Al Mar Sere Operator vs Fallkniven A1 Survival Knife

D

dlocklear_2000

Joined
Mar 11, 2006
Messages
20
Hello All,

I'll be headed over to the big sand box later in the year and i'm trying to decide on a good all around combat knife to attach to my web gear. Since I'm more of a desk jocky than a grunt this will be more of a last ditch survival tool vice a day to day chopping tool. I was looking at the two knives listed above and wanted to get your impressions, and your recommendations on other suitable knives for the task. I already have a Spydeco ATR Stainless, Cold Steel Pro Lite, CRKT M16-13SF as the folders that I will switch between. This knive will be my "Oh Shit" you want me to leave the LOGBASE backup knife? Thanks for your input. OH! The other knife I have been considering was a Becker BK10 Crewman model. Was wondering if It would be worth the added expense to buy one of the above. Anyone did any pentration tests on any of these.
 
dlocklear_2000 said:
Hello All,

I'll be headed over to the big sand box later in the year and i'm trying to decide on a good all around combat knife to attach to my web gear. Since I'm more of a desk jocky than a grunt this will be more of a last ditch survival tool vice a day to day chopping tool. I was looking at the two knives listed above and wanted to get your impressions, and your recommendations on other suitable knives for the task. I already have a Spydeco ATR Stainless, Cold Steel Pro Lite, CRKT M16-13SF as the folders that I will switch between. This knive will be my "Oh Shit" you want me to leave the LOGBASE backup knife? Thanks for your input. OH! The other knife I have been considering was a Becker BK10 Crewman model. Was wondering if It would be worth the added expense to buy one of the above. Anyone did any pentration tests on any of these.
Click to expand...

I've owned all those knives. It's a toughie. I'm a big fan of both Al Mar and Fallkniven. The Operator isn't as thick or strong as the A1. Fallkniven doesn't mess around - they make a strong knife. The Operator would be a better fighter and has a better carry system. It's lighter too. On the other hand, you could pry open a manhole lid with the Fallkniven and the handle is FAR grippier than the Al Mar.

As far as the others go, the M16-13F has a small blade and doesn't flip as well as the bigger ones because of it's relative lack of blade mass. The big all-steel ones are really nice, but I've never been impressed with these smaller ones.

The Cold Steel Pro Lite is actually pretty impressive for a Cold Steel. I bet that ends up being your favorite folder out of the 3.

The ATR is a really nice knife, but it's really only comfortable in one position and a little hard to close in a hurry with one hand.

Do yourself a favor and check out the Al Mar folders.

I've owned the Becker too. It's OK, but the handle is REALLY fat and bulky.

[Edit: by the way, out of all these knives, the Fallkniven A1 is the only one I still own, if that tells you anything.]

.
 
I had a SERE Operator. It is a very light knife that has a thin blade that I'm not sure would hold up to any sort of hard pressure on the point. Very pointy and would penetrate well. I don't have any experience with the fallkniven but if I were looking for a bet my butt on it knife it would not be the Operator.


John
 
Hey dlock..

All depends what you want it for..
If it's hand to hand,stabbing type duty then the al Mar..

If it's hardcore, do everything type knife,, then the AI for sure...

The AI is an excellent field blade...

ttyle

Eric....
 
Ghost! The Al Mar Sere Operator uses the new S30V which is supposed to be one of the new "IN" steels to use due to its touchness and sharpability, and stain resistance. Fallkniven A1 Survival Knife uses Teflon coated VG-10 stainless and is a longer knife at 6 3/8 inches vs 5" Al Mar. The VG-10 is the same steel I have in my Spydeco ATR and that steel is pretty tough and takes a good edge. I hear alot of custom knife makers are going over and trying the S30V stainless. Thanks for your input BTW. Any experience with either?
 
FullofLead,

Thanks! Great input! I'm leaning towards the Fallkniven A1 due to the versatility. I just need an alround knife for when I do have to leave the security of the LOGBASE and hit the road. You never know when you will have to fight for your life. Let say if I do get lost in the woods and have to end a nasty situation quitely, I have to have a good knife to do so. Sometimes a good knife is better than a 9 MM when you don't want to draw attention. I most likely won't carry this around day to day, but when I do get the call to leave the wire this baby willl be on my side. As far as size, is the A1 so bulky that it will get in the way?
 
dlocklear_2000 said:
As far as size, is the A1 so bulky that it will get in the way?
Click to expand...

Not too bad. The sheath isn't much bigger than the knife, so it doesn't add much bulk. Also, the handle isn't too bulky. I think it'd be OK.


dlocklear_2000 said:
What about Satin Blade vs Teflon Blade for the A1?
Click to expand...

Well, it won't rust either way and some people will tell you that the non-reflective black blade is better for military because it isn't spotted as easily by the enemy, whether that's an exaggerated old wive's tale or not - I wouldn't know. The black coating IS rather soft though. Mine is black and the coating has an imprint in it from a snap on the sheath where something heavy was on top of the sheath and caused the snap to imprint into the blade coating. I've seen the satin and it's nicer, by far.

.
 
FullofLead,

Thanks! The satin is cheaper than the TEFLON anyway, and with the heat I like you think it might hold up better.
 
dlocklear_2000 said:
FullofLead,

Thanks! The satin is cheaper than the TEFLON anyway, and with the heat I like you think it might hold up better.
Click to expand...

You're welcome. Come home safe.:thumbup:

.
 
Any thoughts on the Gryphon Knives Terzuola Combat Knife .5 in. plain edged blade of ATS34 stainless steel. Zytel handle. 11.25 in. overall. Includes Cordura sheath with hard plastic liner.
 
Ghost! The Al Mar Sere Operator uses the new S30V which is supposed to be one of the new "IN" steels to use due to its touchness and sharpability, and stain resistance.
Click to expand...

I'd like to post first that no, I do not have experience with either knife. S30V apparently has relatively low ductility but great wear resistance. So, it is tough in the regard that it won't wear down quickly, but if you try to pry with it... snap! Will probably be the sound you hear.

VG-10 is a great stainless steel. However with the Fallkniven I believe they have it laminated between two sheets of 420J, which I'm assuming they keep very soft and therefore ductile, making it even better. Fallkniven does published testing on their knives and I have no doubt that they make some of the toughest knives in the world in that regard. Prying should be absolutely no problem with one of these knives.

http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sstamp/knives/a1.html
 
Ghost Squire! I see they have changed their steel since that test. would be interested in seeing the new test. BTW! Thanks for your input. I'm wondering if this is too large a knife to use as a fighting knife? Any thoughts appreciated? I want something big enough to use as a utiity knife, and small enought as a fighter? Any thoughts appreciated?
 
It looks like it used to be non laminated and now it is, thats almost certainly for the better. It appears to have been designed as a combat knife. Its about the size of a Kabar so I would imagine its just about the right size for fighting!
 
I don't have the Al Mar, but I do have and enjoy the Fallkniven A1. The thing is one tough piece of steel with a great handle. As far as the sheath goes, I am sure Normark can make you something better than what comes with the knife (the leather dangler style unless you order the more expensive kydex). You might also look at some of the styles offered at www.survivalsheath.com his chest, back, shoulder, and thigh rigs are very nice, and one of them would probably suit you very well esp if you sit a bunch. Just my two cents.
 
dlocklear_2000 said:
bigbcustom,

Thanks! Any experience with Ranger Knives? R.A.K Model specifically? Anyone?
Click to expand...


None yet, but I am planning 0n adding one to my collection pretty soon. I seem to accumulate a bunch of knives...I don't know why.....lol....I can honestly say that I use all of them off and on. Kind of a rotating basis. Did you like the sheaths at survivalsheath.com? I would think in a non-forward (as in where your unit is deployed) position the shoulder rigs would prove very comfortable and a little more discreet than the chest rigs, but the chest rigs deploy a little faster.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top