Ive search and obviously this is a pretty unique knife recom. request.... I want to add one of these 3 into my EDC and I know I will have all eventually but I would like to know what one you guys feel is the best for utility/SD .... to give you some background my last 3 purchases were ZT 560, ZT300, and another Pm2.... I am unable to handle any of these knives due an abundance of shitty Walking Dead Gerbers sold at sporting good stores... any input would be greatly appreciated... again a utility last resort self defense knife.. Weight it obviously not any issue, infact I like a knife around 6.oz.. I am a plumber by trade so it will be used but not beaten.... I know the specs to these knives but im hoping there is somebody out there that has atleast held two of the 3 stated..... thanks again guys
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BM710 vs EKI CQC8 vs AL MAR SERE 2k
- Thread starter J Skillz
- Start date
Agreed, go with the Emerson. I am six- two and I found the handle on the BM to be a little short for my liking. I used to have an Emerson commander and I should have never gotten rid of it. I will get another, but I will get it used off the forums because I don't think that the new prices reflect the knifes worth.
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2000
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- 3,794
I'd go with BM 710, unless you want your knife for purely "tactical" use, I see no reason for picking Emerson.
I've had Emerson commander a while back, and most definitely it was not suited for utility use. Chisel edge, ground on the "wrong" side, that was the case back then, dunno if they have changed the edge grind now.
Even with more conventional edge grind, EKI steel is rather soft compared to BM for the identical alloy - 154CM. EKI is 57-59 and BM is 60-61. 2-3 HRC difference makes very considerable difference in edge holding and stability, for light/medium cutting. May be 59HRC(most likely less) is better if you plan on continuous stabbing of hard surfaces, but that's not really EDC use for most of us.
In other words, if one plans on cutting, harder steel results in thinner edge, which cuts better. There's that "field sharpening argument" going on for soft blades, but I don't buy it, because I dont' really see the necessity of sharpening 100$+ knife on the rock and modern sharpening equipment(even portable kind) is more than adequate for maintaining, touching up even 64-67HRC super steels.
On top of that, you get several options for blade materials on BM 710, 154CM, M390, M4, D2 to name a few, and BM 710 has options for handle materials as well, G10, Al, CF...
One more advantage for 710 is stiffer handle, steel liners vs. Ti.
IMHO Axis lock on BM is heads and shoulders above liner lock.
On the other hand, if you want specifically Emerson knife for whatever reason, then why not.
I've had Emerson commander a while back, and most definitely it was not suited for utility use. Chisel edge, ground on the "wrong" side, that was the case back then, dunno if they have changed the edge grind now.
Even with more conventional edge grind, EKI steel is rather soft compared to BM for the identical alloy - 154CM. EKI is 57-59 and BM is 60-61. 2-3 HRC difference makes very considerable difference in edge holding and stability, for light/medium cutting. May be 59HRC(most likely less) is better if you plan on continuous stabbing of hard surfaces, but that's not really EDC use for most of us.
In other words, if one plans on cutting, harder steel results in thinner edge, which cuts better. There's that "field sharpening argument" going on for soft blades, but I don't buy it, because I dont' really see the necessity of sharpening 100$+ knife on the rock and modern sharpening equipment(even portable kind) is more than adequate for maintaining, touching up even 64-67HRC super steels.
On top of that, you get several options for blade materials on BM 710, 154CM, M390, M4, D2 to name a few, and BM 710 has options for handle materials as well, G10, Al, CF...
One more advantage for 710 is stiffer handle, steel liners vs. Ti.
IMHO Axis lock on BM is heads and shoulders above liner lock.
On the other hand, if you want specifically Emerson knife for whatever reason, then why not.
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2011
- Messages
- 1,156
For the money, go with Al Mar. VG-10 is still a good steel. The f&f is far above what one would expect for the price. The 710 is good choice as well. I can not recommend Emerson. I had several knives (Raven and CQ7) that had problems right out of the box. Emerson's CS left a little to be desired. Granted this was 15 years ago, so who knows, things might be different now.
Can't speak towards the Emerson but if price is no issue I would go for the Al Mar. I'm more proud of owning my S2K than my 710. As other have said F&F is top notch.
My Sere 2000 is from FM Co./Japan (Fadden/Mar Company) which is their present day manufacturer and it is flawless.
My Sere 2000 is from FM Co./Japan (Fadden/Mar Company) which is their present day manufacturer and it is flawless.
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- Mar 7, 2011
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- 1,156
The Al Mar is great and I recommend it highly. The comment was about Emerson's CS. Last time I dealt with them was 15 years ago...
Lol knife nut problems... You can loose sleep over this stuff trying to decide next purchase.... The only reason I like the Emerson is the blade shape... I do not like the wave... S2k seems nice as well...and the BM seems like a good standard.... Now I'm really lost guys
Ahhh I see. I thought maybe you were referring to the original Al Mar knives from when Al was still with us. I appreciate the clarification. I have heard people doubting Al Mar's quality after ownership changed, but most of the time they were explaining why they hadn't bought one yet, rather than from 1st hand experience. I got a great deal on a SERE from BudK and now wish I had made the purchase sooner, even at the normal price. I paid $149 back in August NIB
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- Mar 7, 2011
- Messages
- 1,156
I think Al Mar's in general are over looked, partly because of the use of 'older' steels. Most of their designs are rock solid and they stand the test of time. They may lack the 'wow' factor, but they offer a ton of value especially when fit and finish are important as well as durability. As far as using older steels, vg-10 and the like will stand up to just about anything you can throw at them, just as they have been for years.