Al Mar Sere Operator Fixed Blade?

C

Commando

Joined
Jan 7, 2010
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For whatever reason, I can't seem to find much information- pro or con- regarding the Al Mar Sere Operator fixed blade. I love the way it looks, blade shape, steel, etc. I would like to get one but they ain't cheap.

Does anybody have one?

It doesn't say if they're convex grinds or not? Does anyone know?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
 
I have one I got about a year ago. It is a very nice fixed blade with superb fit and finish. The Micarta scales are slim and comfortable and smooth. The scales are permanently fastened by hollow rivets, probably to be used for lashing. The VG-10 steel is scary sharp out of the box with a very sharp spear point. It's got a high polish that you can see your reflection in. I guess it has a convex grind, as it's not flat. The knife is heavier than it looks, but I think that gives it a solid feel. It comes with a standard nylon blackhawk type sheath, kydex insert, and accessory pouch. I wrapped my handle with hockey tape for better grip in wet conditions. The spine of the blade behind the false top edge is cut very square with somewhat sharp edges. I would say as for balance, the center of mass is around 1.5" from the front end of the handle.

I use it for big game hunting and can say that it splits ribs and bone like butter. I've used it on a couple of boars and a deer. I haven't had to touch up the blade as it's still as sharp as it was out of the box. Given the design of the knife and blade, I would say that it's primarily a defense/tactical knife, works well for cleaning big game, and probably a decent slicer because it's so sharp. I really like to carry it, because of it's slim profile, blade size, and high quality steel. I saw the S30V version (discontinued last year) in a shop. The particular one I saw wasn't nearly as sharp as the one I have and it came with a Blade Tech kydex sheath. Handle was "prylon" attached by stainless hex screws - nice smooth hard plastic material that felt like micarta. It underwhelmed me, so I didn't buy it even though it was cheaper than the newer VG-10 version. Here's a poor quality pic of mine:

PICT0337-1-1.jpg
 
Al Mar don't get as much attention as other knife brands around here but they make a fine product and I personally think the SERE fixed blade is one of their best designs. If you decide to buy one, you won't be disappointed in it.

Commando said:
For whatever reason, I can't seem to find much information- pro or con- regarding the Al Mar Sere Operator fixed blade. I love the way it looks, blade shape, steel, etc. I would like to get one but they ain't cheap.

Does anybody have one?

It doesn't say if they're convex grinds or not? Does anyone know?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
 
Interesting... I agree that it's likely designed as a tactical knife but you've proven that it has more practical applications as well. I appreciate your insightful post.

I try to stay away from convex grinds, though, so I am going to call Al Mar to see if I can find out for sure.
 
Thanks and I agree... Al Mar knives do not seem to get the attention on this board that I would have thought.

It is a great looking knife.
 
I called the Al Mar people earlier today and spoke with a very helpful guy that seemed to know his stuff. He said they don't do convex grinds on any of their knives.

We talked for several minutes about various knives, heat treat, their operation in Japan, etc. I learned a lot and gained respect for their stuff.
 
Thats good to hear that they have knowledgable people talking to the customers. I agree that that really gives me respect for the company.

I agree that Al Mar deserves a heck of a lot more attention. I say this every time an Al Mar thread comes up (which isn't terribly often so I'll continue) but they exhibit the best fit and finish of any company in their price range, in my opion of course.
 
Al Mar knives have dwarn my attention always when I see them, but they seem to be awfully expensive for what they are. Don't get me wrong; Im sure they are top notch but paying several hundred $/€ for knife like SERE makes me a bit nervous.
 
I have nothing but respect for Al Mar knives. I had a Shiva years ago and traded it off , and I still regret getting rid of it. I plan on acquiring another some day.
 
I don't own the Al Mar model in question, but I do own several Al mar knives. The fit and finish on every Al Mar I've ever handled is far and above any other production knife of similar price or even those costing much more. On my SERE 2000, you can not feel the transition from scale, to liner,to backspace on the knife, even with a finger nail. Al Mar knives may not be cheap, but they are a bargain.
 
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