Al Mar Sere 2000, Who likes it?

burf151

burf151

Joined
Dec 29, 2005
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370
Just got a package from the brown truck. In it was an Al Mar SERE 2000, and a Mini SERE 2000. I took a chance and ordered them both, cause I couldn't decide which size. They caught my eye because of the tip up carry, the G10 scales, and the spear point blade. I liked the clean lines, and with the satin blades they're not overly tacticool. So I thought what the heck, try something new. When I opened the box and handled them, WOW do I like them. :D Super solid feeling w/very positive lock. My EDC rotation has been all Benchmade for a long time, but I think I'll give these a try. These knives have really exceeded my expectations. Any SERE fans out that can give me a long term impression on reliability/durability etc? The SERE is BIG, much bigger than the measurements lead you to believe, but I'm gonna carry the mini a lot and see how it does. Lets hear from some other guys that have 'em!
 
The Sere 2000 and the Mini-Sere 2000 are both great knives. I have owned both in the past and my only gripe was that they were liner locks. My favorite thing about both knives was the ultra low ride clips, they almost disappear in the pocket.

Congrads on the purchases.
 
I've owned a SERE 2000 for years. It's built like a tank and has performed flawlessly. One of the truly classic modern "tactical" knives.
 
I handled one at a small knife show recently and was very impressed. It feels very solid, opens very smoothly, and has a nice simple design. I'm not sure which one I handled because I didn't have a ruler on hand, but I believe it was the mini because I was not overwhelmed by the size at all. I plan to purchase one eventually, but I have a Manix and a couple Busses coming for Christmas so it's not a priority yet. I'm glad to hear you like it so far.
 
had 3 of 'em in the past, until i switched sides to Spyderco. my brother still has a numbered black-blade 1st run.

i have acquired quite some experience and knowledge on the SERE 2000. here are my personal pro's and con's:

++++'s:

- built like a custom-quality tank folder, flawless finish
- excellent liner-lock
- great steel (i suspect this VG10 is actually harder than Spyderco's VG10, it's as tough as BG42!)
- great handle ergo's, nice G10-texture
- smooth pivot-action (teflon washers) and one of the best useable thumbstuds i ever used
- easily flickable to open position
- easily closed


-----'s:

- tip-up only
- heavy (6.1 oz)
- the swedge near the tip
- blade should be 4", not 3.6"

enjoy your SERE's to the max guys. i'm pushing it here, but i say they are better than Sebenza's, considering what you pay for it :thumbup:

denn
 
It's a tank of a knife, but I wasn't overly impressed. I prefer my Benchmade 710 which has a longer blade, but in a smaller package. The handle on the 710 is a tad longer, but it's a lot thinner and takes up less room in the pocket. I feel the SERE's handle is big for the size of the blade. I also find the handle uncomfortable. The liners are sharp along the edges. I heard one person sanded theirs and I may try this at some point. I hear Al Mar puts on the handles and then grinds them to be flush with the liners and that may cause the liners to become sharp along the edge. It's like I'm holding an ice skate in my hand. The other thing that bugs me is how it has such an over built handle, but the liner lock has a lot of metal removed where it bends. I'm sure it's still plenty strong, but it seems to be the weak link in the knife if it has one.

Try handling a BM710 sometime.
 
It's a nice knife, very sharp, beautifully made, very solid when new. I personally didn't have the greatest experience with their customer service though.

My SERE 2000 has a problem where the lock face indented from a hard flick and has vertical play, which I think is not acceptable. I'm talking about a single hard flick, not multiples. I don't feel this is good treatment for any knife, but my friend did it when I let him look at it (now I always say "don't flick it" when I let him handle a new knife). However, I don't feel that this should result in such bad wear on the lock. Perhaps the one I got has underhardened liners or something, but the indentation is quite visible. That said, it still locks up safely and passes spine whacks, so no real problem there. Just a little unnerving and annoying.

The biggest drawback in design of the SERE 2000 is the weight, in my opinion. It's a heavy, beefy knife and even though it has that low ride clip, it will make its presence known to you. Like Wade said, the liners are a bit sharp, but really not that uncomfortable to me. What I find missing is jimping where your thumb and index finger touch the handles. It's shaped well, but a little slippery if you like to put your thumb on the spine of the handle. A little jimping in the liners at these points would be a big improvement in my opinion.
 
I've seen one of these and was really pleased with it. The Nomad is more my cup of tea, but I think you'll be very satisfied with your al mars.
 
It is a heavy knife and I agree with all that has been said. It is a GREAT knife, a little on the heavy side but carries low in the pocket. I agree that after carrying a BM 710 or Skirmish, the blade seems small on the Al Mar.
 
The mini I don't have, but the Al-Mar SERE 2000 is my EDC ever since I retired my old Benchmade CQC7 in 2005. I like the VG-10 steel (also used by Fallkniven). The mini will be added to my collection soon.
 
I recently got one and I like it. Carries low on the pocket, so that's a big plus. It's grip is big which suits my large hands.
 
I have one and love it. It is in my top three EDC folders (I carry a FB most of the time). Most others have said it all. Build like a tank, won't let you down, beautiful to look at. You can't go wrong with this knife. It's way underrated.

I liked it so much I also bought the Al Mar Operator. Fantastic FB in S30V. One of the best tactical knives on the market. You might take a look at it also.

Regards
 
I have one and it's an outstanding knife.

I keep on paring my small collection down, and the SERE 2000 is one that won't be going.

I particularly like the deeeeeep pocket carry. I have even painted the clip battleship grey to "stealth it up" further.

maximus otter
 
Let´s see: flimsy liner lock, short blade, saber ground, spear point.
No, I don´t like it.
 
Garth said:
Let´s see: flimsy liner lock, short blade, saber ground, spear point.
No, I don´t like it.
Click to expand...


no way dude, perhaps on a few lemons. the sere's liner-lock is one of THE very best ever.

the sere's achilles' heels are its weight and short blade actually
 
dennis75 said:
no way dude, perhaps on a few lemons. the sere's liner-lock is one of THE very best ever.

the sere's achilles' heels are its weight and short blade actually
Click to expand...

hm... do you Americans know the saying with the one-eyed among the blind?
Maybe I should add, that I don´t like liner locks at all. Even well made liner locks.
 
Hey Garth, Maybe your problem with liner-locks is you have been stabbing all those brick walls out there that seem to attack people unprovoked! I use the h*## out of a couple of my liner-locks and have no problems.I also have many frame-locks so I know the difference and in a well made liner-lock,you can depend on them.

Buy the way,your saying sounds very similar to a saying WE Americans have thrown around over here. "The DUMB leading the BLIND" or "The BLIND leading the DUMB" you choose which depending on the need.

MPE
 
Don't have a SERE, but do own a couple of Shrikes- they are constructed very similarly. I like them, the lock is very positive with absolutely no play. I readily admit to not being a knife guru, but know and understand this much: All folders will have strengths and weaknesses in design, and all are subject to failure if pushed hard enough. If you want or need a knife with a lock that absolutely will not fail, choose a fixed blade. I would qualify as the sort to make use of knives in fairly normal, everyday applications (with a few exceptions) and have not had a lock mechanism on any quality knife to fail- enjoy your SEREs:)
 
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