Do we have any Al Mar SERE fan's here?

Melvin-Purvis

Melvin-Purvis

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Anyone that knows anything about the older AMK SERE's from '83-'94?

If so, I'd like to talk with you soon.

Thanks,

Mel
 
Good to see you posting here buddy, and those new folders are looking very nice too! (I always thought your fixed blades were 'the goods', but those folders are looking pretty darn sweet too...nicely done!)

Anyhoo, the point of the post was; we collect SERE's, and think we have most of them...the older ones that is, and we're writing now too, for Jim Nowka's new knife magazine http://www.knifeforums.com/subscriptionspage.html

But, we're doing this as a 'labor of love', copywriting our material for a future book project (in other words, we're deliberately not getting paid for our work)...

So, we're collecting information, helping out fellow AMK collectors as we can, and writing on the side. Hopefully, when we're done, we'll be able to put Al Mar, and the SERE project in proper historical context.

We're doing the same thing with our Applegate/Fairbairn book project, and sometimes people just come out of the 'woodwork'....a few months back, A/F collector D. Babcock of Michigan contacted us based on a post that we made here wanting older A/F's...('we' is me and my wife)

Dave had been collecting A/F's for 20 years, and had quite the collection...along with 20 years of original correspondance with Col. Applegate. After 45 days of daily negotiations, we finally purchased Mr. Babcock's collection, with a tidy profit going his way.

We'd like to do the same with the Al Mar SERE project.

Pricey? You bet! Will we ever see a return on our investment? Probably not. Are we having fun documenting the history of these knives? Yep. :D

This is meant to be fun, and we're hoping to 'give back' a little to our fellow hobbiests in the process.

Mel
 
I have a very early model. I THINK I got it around '82 or so. The crafsmanship is almost custom, everything fits right and is nicely polished. Always liked it alot. Its living quietly in the back of my vault. Email me if you want any more details or pictures.
 
Hi,
I've just bought one, and if you like I can send you pictures so you can compare it with the older models. It's exactly the same design, but there are some rough edges, and the action is not as smooth as I had expected for the price (paid approximately $200 for it). Do you feel that the quality has dropped since the death of amk's founder ?
I'm interested in buying an older model, if anyone knows where to buy one, please let me know.
Best regards,
François.
 
But like Charles I don't own any so I can't tell you much about them. I do know that the Carson/Vanguard that Les Robertson carries is based on the Al Mar SERE old version. Both Les and Kit told me this so an email to them might garner more info and in Les's case a place to pick up a model or two.
 
I just picked up an Al Mar SERE 2000 and I love it. Now I'd like to get a quality knife for use around the shop. Normally, I'd just look for an open razor blade (high use item in a garage), but I'd like to pick up a smaller knife for tasks like this. Are all Al Mars similar in quality to the SERE I purchased? Does vintage matter? I'd really like to give Al Mar some more of my business if they have a knife in the size I want. Thanks.

PS: Sorry if this post offends anyone since I intend to use the knife rather than collect it...

Mark
 
Just purchased my Sere 2000. I have been very pleased. I tend to reach for it for weekend carry more than my BM's or Sebenza. I want more!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Sgt 127, sure, when you dig it out of the safe again, take some 'digi-pics' or scans and shoot them my way, I'd appreciate that!

françoisd, I really don't know how the 'old' compare with the 'new', as I haven't held/used a new one yet...but everyone that owns a new one really seems to like it, whether it be fixed blade or folding, and that gives me the idea that that they are better than average knives for sure.

For you users out there, that's what they're for, glad to hear that they are working well for you!

From a historical perspective, what most people don't realize is that there were at least 9 SERE models, 17 different catalog configurations, (27 if you count the differences in swedges, flat ground vs. hollow ground, and the stag handled versions), 6 different sheath styles, etc...and that only counts the models that were sold in the US. :eek:

I was recently talking with Gary Fadden of AMK; he has offered to help, and also has the 'original' SERE prototype too. What I 'would' like to do is a write up on the older models, and then show how the product line has evolved....'SERE's; then, and now' if you will.

That would be pretty cool I think... :cool:

That said, we have most of the knives, but don't have the cut-in dates for the various models...that's part of what we need. But, mostly, I'd like to talk with fellow AMK enthusiasts...I learn best that way.

Hopefully I can give back a little too... :)

Mel
 
I have a SERE 2000 and it is state of the art.

Smooth, well polished, sturdy, no blade play, sharp, easy to clean. Super knife!
 
The guy that runs a store here in Dallas Texas gets number 027 of everything that comes from the factory and has since I have known him. He has Al Mars that I have never even seen. His business phone is, well if you need it I can send it to you privately. I dont want to seem like I am advertising for him. He is a good guy. His name is Mike Green. He might be able to help if you don't get what you need from the forums.


Cerberus.
 
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