Al Mar Sere2000 or Spyderco Paramilitary 2

Q

Quy4n8

Joined
Nov 27, 2002
Messages
659
The title says it all. Environment would be deployed service member. Please tell me not only your recommendation but why you would prefer that choice. Thanks.
 
Paramilitary 2. I do not have experience with that particular knife, but I have tried another contestant and did not like it. Heavy, small blade in relation to the handle. And it had a bladeplay - up and down, with the lanerlock moving all around the place... All other Sere2000 are probably just fine in that - but I would not really want to go and try it out, did not like it anyway.
Para 2 is good enough. And cheaper. I am not the Spyderco Military man, but may try it some day - it does not look as ugly as...
 
Okay, I've had both these knives so I can give my opinion. First off, I sold my Sere earlier this year and still have the Para 2. But I had the sere for years and it was my favorite knife for a long time. Now the Para 2 is my favorite knife - go figure. In my opinion, the Al Mar feels like a better knife in the hand. I'm not saying it is better - it just felt like phenomenal quality all around. The sere had a super thick liner and was very, very smooth opening and closing.

Al Mar Pros: smoother opener; more ergonomic handle; deep pocket carry; blade feels stronger than para 2; I actually like the liner lock of the sere more than the compression lock for ease of one-handed closing.

Para 2 Pros: I like the full flat grind of the para 2 better; lighter and less obstructive in the pocket; costs at least 50% less than sere; most people like the compression lock more than a liner lock.

You can't go wrong with either of these knives. Can't tell you which would be better for deployment, but I do wish you the best of luck.
 
Thanks guys, it's actually for my son in the Marines. I already got him the ubiquitious multi-tool (a SOG power plier) and may not need the knife, but I wanted to get him something anyway.

Q
 
Para2 its an excellent knife, it cuts very well and as of right now I have 3 with more on the way:thumbup:
 
These two knives are completely different. The Al Mar has a high saber grind and is not a good blade for slicing. It is a stabby type of knife, and is a folding fighting knife basically. The Para 2 is a full flat grind and is intended for slicing.

I've owned the Sere 2000 for years, but do not carry it. It has superb build construction, is built like a bank vault, has flawless fit & finish, and locks up super solid. The Para 2 is made for pure cutting.
 
Since your son got the plier, get him para 2. It should be a better slicer/cutter for daily use. Not a fighter type knife, but if have to, it might serve that role adequately. The thin profile will penetrate deep, but the tip might not withstand impacy with metal gears (buckle, brass button, etc).

Good luck to you too!
 
I would say the Para 2, excellent knife, great for EDC and harder cutting tasks.
 
I have a black SERE from several years ago, and also a Para 2. I personally prefer the Para 2, by far. They both feel good in the hand, but the Para 2 feels comfortable for me to carry around. I never felt very comfortable carrying the SERE. I also like the Para 2's full flat-grind much better.

Jim
 
Thanks guys, seems the overwhelming agreement is the Spyderco, so that's what it'll be.

Q
 
Quy4n8 said:
Thanks guys, seems the overwhelming agreement is the Spyderco, so that's what it'll be.

Q
Click to expand...

Good call, dad. The PM2 has a blade shape that will be more practical for 95% of the cutting chores your son will encounter. Having a superior lock mechanism is a nice plus as well.
 
The SERE is a beast. Para is a better edc, but for deployment I'd take the SERE over the P2 every time.
 
The SERE is definitely much more solid and smoother than the Paramilitary 2, but the handle is too ''squared'' and alittle short for me. The paramilitary2 is much cheaper and safer and more comfortable, and it gets my vote :D
 
I like these concrete questions - here's what the knife's going to be used for and where, and here are the choices. Not "which one of the three should I chose...", baselessly.

Civilian carry - PM2, no question - a nice slicer, comfortable handle, the strongest lock imaginable, slim profile, weak tip. Slices limes and tomatoes easily. Fast deployment and good SD knife.
Military service/deployment - Sere, undoubtedly - a fighting knife, stronger blade, strong tip, stronger construction (minus the lock). Geometry of the blade makes it intended for much harder use. Strong, military knife.

That's what I'd choose, without a second thought.
 
I have both and carry the SERE mostly. It's a tank of a knife. Seems like it's built a lot stronger. Plus Al Mar's fit and finish is more in line with a semi-custom or custom made knife than a mass produced production knife.
 
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