Al Mar SERE Operator - whatcha think?

B

Bungwrench

Banned
Joined
Dec 21, 2006
Messages
588
I happen to be getting one of these in a trade. I'm pretty excited actually. I've never owned a fixed blade.

I haven't found much on this knife. It's the sawback with an S30V blade. It would seem like a decent knife to take camping. Am I wrong?

A search of "titles only" brought back some nice pictures and a lot about the SERE 2000 but not much about this fixed blade operator.

Does anyone here have an opinion on this knife?
 
Most of what I read about it was positive. It's got a 5" blade. Very light for its size. Makes for a good backpack knife also, given its light weight. Should be a good snatch.
 
I have one, but without the sawback. Nice knife, very light. Sheath can be adapted to be carried in several positions. I haven't used it much, so I can't comment on edge holding. It came very sharp from the factory.
Here's a pic of my SERE operator and my SERE 2000 folder:

Picture066.jpg
 
Thanks.

It looks like a nice fixed blade. It also looks like a good candidate for me to swap out the factory handle scales with some silver tweed G10 or Micarta.
 
Given the range of abuse some would use it for, a much thicker blade would be necessary. Which is how one maker uses it for his version of the sharpened prybar.

Nobody seems to break them when they dig through adobe walls in Bagdad, so at least he does it with a knowledge of the working properties of the material.

As for the Al Mar, it doesn't seem the knife for that kind of regular activity, so I'd have no problem with it. Steels do have a broader working range than we give them credit for; even titanium is used in knife blades, and it is definitely too soft for the job in the long run.
 
imo - I don't think that S30V is the best choice for blade larger then 3.5"-4"
Click to expand...

I have heard people say this before- is their any particular reason why it is not suitable?
 
steelfury said:
I have heard people say this before- is their any particular reason why it is not suitable?
Click to expand...
S30V, and basically all stainless steels, are most often left at a higher RC hardness rating to aid in edge holding. This causes the steel to lose some ductility, making it more prone to edge chipping and blade snapping. As a rule, carbon steel and tool steels are preferable for larger-bladed knives that will be used for heavier-duty work.
 
Bungwrench said:
[...] It looks like a nice fixed blade. It also looks like a good candidate for me to swap out the factory handle scales with some silver tweed G10 or Micarta.
Click to expand...

To replace the factory handle scales seems like a good idea to me. Although the handle in general has great ergos the scales are too slippy. This is the only fault I can find with my Sere Operator. Its strong points are cutting and stabbing. It is balanced very well. Even if it is primarily designed to be a fighter it should work well as a camp knife in the same way a Mora 2000 works well. If a sharpened prybar is requested another knife should be chosen.

It comes with a great sheath which allows for many different carry options.

Fit and finish of my Sere Operator were good but not great. At the front end of the handle the scales didn't match the tang exactly. I have no problems with that as it doesn't effect performance.

Mike
 
PatriotDan said:
look at the amount of large blade S30V offerings from quality manufacturers.
Click to expand...

There's a natural explanation. Only morons buy huge knives that have no practical use whatsoever, and good steel like S30V is wasted on such knife owners. ;)
 
Bungwrench, you must realize some of the fellas here have been trying ,some sucessfully no doubt, to convince their significant other that 5 inches is indeed large. As for me it only approaches large when talking about diameter or radii. Please do not ask for photos ladies.;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top