Al Mar original S.E.R.E.

[Abadir]

When I first became interested in knives some 15 years ago, some of the knives that really stood out from the crowd were Al Mars original SERE line( not the sere 2000 ).
I couldn´t afford one back then so I just got to handle them in the store.
Now I would like to hear from people who actually used them. Were they any good? How would the folders hold up in comparison to todays "hard use" folders? How about the fixed blades?
Please feel free to tell me anything about them......

 

[SIFU1A]

a bud had one, heck he might still have it, got it in the late 80's/early 90's, a heavy duty knife, reminded me of a buck 110 for some reason, was really heavy, and didnt have a pocket clip, IIRC, much diff imho from the 2K.

greg

 

[SurviveAl]

Abadir,
I have been fortunate enough to own several of the orginal SERE line over the years.
The first was the full size folder(green micarta handle)The knife was absolutly beautiful. However I found it a bit uncomfortable for my average size hands. The sheath was very large,incorperating a place for a stone (not supplied,and I never found one that fit well)and was very uncomfotable to wear. I traded this knife off before long.
I then replaced it with a SERE II folder,slightly smaller, contoured rubber scales and a nylon sheath.WOW! best knife I've ever owned. The scales felt as if they were custom fitted for my hand. I carried and used this knife daily as a Firefighter and Ambulance driver as well as many a back country jaunt.I wore out several sheaths and finaly sharpened the blade down to a fraction of its original self. I replaced it with another one just like it (after much searching)and did the same to it.
Along the way I picked up the smaller of the two fixed blades with out the saw teeth. I liked this knife very much,unfortunately someone else liked it more and saw fit to remove it from my possesion.I have yet to find another.
About a year ago I picked up a used,but,well cared for large fixed blade with saw teeth.I never saw much use in the saw teeth but,the price was such I couldn't pass it up. Just recently I discovered what those teeth can do to a ferconium rod. WOW! what a spark show! It has now replaced my Busse Steal Heart as my primary woods knife.
If you get the chance to pick one of the original line please don't hesitate.
Allan
P.S.
I also have a SERE 2000. It has become my everyday carry knife.