Almar SERE vs. Spyderco Chinook

B

bigcountry73

Joined
Feb 18, 2003
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Just want your guys opinion. Which knife do think would handle survival/camping related tasks better? Your info is appreciated.

Rob
 
I've handled a Chinook,and it is very much built like a tank.Not having ever seen the Almar,I can't speculate on the Sere model.I do feel confident in recommending the Chinook as a very heavy duty knife that very much would be my choice.The blade shape would seem to lend itself well to a variety of tasks that you may encounter in a camping or survival situation.Another positive benefit of the Chinook is it has a sufficient handle size and the nice easy spydie hole opener that is large enough to manipulate even with gloves,which is a big plus in a camping knife.
 
I'd go with the Chinook, as I HATE liner-locks. The Chinook is a very tough folder that will be able to handle most any task that survival/camping can toss at you.
 
I would take the Al Mar Sere 2000 over any 2 Spyderco's. Don't get me wrong, I like allot of there models, but the Sere 2000 is one of the smoothest strongest production folders out there. Although it is a Liner Lock, it is very well executed and I could see lock failure as a possibility
 
I have had both and sold the Chinook, I still have the SERE. Nothing wrong with Chinook just a bit to big for and edc for me. I take a fixed blade camping.

The thing I love about the SERE is the VG10 steel easy to sharpen and takes and incredible edge. I think the 440v on the Chinook is a bit tougher to sharpen. The fit and finish on the SERE was a bit better as well. Over all lock strength I would have to go with the Chinook. The SERE is one of the smoothest opening folders that I have handled.

Tough Choice but I don't think you can go wrong. Then there is always the new Chinook 2 to think about as well.

:)
 
To a certain degree I think yer comparin' an apple and an orange on this one. To the Chinooks favor, it's hell bent bent balls out tough, period. It has a nice blade shape, and generally speaking, I do trust lockbacks more so than liner locks. To it's disfavor...it's thick, heavy as hell, tip down, and I have a distrust in the CPM 440V steel that's been used on them. In the past I've found that stuff to be way the hell too brittle. The Chinook II however, will be revising most of my complaints (I'm gettin' me one of them!:D ) It'll be tip up, tip down, and even Southpaw switchable. They're changing the blade design, and lightening it as well. Also switching to S30V as opposed to the 440V stuff. (I've got no experience with the S30V stuff, but I'm eager to try it)

The Almar SERE is well...heavier than it looks, but definitely lighter than the Chinook, altogether a very acceptable package. It has a thinner blade that just simply cuts like mad. Also has the simple spearpoint that's nice for just all sortsa knock around tasks. Love the VG-10 steel used in 'em. Takes a nice "toothy" edge, and holds it for quite some time. It also rides VERY deeply in the pocket and opens VERY smoothly. Overall a more controllable knife for finite tasks than the Chinook. As to the liner lock issue, in this case, I'd consider it a non-issue. I've had three of the SERE's and all three had the linerlocks done right. You may not be able to hang a half ton Chevy by it or anything, but it will be strongt enough to handle anything us mere sane mortals can throw at it, and then some.

In short, if you like lighter weight, control, and cutting efficiency, I'd go with the SERE. If you want absolute pry bar toughness that you can get away with more abuse on, I'd choose the Chinook.
 
Wouldn't the Military be closer to the SERE in terms of how you would use it?
 
I have both...If I had to choose one over the other, it would be the Chinook..it's in the same league as the Strider AR..IMO.
 
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