2001

Just received the SERE 2000. Very impressive. Very, very impressive. Fit and finish is completely flawless. Not even any tiny scratches on the satin blade that others pointed out. Liners match up perfectly with scales. Blade is even in handle when closed. No doubt, it puts my 710 to shame in F&F dept.
This knife is thick, heavy and basically a compact cutting machine. The blade came very sharp with perfect grind lines. Lock up is tighter than ANYTHING I've felt, and it opens with a good "crack." The liner rests on the 1st part of the tang, so there is all the room for wear. The clip doesn't look too shiny, either.
The only thing that would make this package perfect would be an Axis style lock.

Raptor · May 9, 2001

Jeff,
I'm glad that you're happy with your new SERE 2000.

I'm happy with mine too!!!

--The Raptor--

Pergatory · May 9, 2001

My SERE just became my daily carry, full time. I took the clip off, because it is HUGE, and put on a "tactical" lanyard. Not exactly my first choice, but it seems to work okay. I'll probably end up reworking the clip soon..... enjoy!

Bugs3x · May 10, 2001

I'm still a bit confused about this knife. My first exposure to it was Jeff Randall's rave review in TK. I was terribly impressed by his splitting a sapling by pounding on the blade, and then pounding it through a sapling from the rear of the handle. It seemed like a truly strong liner lock.

I got to handle one briefly -- Muzzleup's. Seemed a wonderful knife. Then, all the posts about lock failures. Not sure that I've been paying a lot of attention lately. Is it possible that there was a QC issue that has been resolved, and the knives are now fine, not to worry about?

Am on the verge of buying 2 knives. Might decide to get the SERE 2K if I'm not likely to get a lemon.

Advice?

------------------
Asi es la vida

Bugs

Frag · May 10, 2001

Jeff (and others), Have you guys used the SERE 2000 a lot? I LOVE Spyderco's VG-10 but don't have much experience with other companies besides a little bit with Fallkniven which I also like. What are your impressions with the SERE's VG-10? Looks like a great knife and I've been tempted to get one for quite some time.
Enjoy the new knife Jeff!

Jeff Manney · May 10, 2001

I can't imagine this lock will disengage too easily. It is sticky, and hard to close. I know a lot of knuts wouldn't like that, but doesn't it mean the lock will be more reliable?
As far as the VG-10 goes, I don't have any experience with it. It is a good looking steel, and leaves an easy fingerprint.
Al Mar may have addressed some earlier complaints, because the pocket clip is EXCELLENT, not shiney, cheap or malformed. It looks like a piece of good SS. I also have no problem opening the knife with the studs, which are unique-looking compared to other tacticals. They do not look so machined and tactical as they do almost architectural.

rdangerer · May 10, 2001

The thumb studs were just too sharp for me to want to continue to own the thing, and mine failed even very mild spine whack tests very easily and repeatably. Did them on my desk on a rubber mouse pad. I may have just gotten a bad one. Check yours before you do any heavy cutting work. Your right hand index and middle fingers are just too valuable to subject to very deep cuts [think "to the bone, nerve damage"] until you are confident in a knife's lock.

[This message has been edited by rdangerer (edited 05-12-2001).]

rdangerer · May 10, 2001

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Jeff Manney:
I can't imagine this lock will disengage too easily. It is sticky, and hard to close. I know a lot of knuts wouldn't like that, but doesn't it mean the lock will be more reliable?
</font>

For a hard use knife, I don't personally mind a somewhat sticky liner lock disengagement, since I too think it is less likely to accidentally disengage.

The Axis lock grows on me over time as superior.

jayharley · May 10, 2001

I have carried a SERE 2000 for quite a while and think it is my best and strongest folder (and I own quite a few other brands). Never any problem with the SERE liner lock and the overall finish is fabulous.

I am always a little confused as to how a lock, like used on the SERE, can fail a minor spine wack test. I am not doubting anyones test. However the liner lock on mine has to be forced to the side to close the blade. I don't understand how a blow to the blade could simply slide the lock over.

Perhaps, on some SEREs, the tang is cut at an incorrect angle which can slide the liner lock over. However, it would have to be a very steep angle, as the lock literally snaps hard in place when the blade opens.

Also, be sure never to oil the contact point where the liner lock fits against the tang.

Jeff Manney · May 10, 2001

Originally posted by jayharley:

I am always a little confused as to how a lock, like used on the SERE, can fail a minor spine wack test. I am not doubting anyones test. However the liner lock on mine has to be forced to the side to close the blade. I don't understand how a blow to the blade could simply slide the lock over.

Exactly. I've been spine-whacking this thing pretty hard. This knife is ridiculously solid. I think like anything else, knives, cars, etc., a bad one once and a while gets out. And that rare lemon gets blown out of proportion because of the knife's initial reputation as a rock solid beater.
This knife lock sticks like a bolt to the blade tang. It is as solid as my freakin Balisong!