Al Mar Hawk Ultralight or Talon? or a clone?

A

Abouna

Joined
Aug 12, 2006
Messages
59
OK, I think I'm going to try one of the Al Mars. I wish they were cheaper, closer to the $30-$40 mark. Anyone know of something similar?

It's very hard picking from photos, does anyone have first hand knowledge of both the Hawk Ultralight and the Hawk Ultralight Talon? Any comments?
 
all i know is that my stout lil backup is a great lil knife! i like it alot it was more than what i expected from almar! try what you think you want youll be happy!
 
Abouna...

I have handled the knives in the ultralight series but I don't have any of them. I do have a Falcon Talon very high on my To Buy list, however.

I currently have both a mini-SERE and a Nomad. They are two of my very favorite folders. Al Mars do have a rep for being pricey in the production knife world, but to me, the knives were worth what I paid for them so I'm happy.

I found absolutely nothing to complain about with either of them. They came as sharp as any Spyderco I've ever gotten, their F&F is primo, and they work as well now after a few months of carry and use as well as they did brand new.

I'm actually kinda surprised that they don't get a little more mention in the forums. Their designs are limited and somewhat traditional, but very well executed.
 
dalefuller said:
Abouna...

I have handled the knives in the ultralight series but I don't have any of them. I do have a Falcon Talon very high on my To Buy list, however.

I currently have both a mini-SERE and a Nomad. They are two of my very favorite folders. Al Mars do have a rep for being pricey in the production knife world, but to me, the knives were worth what I paid for them so I'm happy.

I found absolutely nothing to complain about with either of them. They came as sharp as any Spyderco I've ever gotten, their F&F is primo, and they work as well now after a few months of carry and use as well as they did brand new.

I'm actually kinda surprised that they don't get a little more mention in the forums. Their designs are limited and somewhat traditional, but very well executed.
Click to expand...

Thanks very much for your input. It does help.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to pick up the Hawk Talon if I can find a good price.
 
Go for the Al Mar Ultra light. They are very nice. The lines on the knife flow very well and look very pleasing to my eye. I really like the cuttting geometry, if I remember correctly, they are flat ground. I have the Hawk that I put a pocket clip on (I use three 1-72 button head screws with the threads tapped onto the Micarta handle, never had a problem with it). It is small and light enough that I often use it as a tie clip. Sheeple usually don't get too upset when they see it.

I also have the Falcon and the liner lock SLB (my son calls it "stumpy"). I had my Falcon with me when I was on vacation with my in laws. It was the sharpest knife we had at the rental place.

Ric
 
Phydeaux said:
Go for the Al Mar Ultra light. They are very nice. The lines on the knife flow very well and look very pleasing to my eye. I really like the cuttting geometry, if I remember correctly, they are flat ground. I have the Hawk that I put a pocket clip on (I use three 1-72 button head screws with the threads tapped onto the Micarta handle, never had a problem with it). It is small and light enough that I often use it as a tie clip. Sheeple usually don't get too upset when they see it.

I also have the Falcon and the liner lock SLB (my son calls it "stumpy"). I had my Falcon with me when I was on vacation with my in laws. It was the sharpest knife we had at the rental place.

Ric
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Sounds great. Do you have the standard or the Talon version? The Talon seems to have a slightly beefier blade.
 
I have the standard models. They didn't have the Talons when I got mine. I'm generally not too tough on my knives, so having a thinner blade doesn't bother me. The thinner blade will have less resistance when you cut things.

One of the things that impressed me was that the craftsmanship was very good. The locks fit nicely and made a very nice click when opened.

If you mess with them a little, you can figure out how to close them one handed too which is a plus.

I have several knives with AUS8 steel and have had no complaints. They sharpen up pretty easily.

Ric
 
Phydeaux said:
....

One of the things that impressed me was that the craftsmanship was very good. The locks fit nicely and made a very nice click when opened.

If you mess with them a little, you can figure out how to close them one handed too which is a plus.....

Ric
Click to expand...

What are your thoughts on one handed opening? I've heard some grumbles about the studs.
 
I've had an Al Mar Falcon Talon now for three months and I have to say I really, really love this knife. First of all I think it is beautiful, not in a fancy, showy way, but it has an understated elegance I find incredibly attractive. It weighs so little I've yet to find a situation where it is inconvenient to carry. Heck, I think my car key weighs more than it does. It came scary sharp and while AUS 8 is not the most wear resistant steel, I've found that only a few strokes on a ceramic rod once or twice a week keeps the edge sharp enough to shave with. In fact I've used it a few times when no one was around to shave off some whiskers that I missed during the morning shave. Fit and finish are spot on; when open you can barely see the line where the blade and lock connect. I originally wanted the non-talon, flat grind model but screwed up my order and ended up with the talon saber grind; but after seeing how thin the blade was and how well it sliced through even the most delicate of materials I decided to keep it. It opens effortlessly and ambidextrously with either hand and can be closed safely with one hand if you are somewhat adept with your fingers. The only problem I've ever encountered with it has more to do with my own personal habits. I removed the clip because I didn't like how the knife felt and looked with it on and therefore it sits at the bottom of whatever pocket I carry it in and has on occasion picked up some lint in the locking mechanism which kept it from securely locking into an open position. I use dry graphite as a lubricant for the mechanism, but if anyone has a recommendation for a lubricant that is less likely to attract pocket debris I'm all ears.
 
Sorry I haven't posted sooner, I haven't checked this thread.

The Al Mar thumb studs are WELL knurled and feel a little sharp, but I have no problem opening them. they are threaded on so they can be changed if you want.

Ric
 
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