- Joined
- Jun 8, 2000
- Messages
- 3,140
Perhaps this is old news, but it seems that Master Smith Kirk Rexroat made the prototypes for and perhaps designed the AlMar
SERE 2000 and the Shrike. I knew Al Mar the man had passed away some years ago, but was unaware that an ABS Master Smith was doing design work for the company these days. This certainly doesn't count aganst Al Mar in my book.
I did a google search because I was sitting here playing with my new Shrike and wondering about how Al Mar can deliver such a sweet knife for so little money. My EDC Benchmade 941D2CF is a sweet knife, but doesn't seem nearly as strong as the Shrike and costs quite a bit more. My Microtech Socom Elite and Amphibian (both EDCs) are as sturdy and well finished as the Shrike, but again come at a premium price when compared to the Al Mar.
The Shrike is not small and rides a bit high in the pocket, but seems as overbuilt as the SERE 2000, just sweeter looking. I'm sure the SERE 2000's blade shape is stronger than the Shrike, but the Shrike is a really fine and sturdy knife. The Shrike seems up to rough duty, but with a slick look and feel to it. The VG-10 seems to hold a good edge and the stainless/micarta handle seems nearly indestructable. The Shrike is a liner lock, but it seems like the most secure liner lock I've ever encountered.
While the Shrike is certainly not up to Strider levels of abuse, it seems like it could take a good beating and keep on ticking, looking great the whole time.
I didn't realize I was buying a collaboration when I got the Shrike, but I'm not disappointed that it seems I did. These knives are great.
jmx
SERE 2000 and the Shrike. I knew Al Mar the man had passed away some years ago, but was unaware that an ABS Master Smith was doing design work for the company these days. This certainly doesn't count aganst Al Mar in my book.
I did a google search because I was sitting here playing with my new Shrike and wondering about how Al Mar can deliver such a sweet knife for so little money. My EDC Benchmade 941D2CF is a sweet knife, but doesn't seem nearly as strong as the Shrike and costs quite a bit more. My Microtech Socom Elite and Amphibian (both EDCs) are as sturdy and well finished as the Shrike, but again come at a premium price when compared to the Al Mar.
The Shrike is not small and rides a bit high in the pocket, but seems as overbuilt as the SERE 2000, just sweeter looking. I'm sure the SERE 2000's blade shape is stronger than the Shrike, but the Shrike is a really fine and sturdy knife. The Shrike seems up to rough duty, but with a slick look and feel to it. The VG-10 seems to hold a good edge and the stainless/micarta handle seems nearly indestructable. The Shrike is a liner lock, but it seems like the most secure liner lock I've ever encountered.
While the Shrike is certainly not up to Strider levels of abuse, it seems like it could take a good beating and keep on ticking, looking great the whole time.
I didn't realize I was buying a collaboration when I got the Shrike, but I'm not disappointed that it seems I did. These knives are great.
jmx