Al Mar Sere 2000 - satin or black finish?

J

Jeff/1911

Joined
Mar 22, 2001
Messages
1,224
Hi Folks,

I'm just busy sitting here choking down the last few bites of my "crow sandwich" (after my comments in the Al Mar vs Military thread).

I am now looking at buying one of these knives...does anyone have experience with the "black chrome" version? Does this coating stand up? I really like the looks of it.

Your comments? Thanks...

Jeff/1911.:p
 
I'd take satin. Black coating is easy to scratch, unless it's DLC or Borron Carbide.
 
I guess it's a matter of preference...i'm thinking of getting the one with the coating...don't really mind scracthes on a hard use knife...gives it some character
 
Mine is the black-coated version. I got it because it was a perfect specimen at a good price, and the shop didn't have a satin version. All things being equal, I probably would have chosen the satin version, but as it is, there is nothing wrong with this one at all. And the Al Mar coating seems to be very tough. Either way you can't lose.
Jim
 
Thanks guys,

I agree that the satin finish may be the more sensible choice, if only I am able to approach this choice sensibly...

Jeff.:rolleyes:
 
All these SERE 2000 comments have sold me. I'm going to ask the wife for one with the satin blade for my Birthday, only 13 days away! :)
 
This is obviously a preference issue. I hate most of the coatings that are put on blades and would always opt for the satin variety.
 
I'd go with the satin finish, Jeff. I have a black finish SERE that I removed the finish with nothing more than a Scotch-Brite pad and water. It looks pretty good, too.;) Avoid the hassle and go satin from the start.
 
My SERE has the black coating. I admit that I tend to "take it easy" on this knife a bit because I like it so much (I still carry it with me everywhere (that I legally can---) and over the last year that I've had it, I never scratched the coating. I personally like knives better with the coating, maybe it is because I am a "mall ninja"¨ or maybe it is because I think it adds a bit of protection for the blade itself (I do know that I think it looks a lot better too ;) ). Again, I have yet to scratch the coating on the blade but I will report that there is a bit of discoloration along the main cutting area. It is not too significant; it is just a bit duller black. It doesn't make any difference to me, and you can't even see it without twisting the blade around to get the right angle.

I will add (again) that the extra bonus (one that I really appreciate) is that when you get the black blade, the pocket clip comes coated black as well. This may sound dumb, but it is a great advantage for me where I live (since the knife already rides so low, the black clip really blends in with any color of pants/shorts making it almost invisible to those around you. ---last I heard the satin SERE were coming with a "silver" clip, but maybe that has changed---
 
Thanks guys, for your further comments.

I like the idea of the black clip as well. I also like the idea of the black blade, both for it's looks and for it's corrosion protection although I feel that VG-10 probably doesn't need much help in this area.

I used to think I didn't care about a black coated blade getting scratched up (like my AFCK was, and is) but when I recently scratched up my brand new BM 722, it did bother me a little.

So I think I'll first get a satin one, then if I love it so much I can't bear to be w/o the black version, I'll just buy one of those too! In fact, what I am thinking of doing is contacting a much respected online dealer and ordering this knife, (Sere2000) and an S30V Spyderco Military - both at the same time! This goes against my usual custom of getting one-at-a-time so as to maximize enjoyment of each, but I would like to truly compare these two; side by side.

Jeff/1911.:p
 
I will add (again) that the extra bonus (one that I really appreciate) is that when you get the black blade, the pocket clip comes coated black as well. This may sound dumb, but it is a great advantage for me where I live (since the knife already rides so low, the black clip really blends in with any color of pants/shorts making it almost invisible to those around you. ---last I heard the satin SERE were coming with a "silver" clip, but maybe that has changed
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You beat me to it. I like the satin finish, but really dislike the shiny pocket clip that it comes with. They could have a least given the pocket clip a blasted finish. I guess I'll end up ordering a black clip from Al Mar.
 
Originally posted by Jeff/1911


In fact, what I am thinking of doing is contacting a much respected online dealer and ordering this knife, (Sere2000) and an S30V Spyderco Military - both at the same time! This goes against my usual custom of getting one-at-a-time so as to maximize enjoyment of each, but I would like to truly compare these two; side by side.

Jeff/1911.:p
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Damn you Jeff...i wish i had that kind of money...well ...i did...before i found out about the swamp rats...

ARRGgghhh....so many beautiful knives...so little money...
 
I like the satin blade on a user but on the other hand I prefer a black pocket clip to play down the advertising to others: "Hey look over here everyone, I'm carrying a knife!"

I've read that some manufacturers like to coat their blades because they can save on the cost to "clean up" scratches and imperfections that would otherwise show up on a bare (e.g., satin) finished blade.

I hate to be faced with this dilemma but all things considered I would get the black SERE 2000--especially if you're anticipating military or law enforcement use. I don't think a SERE tool should be shiny. If the black stuff gets scratched so be it. Ideally, a BC-1 finish option should be made available by more manufacturers.
 
I just bought my (satin finish) SERE last week, so all these pro-SERE threads that have popped up are making me psyched to get it. :D

Personally, I'd go for the satin, beacuse, hey, personally I went for the satin. The obvious aside, those coatings, especially Teflon (which I though was what the black SERE had, but correct me if I'm wrong) scratch way too easily for me. I had a S&W SWAT with the black coating for a cheap "beat 'em up" knife, and just like the Teflon coating on your non-stick cookwear gets scratched by metal, so does the knife coating. So if you're just going to look at your SERE (why God, why?) it might be acceptable, but I intend mine to be a hard use EDC, and I've got more importaint things to worry about than the finish on my knife blade.

Also, while the black blade isn't my style, I really wish I could get the black pocket clip, as anewguy said, it's best if an EDC attracts as little attention as possible.

Originally posted by eric
I guess I'll end up ordering a black clip from Al Mar.
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Do they sell those? I'd definitly be game.

Originally posted by Jeff/1911
I feel that VG-10 probably doesn't need much help in this area.
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What the crap? I thought SERE's were 154CM? Didn't they used to be? Ha ha, oh well, I guess I should do more research before I buy something. :D
 
Also, while the black blade isn't my style, I really wish I could get the black pocket clip, as anewguy said, it's best if an EDC attracts as little attention as possible.

Do they sell those? I'd definitly be game.
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I sent them an email a few weeks ago and never got a reply. If I can remember, I'm going to call them in the morning and inquire.
 
Originally posted by eric
I sent them an email a few weeks ago and never got a reply. If I can remember, I'm going to call them in the morning and inquire.
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Meh, if not, I'll just go get it anadoized at some motorcycle shop.
Custom knife, here I come!

Also, where does VG10 fall composition wise? I don't see it on the bf.c steels FAQ.
 
Satin finish on the SERE 2000 is the way to go...The black blade just looks too EVIL.:D.
 
Wow guys, what a response to this thread. I guess it shows the interest in the SERE2000.

point44 - I have been "tucking away" $ for awhile, just for such an "Emergency"...hee-hee.

I'll go with the satin finished to "start with" anyway, why not?

Glockman99, the "evil" look is what I like about the black one!

Jeff/1911. :p
 
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