Al Mar SERE 2000 vs Emerson P-SARK

mksql

mksql

Joined
Jan 22, 2002
Messages
73
I am in the market for a new folder for duty carry. I have narrowed it down to either the Al Mar SERE 2000 or an Emerson P-SARK. I usually carry a G10 Spyderco Police off-duty because it is thin and light-weight, but I would prefer something sturdier when in uniform. No digs to the Police however, I love the G10 model.

In my area, neither the Emerson or Al Mar can be found, so internet shopping is the only option. While I know these are very different in terms of blade design, they both offer preferred attributes.

I like the blade shape of the PSARK, but I truly dislike the grind. It may only be asthetic, but I have always felt that when a blade is not ground on both sides, it appears somewhat cheap. I do not boubt that Emerson products are quality built, but I would still believe a symmetric would be preferable. Plus, I have read one too many posts here indicating premature lock wear on some Emersons. Also note, I am not considering the Wave an advantage on the Emerson. While I am sure it is handy/fast, I carry a small fixed blade for those SHTF situations.

On the other hand, the accounts on the SERE I have read indicate it is built like a tank. The VG10 and the grind fit my preferences, but the blade shape is not as personally preferable as the SARK. I also like the low carry clip design, again because absolutely-fast-as-possible draw is not a prerequesite.

I guess the opinions I am seeking are under the category of "why would the Emerson be a better tool than the Al Mar SERE" ?
 
Originally posted by mksql

I guess the opinions I am seeking are under the category of "why would the Emerson be a better tool than the Al Mar SERE" ?
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It wouldn't.

I believe the blade shape of the SERE is more conducive to a wider variety of tasks. The SERE is, in my opinion, one of the top production folders available. The only downside I could see for duty carry is that the SERE carries very low in the pocket, and as a result may not be quickly deployed.

I like the looks of the PSARK, but personally would choose the SERE 2000.
 
SERE 2000. Been carrying one as part of my on duty edc rotation for several years now and love it, enough of a knife to accomplish anything you need carries well in the pocket, is enough of a handfull to be deployed easy with gloves on and have a good grip. The SERE is a sturdy well made knife you wont go wrong with it. Nothing wrong with the P-Sark either, I have been eyeballing them myself lately but have decided the SERE will fill the bill just fine.
 
I have been a Al Mar as well as an Emerson fan for years. I do not own a P-SARK, but I do own 2 Commanders and one CQC7. Also own a SERE 2000. The SERE seems to be better made and more sturdy than the Emersons I own.
 
So far, the responses match my expectations!

Seems likely I will be ordering a SERE!

Of course I could get an EKI La Griffe as a companion, for a blade similar, but shorter, to the P-SARK.
 
Originally posted by mksql
Of course I could get an EKI La Griffe as a companion
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Take a look at the Spyderco SPOT as well. It is a Spyderco collaboration with Fred Perrin, another interpretation of the La Griffe.
 
Originally posted by shootist16
Take a look at the Spyderco SPOT as well. It is a Spyderco collaboration with Fred Perrin, another interpretation of the La Griffe.
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While I'd also suggest looking at this knife (get the SERE, by the way), I'm pretty sure the SPOT is just an in-house Spyderco design with a nod to Perrin for the use of the hole, kind of like the Delica is an in-house design with a nod to Boye for the use of the dent.
 
I'd go with the SERE 2000. I have an Emerson SpecWar that I truly dislike. It was probably one of the dullest knives that I have owned out of the box. I tried to give the Emerson chisel grind a fair chance but it just didn't not cut as well as any of my 3 1/2 to 4 inch bladed Microtechs, Benchmades or M.O.D. knives. Tried to sharpen it on one side at 30 degrees like they stated - still no better. I eventually ended up re-profiling the blade to be 20 degrees on both sides (like most normal knives) and it seems to do much better now. Still the knife doesn't open as smooth as my others and it just has a cheaper feel to it. The handle ergonomics are good on the Emerson Specwar - it's only saving grace besides I got it at a really good price.

I have handled a friends Al Mar SERE 2000 and it feels more solid and seems to hold an edge better (I sharpen both of our knives). My Emerson is my least favorite of my $60-$120+ folders. I have cheaper folders that I like a lot better. Much rather have a Al Mar SERE 2000, Benchmade 710 w/M2 tool steel or Microtech SOCOM than any production knife that Emerson makes. Just my own opionion.
 
I have both of the knives you are asking about. I carry and use the SERE a LOT more than the P-Sark. The best thing about the P-Sark is that it fits my hand very well. The handle ergonomics are perfect. The wave is cool and useful. The P-Sark IS a tough knife and I like mine a lot. It is a very specialized design but I think it could perform well in a variety of situations anyway. Some people just like Emersons and some don't.

The Sere is definitely my favorite production knife, bar none, period. (and I have owned and used a sh!tload of production folders) It is built like a tank, it opens smooth as butter and it's a knife that will do anything you need it to. It just exudes quality! If it didn't have all the factory markings on it, you'd swear it was a custom. Mine will have to be pried from my cold, stiff fingers!

Go with the Sere - you will be VERY happy with it.
 
I would go with the SERE 2000.....It is very solid and is definitely a Multi-task knife. I have several Emerson's and I like the PSARK but for your needs the SERE would be a better overall choice(IMHO). Fit and finish on the SERE seems to be a little better than on the Emerson's I've seen too.
Thanks
 
I once owned a SERE (the one I regretfully now know I'll never get back from AntDog:D ) And currently own a P-SARK. The SERE is WAAAAAY better than the P-Sark, better steel, better blade design, carries better, better lock up, smoother opening, VERY VERY nice. I want another...

To the P-SARKs defense, (and I do carry one on duty) there are two major things I really like about it, and that is the fact I have enough of a point for defensive use, or the more common use of chipping ice and so forth, but yet it's blunt enough to cut dense clothing (in a pinch) or seatbelts without harming a patient unless I were to do something REALLY piss stupid. Overall I've gotta say, I honestly believe it to be a great design, with poor execution.

Can't go wrong with the SERE though, IMHO
 
Get the SERE. I have one and it is great. Opens real smooth, and lockup is secure. It also came very sharp, and I like the steel very much. No problems with rust at all, and it holds an edge real well.

As for the P-Sark, I have never handleed one, but I do have a Commander. If it is representitive of Emerson knives(I would think it probably is), then the SERE is the better choice. The Emerson might have better handle ergonomics, but it also has thinner liners, and it is not unheard of to have lock problems. The SERE has much thicker liners, and has no problems with lockup or opening. I would trade better ergo's for a more reliable lock.
 
Unanimous in favor of the SERE so far!

Now if only the holidays were done, so I could get back to buying things for ME!
 
The SERE would be my choice...strong, silky smooth, handfilling, and just downright classy...
Happy Holidays all...Mike
 
SERE 2000....I concur with all the positives mentioned so far! In fairness though I've never owned anything by Emerson. I handled a few at Blade 2002 but couldn't warm up to any of them.

Larry S.
 
I have never held an Emerson in my hands to be honest but I do own a SERE 2000, for some months now. Me too, I'm a police officer. We have special pockets in our uniforms, well... not so special, two above each knee and I manage to deploy it rather swiftly. Sharpens quite easy too, I'm a lousy sharpener :-s

I'm considdering buying a second one, as a matter of fact.


Good luck :-)
 
I definitely like the SERE 2000 better than any Emerson factory folder that I have owned. The SERE is super smooth, built like a tank, and quality and finish are top notch. Best I have ever seen on a factory folder.

Almar hit the nail on the head with the SERE 2000 and the Ultralight series of knives. SERE 2000 for heavy duty, and Ultralight series for light or medium duty. It's just a plain and simple hard combination to beat. Get both in my opinion. Big D1
 
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