AMK SERE 2K: Lock

M

Mindz_I

Joined
Nov 6, 2002
Messages
435
After recently deciding on an Al Mar SERE 2K as my next purchase (thanks to another thread :D), I thought it would be an idea to do some research.
However; after scouring the forum archives for everything to do with “SERE”, I’m a little unsure as to whether the knife is quite as rugged as I’d thought it was.

Throughout the search I kept hearing cases of the knife’s lock failing the “spine whack test “, but also conflicting reports saying exactly the opposite (That it held up without failure).
The threads / posts in-question are fairly old ones with most of the comments on the lock failure (due to spine whack test) dating back to year 2000.

With this is mind I thought it possible that in the 3 years (or so) since these threads were written, that AMK may well have discovered and implemented a solution to the problem (or that it was no longer a problem as per the conflicting posts)?

I have read that the knife can be reworked to be sure of the security, but I really don’t wish to have to do this myself or have to go to the trouble of testing the knife in the first place to be confident of its security.

Since the knife is intended to be a hard-use folder, any problems relating to the security of the lock will severely impair its usefulness to me and probably mean that I need to consider another knife.


What are your opinions of the lock on the SERE 2K ?
- Any issues with it (however small)
- Any Failures


Cheers
 
I had two SERE 2000's from two separate sources. In both cases, the knives exhibited the exact same lock problem.

When pressure was applied to the blade spine in a closing direction, the locking liner would shift. Not enough to cause the knife to unlock, but enough to see - both the lock would shift left, and the blade would move towards closing a fraction of an inch. This was seen regardless of the grip type used - in other words, my grip was not releasing the lock.

It was a bit bothersome, given these were new samples. Any wear would seem to magnify the problem. Otherwise the SERE's seemed to be very sturdy knives, but I could not come to trust the lock. I have two other liner lock knives where there is absolutely no lock movement under _reasonable_ pressure (that is, pressure that can be applied with a single thumb like above).
 
I had one, I do not currently have one. I got rid of it because the swedge was too sharp for my liking. But I never had any concerns about the lock - I don't spine whack stuff, I've no interest in damaging my knives, but I firmly believe it would've taken a lot more than that to make my knife fail.
 
I bought an S2K about 10 days ago, from guncollector on the forum. I took the knife with me to Nevada and Arizona. I used it as a camp knife. It never made me nervous. It cut food, boxes, rope, snakes, and wood. What a great knife. I have to admit that I love Al Mar knives but when thinking about a hard use folder, the link below convinced me.

http://www.jungletraining.com/almar.htm
The S2K is a tough knife that is easy to carry.
 
I have my Sere in my hand now playing with it. I must have a diffrent folder than everyone else. I couldn't even imagine this things linerlock failing. Mine is solid as can be and as smooth as it gets. Of all the knives I have sold or traded in the past. The Sere 2000 is one of the few that has never crossed my mind.
 
I don't recall ever spine whacking my SERE, but I am confident in its lock. I am able to put closing pressure on it and it won't move. Basically I hold the knife in one hand, and try as hard as I can to close it with the other. The lock won't budge as far as I can tell, and I have had other knives in this price range fail this test. I would say buy the SERE, it is a great knife to use, and I am sure it will serve you well.
 
I've had two S2K's. Neither my previous one, nor my current one have had any lock problems. Both of them locked up like a vault. The examples that I have or had seem to be one of the best production liner locks I have handled. I don't know if I just got lucky or if the weak locks are the exception. Anyway, I love mine.
 
Cheers guys

So it appears there are still mixed opinions about the quality of the lock-up.

Anyone else care too comment ?
 
I think, but am not 100% sure, that most of the complaints were about SERE 2000s that were made within short time frame. I have one and it is absolutely perfect in every detail. The quality and sturdiness are nearly on par with knives costing twice as much.

I will say, that I never trust any liner lock 100%. However, the SERE is much more sturdy than the liner lock on my Emersons etc. So that says a lot. The main problem with any folding knife, is that it is designed to bend in the middle. Always a bit scary when you give it some hard use!!

If at any time, a small batch of knives were made with a slight defect, you will always get mixed reviews. Even long after a problem has been corrected. Therefore, please do not think the problem is continuing with the SERE simply because people still talk about it.
 
I've never had any lock problems whatsoever with mine. I have 2 of these and both lock up with as much or more security than I've seen on many customs. I wouldn't hesitate at all. I wonder whether some of the reported problems may have come from early production runs.
 
I've had 2, and own one now.
Whacked the spine on wood like a hammer pounding nails on both of them.
Neither failed or came anywhere close to moving.
Can't ever see that liner releasing unintended.
There must've been a really short run of these knives that had lock problems.
Mine is built like a tank and wouldn't hesitate to use it for ANY task.
Lenny
 
Right cheers guys much appreciated, seems fewer have had problems than those with strong locks.

Please keep them coming, even if you're just saying whats already been said, as it'll help me get a good idea of percentages of folks with an issue.

Cheers
 
Mine purchased late in 2002...no problems. Definitely the finest workmanship of any knife I've seen to date.

I'm pretty sure the lock would hold if I placed it between the oncoming Queen Mary and a pier...maybe it should be called an oceanliner lock....
 
I got mine in a trade here on the forums from Runs With Scissors. (Thanks Mike!)

I didn't know much about Sere2K's before I traded for it. I just thought the pictures of it looked interesting and that I might like to try one out. Well, since I put it in my pocket, I haven't been able to take it back out. Really, I have not been able to bring myself to rotate my other edc folders since I got it. I can't think of one single folder I like better (and I have tried out a lot!)

Anyway, mine has been utterly dependable, and I would be shocked if it ever failed. The lock on mine is super tough.
 
Got one from Copfish (hello John!) about two years ago, and it is one of the better folders that I have ever used. Absolutely no poblems with it.
 
So at present of knives owned it seems

87.5 % have had no issues with the quality of the lock
12.5 % have experienced problems.


Ok guys, please keep any info coming :)

Cheers
 
The first run SERE 2000's were made in Seki, Japan. High quality. Later on they were being produced in Moki,Japan. You can tell by the stamp on the blade tang. My "Moki" made SERE 2000, had a liner that would not engage. It was as if it were a slipjoint. A little work with some files, and I was able to make a radius cut tang so that the liner would lock up tight. Similar to a Benchmade liner lock. I've also had trouble with the scales coming off. No matter how well I tighten the G-10 scales, they will not stay stationary. This was also the problem with some of the SERE 2000's that I had handled at a few gun shows. So if you are not satisfied with your SERE folder, this could be the reason (poor Q.C.). :barf: :)
 
I'd have to say although I like the design of the knife, that I have seen some QC problems (as mentioned) with a number of knives I've handled....to bad really, nice knife!
 
Cheers for that guys, much appreciated.


These are exactly the sort of tales that are making me reluctant to take the plunge and buy a SERE 2K.

While I simply love the aesthetics, and from what people have said it’s an excellent capable knife (when you get a well made model ) it seems an awfully big risk for $200 (the cheapest price in the uk).


I realise that its not that expensive in the grand scheme of things, and I’m just echoing what has been said time and time again, but it’s a shame that for a knife of this price range Al-Mar knives are not able to weed out such lemons in the quality control phase.

As such I'm just not sure if I can afford to take the chance :S

Ho hum.

Anymore opinions much welcomed.
 
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