Al Mar Shiva or Operator?

M

Mr. Bowie

Joined
Nov 9, 2005
Messages
106
I am looking at buying one of these two knives and was aondering what you guys thought of these two knives. The knifes primary use will be as a defensive edged weapon when out walking and biking. All opinions are welcome.
 
I prefer the feel and balance of the Shiva, but the Operator has a really good sheath system. The fact that the Shiva is more than twice the price of the Operator may make a difference as well. My choice would be the Shiva. I happen to like the rather standard leather sheath that it comes with. I have no defensive knife training and do not have any experience with these knives under self defense scenerios.
 
Since the Shiva that I have experience with isn't mine, I really can't help you with that question. I will check with my buddy and let you know. The fact that it has a laminated VG-10 blade should mean that it holds an edge just fine. Of all the stainless steels that I have had experience with, I like VG-10 as well as any of them. It holds an edge well and it sharpens easily.
 
Hey Mr.Bowie. If I were you I would do a search on Al Mar knives. I feel their customer service is lacking and there quality control is not good. I had an Operator that I was not impressed with. I think for the uses you list I would look at maybe a Camillus CQB 1 or possibly an Ontario RAT-7 in D2 steel. Hope this helps.


John
 
Mr. Bowie, I don't currently have either knife, but I have owned the Operator, briefly. (I sold it due to finances, not problems with the knife). I had the sawback version and will probably pick one up again in the future. What I would say is that I don't know about the Shiva, but the operator has IMHO a geat low profile handle and is very quick in the hand. It's a little light in my opinion for a survival/outdoor style knife, but for what you're interested in I think it would serve well. As previously mentioned the sheath on it is great. It's also got a great point on it, and came VERY sharp out of the box. The only thing I really didn't like was that several (2) of the sawteeth came from the factory with little chips out of them. Very, very minimal problem, but it did bug me. In all other respects I think it's a great knife.
 
Mr.Bowie. My operator had a misground tip. In other words the grinds on the tip werent symmetrical.The grind was'nt noticible until I examined the knife closer and compared one side with the other. I tried calling AMK and got an answering service and I then E-mailed them and explained the situation and the replied to (I'm paraphrasing here) "Send in the SERE 2000 and we'll take a look at it." Somebody was'nt paying alot of attention to my e-mail. Anyhow I traded it off to a fellow to whom I pointed out the grind but it did'nt bother him.(I'll admit it was cosmetic but it bugged me)
As far as the knives overall design and construction it was a very lightweight design that did'nt inspire alot of confidence on my part as to its durability under hard use. The sheath was ok though.

John
 
Mr. Bowie said:
I am looking at buying one of these two knives and was aondering what you guys thought of these two knives. The knifes primary use will be as a defensive edged weapon when out walking and biking. All opinions are welcome.
Click to expand...

never knew a knife to be defensive. always ALWAYS OFENSIVE. To hold one in conflict the sole purpose is to kill.
never defend.
Change mindset or defense could get you killed in that situation.
just my 2 cents.
 
I find my Al Mar Sere Operator to be a very light an quick knife which can be carried securely due to its great sheath system. If you want to carry it when biking this is obviously a point in favor for the Operator. I like leather sheaths but woulnd't trust them when biking. A crash is bad enough in itself. In such a situation you don't want your blade to slip out of the sheath.

Although the Operator is designed as a fighter it can handle a lot of utility chores (kitchen work etc.). For camping tasks like chopping or digging it wouldn't be my first choice. The handle is comfortable but slippery when wet. You could use some tape to improve the grip.

Mike
 
If you are looking at the Shiva, you may want to also take a look at the knife below. It is a custom knife by Bobby Branton.

boot1.jpg


www.brantonknives.com
 
J85909266 said:
I've never understood the price of the Shiva. It seems completely outrageous to me.
Click to expand...

I agree, especially when custom knives like the one from Bobby Branton cost a fair bit less.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top