Al Mar Ultralight series. Opinions? Other knives?

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manowar669

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Oct 1, 2002
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I'm thinking of picking up an Al Mar Ultralight (the Hawk, probably). I've handled one, and like it. It's slender, seems well made, and lighter than a popcorn fart. Other than the metal clip (it has to go, it's heavier than the whole knife, and I plan on clipless carry anyway), is there any reason I shouldn't pick one up?
Any similar designs I should look at?
1. I want a lockback, as frame/liner locks have open backs, and stuff gets in there easily (the ONE thing I didn't like about my Sebenza).
2. Should be light, so G10, micarta, or CF for the handle.
3. Blade <3", I'd prefer some supersteel, but I can live with the AUS8 of the Al Mar. How does Al Mar's AUS8 compare to Spyderco's (I carry a AUS8 Dragonfly now, wish it was the newer VG10 one).
 
If you like very high production quality with extreme light weight go for it! Al Mar's 8A is heat treated really well just like Spyderco's 8A and it will serve you well:thumbup:!
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I have nothing but praise for the Al Mars I've had. Excellent knives with great F&F. AUS8A is a good steel that sometimes gets overlooked, but it will serve you well.

If you want some other suggestions to check out, A G Russell has a couple of nice lockbacks with higher end steel in their blades and Spyderco, of course, has the Caly 3 series of lockbacks.
 
Greetings Manowar669: If the ultralight knife you handled had a clip, I believe it was the Falcon model not the hawk. The ultralight Hawk comes clipless but with a pocket pouch. The falcon was the first better quality folder I purchased and it started me on this addictive, expensive and never ending hobby. The ultralights are just about perfect as a light duty, disappear in your pocket, don't panic a sheeple but get the job done, dress up knife that I have found. As a newbie, I foolishly assumed that the solid fit, finish and lock up of the Al Mar Falcon was the way all back/front lock knives behaved. Experience, research and a lot of money later have proved that many others fall far short of this standard. It was solid, precise and confidence instilling. After daily use, for even medium duty tasks it still is as good as ever. The AUS 8-A Talon profile blade, which came very sharp from the factory, takes an edge easily and the tip is fine enough to disembowel a flea. Although linerless, I have never felt the micarta scales flex enough to worry me about breakage during use. I recommend the Talon blade shape. I have not found a production folder YET that is as light or as flat in the pocket. One down side though, excluding sheeple, many people after seeing me use the falcon, want to examine it first hand. It then takes several minutes of answering questions before I can get my knife back. OldDude1
 
I've carried Al Mar ultralights on my keychain for the past three years. There is nothing else that compares, in my opinion. They're solid, hold a nice edge, thin, and light. Perfect for every day carry. I started with the Hawk, but I lost it one sad day. I moved up to the Falcon and I'm happy with the longer length.
 
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