I just posted this in the knife review forum, but I thought this would be of interest and that you'd probably see it here first:
I just received the Al Mar SERE Operator with G 10 grips from the Cutlery Shoppe. Unfortunately, the model they sent was the old 154CM steel - with the G10 grips (I'll get to those in a minute). I reviewed the ad and it simply referred to the "new" SERE Operator. Under "special instructions" on my order form I specifically wrote: "Please make sure that this is the model with S30V steel" - to avoid this type of thing.
When I called the 800 number, the woman who answered was very courteous but informed me that the only G10 models remaining (4 units) were all 154CM steel. I assume that this means that these grips will no longer be abvailable for the real "new" S30V models. She didn't know.
Anyway, after the holiday tomorrow, back it goes. What a disappointment.
Because I already have a prylon handled S30V model, I was still able to compare the two grips. The two knives have some noticable differences. The 154Cm model has a much shorter swedge - it's cut back about 2 and 1/2 inches from the tip vs 3 inches on the S30V model. So there's more steel in the blade. The 154CM model weighs about 6 oz. and the S30V model weighs about 5 oz. the difference is noticable. The balance is neutral in the S30V model while it is slightly forward in the 154CM.
The G10 grips were very comfortable and grippy. They fit perfectly. They appeared to be the same shape and width as the prylon grips and were definitely an improvement. Definitely worth it if they came on the S30V model. On the discontinued 154CM model I think they're too pricy. Sheaths are the same.
I see no reason to keep the knife just for the grips. Any comments would be appreciated. I still have a few days before I return it. I'll take pictures anyway and post them later.