Al Mar Eagle lightweight...looking for opinions

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JTR357

JTR357

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I'm looking for a full sized light weight folder for Summer EDC.I've always been a big fan of Al Mar's & I really like the looks of this one.Do any of you own one?What do you think of it?It it worth the money?Is it a tough folder?I was thinking of getting the coca bolo or micarta heavier types,but they're more money & don't have pocket clips.I prefer to have a pocket clip.Also for the price they're asking don't you think they should be using at least VG-10 instead of AUS-8?Nothing against AUS-8,It's a good steel,but sub par compared to VG-10 IMO.
 
I have a couple of each size, the Eagle is a big knife but it's so light and thin you won't know you're carrying it. They are very sharp out of the box and lock up tight with zero blade play. The flat grinds are very easy to touch up and maintain a good edge. They are not what I'd term heavy duty knives since they have no liners. I like the Talon blade.
 
JB in SC said:
I have a couple of each size, the Eagle is a big knife but it's so light and thin you won't know you're carrying it. They are very sharp out of the box and lock up tight with zero blade play. The flat grinds are very easy to touch up and maintain a good edge. They are not what I'd term heavy duty knives since they have no liners. I like the Talon blade.
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:thumbup:Thanks for the info JB in SC.I'm not looking to do any heavy cutting with it.Just looking for a light weight summertime EDC,that's not gonna fall apart on me.
I like the full size eagle(4"blade)with the thumbstuds
 
I usually carry the Falcon sized Ultralight. All of the Ultralights have a lot of blade for the handle length. There is no worry about the tip hanging on anything, it rides low in the blade trough. A Ti or skeleton clip would be nice :) It does require a 2.5 mm hex wrench for the clip.
 
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I have the Falcon Ultralight and it is awsome for the money. The F+F is great and the Micarta is really nice. The thin blades come very sharp and cut extremely well. I am very happy with mine.
 
I have had several Eagles, Hawks, and Ospreys in both the full and light weight versions and the only problem I have is keeping one in my possession, my nephews and friends seem to claim them as soon as they see them...lol. They are great knives and do make for a nice summer carry in light slacks.
 
The AUS-8 requires more frequent sharpening - but it gets very very sharp very easily. And when I say "easily", I don't just mean faster - I mean that you'll do a quick and dirty sharpening and discover that your Eagle is sharper than your other knives after lots of work and finesse. I've cursed out my D-2 blades because I can't get them quite as sharp as I want. My AUS-8 blades always surprise me.
 
Good choice. I have a couple of Al Mars and really like them. The Eagle should come with a pocket clip. I have one of the smaller ones with a Micarta handle. I mounted a pocket clip on it by tapping some 1-72 button heads into the Micarta. I've bent the cllip a couple of times without messing up the screws. I really like the cutting geometry and they are well finished too.

I have a Hawk, Falcon, SLB and an Osprey. I like them all.

Ric
 
I have an Eagle with the Talon blade and agree with all the issues the previous posters have brought up. All in all, a very nice knife. I picked mine up at my favorite gun shop for around $66.00, which I consider very affordable for what you get. I would not hesitate to buy another if I lost track of the one I currently own. If you are looking for a lightweight knife, this is definitely one for consideration. You will be suprised at how big that 4" blade is!
 
I figured I follow up with this thread.

This knife is sooo light(2.6oz!),but in no way small or weak:D

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It's in my current "Summertime" EDC rotation:thumbup:

Take care,
 
My original idea was to get an Eagle for an easy, civilized carry in summer slacks. But, when I pick it up and clipped it in my pocket it got real big, real quick. I was thinking descrete, but 9 inches of razor sharp knife failed that test. Cutting to the chase, I bought the Falcon and it has been a great knife. OK, so it's 7 inches of razor sharp knife but I sometimes forget it's there. And, that 3 inch blade seems longer for some reason.

I too, had planned on getting the Talon, but the Ultralight was more affordable. They are expensive little puppies. Steve, let's go into business. If you can get Eagles for $66, I'll sell all you can get out of my trunk for more than that. That has to be one of the more remarkable price differentials I've heard of in a long time! Unfortunately, my karma doesn't work that way; I got drafted before they had a lottery.

Greg
 
from the looks of the box, these had been on the shelf for awhile. His knives are always very reasonably priced - al mar, benchmade, some spyderco, etc.
 
The Talon is a good alternative.It's on my list,but with jigged bone;)

I barley notice the Eagle ultra-light in my pocket.It sits nice & flat.
 
I have the Falcon UL. This thing is so light, I constantly have to check if I have forgotten my knife some where. I too found it quite expensive at the beginning, specially it "ONLY" has a AUS-8 blade, boy, has my mind changed. The blade get extremely sharp very easily, best blade to handle ratio, perfect F&F, sturdy micarta consider how thin it is. Did I mention it is ulrtalight? Only minor compliant is that the lock is fairly stiff, not easy to thumb kick open the blade 100 times a day, your thumb will get sore after the 15th attempt...
 
The AUS8 in my wharcom is insanely hard to sharpen...

I mean it takes hours to reprofile...

I would recommend you get a knife with better steel.
 
If Al Mar uses AUS-8 on there Eagle Talon, like I have, then they really know how to do AUS-8. That thing is sharp!
I would recommend an Al Mar to anybody.
 
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