Al Mar SERE 2000 or Benchmade Presidio

racegunner

racegunner

Joined
Aug 28, 2000
Messages
454
I've narrowed my want list down to these two; Al Mar SERE 2000 or Benchmade Presidio.
I'd like to hear from someone who has used carried and handled both. I've handled the SERE, but never had a chance to see a Presidio up close...
I know the SERE 2000 is built solid, but is the Benchmade as solid and do you think the lock is better?
I did a search and didn't find anything comparing these yet.

Thanks - Brian
 
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They are both great knives, no doubt about that. I personally would go with the SERE. I like the overall look of it to the presidio. The BM's blade is ground better (probably cause its done by a machine i think) and the SERE is done by hand. You can easily tell its done by hand on the SERE. I am more of a liner lock/ Frame lock guy myself as I have found I am not really an AXIS lock person. Just me though!

I made the mistake of selling my SERE and Presidio though:( I want the SERE back now!
 
Quality is excellent on both brands. The Axis is still the better lock design from all perspectives. The BM will chew your pocket up faster though, unless you can find one of the limited editions that has the same handle slab pattern as the ‘Ultra’(and I use that term loosely). The term ‘tank’ gets overused in these forums, but the Presidio definitely qualifies. This is as solid as they get at this price point. The “Ultras’ feel like Griptilians, I don’t even compare them with the older model.

I recently bought a Mini-SERE. The fit and finish is really, really good. The linerlock is flawless and solid. It opens lightning quick. The G-10 has an excellent feel. I am very impressed with this Al Mar model.
In fact, it is currently my favorite EDC.

Neither of these brands uses any kind of spring assist. This is a good thing to me.

Tough choice. You’ll be happy with either one.
 
Thanks for the replies!
If it were a pistol decision it would be much easier, I would just walk into a local gun shop and try them. Too bad I don't have a "knife shop" around me.
 
I have both, as well as the mini version of each and they are all great knives. The Sere 2K is a great, strong knife but its just too big to qualify as EDC for me; Presidio is just a tad smaller and fits the pocket better. Might I suggest you lookat the minis, as well--not that much smaller and a lot easier for EDC.
 
Presidio is a fine tool, but personally I don't like the AXIS function as I think it might fail in a real combat situation quicker than a (solid) liner or frame lock. But I've heard many knife collectors being enthousiastic about the AXIS, so it is just a personal thing. Apart from that, I love Al Mar Sere 2K. Damn solid, easy to deploy, no blade play at all, great grip. Truly a knife I can depend my life upon.
 
I don't have experience with the Presidio but my SERE 2k is a great knife and I don't find it too large for EDC. It carries very low with only the clip exposed.
 
I would go Benchmade, personally. The SERE just doesn't do it for me. It's very well made, but the Presidio would be (for me at least) a more useful design. A little more compact, a little less bulky, and a little more blade mass. Plus the rock-hard Axis Lock.
 
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