Al Mar - Tell me about 'em.

Comeuppance said:
I have no experience with Al Mar whatsoever outside of these two instances:
- Noticing the Sage 4 is an homage to Al Mar
- Noticing Al Mar is one of the few companies that uses ZDP-189

I've never seen one in person. I've never held one. I've never even come close to buying one. Rarely are they even mentioned here until someone posts a thread asking who makes ZDP knives other than Spyderco.

I very recently read a post here - and you'll forgive me for forgetting the author - discussing how he had discovered Al Mar through a knife he had gotten in a trade, and was very impressed with the quality and craftsmanship.

Are they good quality? Are they good value? How's the warranty? Any information, opinions, and thoughts you have on Al Mar are welcome.
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If I am not mistaken the knives from Al Mar and Spyderco are made by the same manufacturer, Moki in Seki City. That might explain the overwhelming similarities.
 
I have the eagle in zdp too and would get a hawk if they made one in zdp, ideally w/ partial serrations. Would make a good ultralight camping knife.
 
Like others have said, Al Mar had great influence in the knife world, the brand has way more pedigree than any of today´s largest cutlery companies. Chavis is right, the knives are made by Moki. The materials used are not the latest and greatest but, for the price, you won´t find better fit and finish anywhere. Modern Al Mars were the knives that made me aware of Moki, and Moki has been my preferred brand for years now.

I also agree Al Mar is past its prime. I still can´t get over the fact they ruined most of their folders with liner locks. My favorite products of the current lineup are the fixed blades. In those, the DNA of the original designs is instantly recognizable. I own a SERE Operator and it has been a case study in how to make a very svelte, yet very sturdy knife. The design is streamlined to the point it makes other equally capable knives seem heavy and clunky. Fit and finish is impeccable, and Moki does miracles with VG-10.

Not a fan of the Ultralights. Owned a few, now own none.
 
I like my two
Mini S.E.R.E. 2000
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Eagle HD
AMEagleZDPopenLts_zpsf436ccae.jpg
 
I own quite a few Al Mar folders and really like them. In fact I picked up a Shrike from the post office yesterday. A few observations based on the knives I own (various Falcons and Eagles, a Hawk, a Payara and now the Shrike):

- As others have mentioned, the Moki fit and finish is generally excellent, occasionally one will slip through the cracks but it is generally, in my opinion, better than most production knives, particularly the bevels and the out of box sharpness.
- The Eagle, Falcon, Hawk and Osprey lines are standard AUS 8 (with a few select ZDP and VG10 examples). Many believe the price you pay for the knives merits a better steel but to date, for the type of cutting these knives do, AUS 8, in my experience, with the Moki heat treat, is fine for me.
- Those pining over Spyderco Jess Horns (as I am) - Falcon Ultralight, go get one, they are lovely knives
- Classy office knife complete with a leather pouch - bolstered Falcon or Hawk - FFG and nail nick or "talon" blade with a thumbstud - pick your poison
- Payara - I've had one for years and I have NO idea what I'd use it for but it does look cool and it is exceptionally well made

The Shrike .... not sure yet, love the pistol grip handle (reminds me of my favourite large Lum Chinese) and a thin VG10 spiky blade. I have no problem with right side tip down only on a knife this size, in fact I'd prefer it if my Eagle ultralight was tip down. We'll see how it works out, I suspect it will sneak its way into a regular weekend rotation.

Sure, maybe the designs could do with a bit of a shake up but the knives they do make are quality and have stood the test of time.
 
Thank you, everyone, for your responses. The PMs, emails, and posts have been very informative. I greatly appreciate it! I hope this serves as a good resource for others looking into Al Mar as well.
 
Wow. Just one of those fixed blades would be a great addition to any knife connection. Great work!
 
I have two of the three Al Mar's left that I've owned; all have been very nice in terms of fit and finish as well as function. Not for everyone I'm sure but definitely a brand worth trying out.

My "Tiny" SERE 2K next to some beefy folders:

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I also have an Ultralight Eagle in Aus8; wish it was VG10 though; this is my second one of this model, my first was partially serrated...

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Overall, a big :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: for Al Mar knives.
 
Wow, Coodog, those are some awesome knives! Were the daggers with the scrollwork on the hilts customized, or did they come standard? Terrific work.

And what is the "dagger comb", was it intended as a hidden blade or part of a grooming kit?
 
Hidden blade. In past years, people would carry metal combs in sheaths. This way the knife looks like a comb to a cop, because that's what is sticking out of your pocket, but really it's the handle to a knife. Won't work for a bald guy :)
 
MassMatt said:
Wow, Coodog, those are some awesome knives! Were the daggers with the scrollwork on the hilts customized, or did they come standard? Terrific work.

And what is the "dagger comb", was it intended as a hidden blade or part of a grooming kit?
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All engraving was done by Bob Valade in the early 80's on these. He did alot of work with Al Mar & others as well. Engraved guns for presidents & movie stars too. Awesome work from him.
 
Coodog said:
All engraving was done by Bob Valade in the early 80's on these. He did alot of work with Al Mar & others as well. Engraved guns for presidents & movie stars too. Awesome work from him.
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I grew up right across the street from Bob. He is one of the nicest people I have ever known. :thumbup: :thumbup: I think he is one of the historians for Al Mar knives. He has a lot of stories about Gerber, Al Mar, and all things related to the knife and gun industry.

He still does engraving today, too. He did a lot of guns for the Gunsmoke series, if memory serves correctly. Some of his work even made it into the NRA museum. :cool:

EDIT to add: Forgot to mention, one thing that sets his engraving apart is that he does it all by hand, with a hammer and a chisel. :eek::thumbup:
 
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The Government said:
I grew up right across the street from Bob. He is one of the nicest people I have ever known. :thumbup: :thumbup: I think he is one of the historians for Al Mar knives. He has a lot of stories about Gerber, Al Mar, and all things related to the knife and gun industry.

He still does engraving today, too. He did a lot of guns for the Gunsmoke series, if memory serves correctly. Some of his work even made it into the NRA museum. :cool:

EDIT to add: Forgot to mention, one thing that sets his engraving apart is that he does it all by hand, with a hammer and a chisel. :eek::thumbup:
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Good information to know. I seen a youtube video with Bob Valade and he does seem like quite the down to earth, easy going guy. And yes, all by hand, a true master engraver & probably one of the last of his kind.
 
Robert Bromley Valade from Seaside Oregon passed away on November 2, 2016. He was 75. RIP Robert and deepest sympathy to his wife of Joann.
 
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