Al Mar SRO-S or Hogue EXF01?

I

igere

Joined
Dec 15, 2011
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Hello, I'm new to the forum and have a few questions. I'm looking for a fixed blade survival/utility knife for backpacking and have narrowed it down to the two models in the title. Both are available locally and both are made in the US. I recently came across a new in box Al Mar SRO-S and was hoping to dig up some info/reviews on the knife but I can't seem to find much info at all. It's a sawback blade, S30V, says made in US, but thats about all I know. Not much info online. I contacted Al Mar and they weren't much help, other than telling me it was might have been made in the 90's and that it might not be under warranty... asking price is $165. It feels very lightweight for its size, which is positive for backpacking, but durability is a big concern for me (prying, chopping, digging, breaking holes in ice). It feels decent in my hand although a little thin in the grip but overall seems like a well made knife.

I also checked out a Hogue/Elishewitz EXF01 (have several of their pistol grips), also in a 5" blade, which also seems like a REALLY well made piece. The knife feels good in my hand although its pretty heavy. I like that fact that the handles can be removed for extra bits of kit, and the general design seems super tough - glassbreaker and thicker blade, nice sheath too... asking price is $145. I have limited knowledge when it comes to fixed blades, so I was hoping for some feedback/comparisons on these two models. I'm not easy on my gear but I do maintain my equipment meticulously. Again, the intended use is a backpacking/utility knife that will last. I spend very little time around saltwater and do a lot of camping year around, including northern michigan winters.

I've checked out a few other models, like the Benchmade Rant (own a few of their folders), but they didn't jump out at me.

After reading several posts on this board, I get the sense that A2 and S30V steels are very tough and that primary difference will be the S30v is more corrosion resistant and A2 will be easier to sharpen in the field? Am I on the right track?

So, which would you choose and why? Thanks in advance for helping out a newbie.

Chris
 
I personally would go with the Hogue EXF01 out of the two you have to choose from. The Al Mar is a good knife, I'm sure, but I would just want the tougher knife for a survival/utility knife. The A2 steel is a tougher steel, and the wear (edge retintion) resistance is up there pretty good. You'll have a lot of people with preference of a carbon steel over a stainless, or vice versa. The Hogue also has a convex edge, I just prefer those, sharper, and easy to maintain to me. S30V will hold an edge pretty well, but I don't think it can take the hard use that A2 could. A2 won't rust all that bad, but it isn't stainless, you'd have to neglect it pretty bad. The Hogue is coated, so that shouldn't be a problem either.

Good Luck with the purchase,

DBAR
 
Thanks for the insight, DBAR. Excuse my lack of knowledge, but can you elaborate on what convex edge means? Also, any recommendations on sharpening A2? Thanks again.
 
I have had the SRO-S (non sawback model) and now have the SRO-V in VG-10. Both knives have phenomenal fit and finish; however, I was underwelmed with the S30V. It wasn't that sharp out of the box and didn't hold an edge that well. The kydex sheath it comes with is pretty good (made by BladeTech). The VG-10 version is extremely sharp and I have carried it on a bunch of hunting trips and field dressed deer and hogs like it was a scalpel. I can tell you that it is primarily designed as a defense knife and has almost no utility as a bushcraft or camp knife knife. I think $165 is a good price for that knife and still worth taking a look at. But if you want it for a general purpose knife in the woods, it's not it.
 
Thanks for the responses and the sharpening advice. Sounds like the Hogue will be a better fit for my needs.
 
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