Finally got a SERE 2000

neetones

neetones

Joined
Apr 30, 2001
Messages
701
Well, its been two days now that this lightly used, black-bladed SERE 2000 has been in my hands. I haven't put it to any hard work, the most grueling task it has performed has been the opening of two envelopes, but I am thoroughly impressed.

As basically all of my folders are lightweight, FRN Spydercos, I was immediately impressed by the heft of the SERE. The SERE is really a large knife, but when open the weight is well distributed and ends up just being reassuring. The ergonomics are good and the G-10 scales are the right thickness to fill the palms without making the knife extremely bulky. But if you're expecting a slim, weightless folder, don't buy one of these. Buy one for other reasons. :)

When I first got it, I felt impelled to open it up and dissect how it worked. It came with an slight but irritating bit of vertical blade play. I discovered that the lock was not fully engaging the tang, the spring had lost its power and was just not pushing far enough. I went ahead and gave the spring a bit of a push, setting a little more force in it. Now, there is absolutely no blade play. The action on the knife is what really deserves praise. A little bit of Militech-1 and the knife is now one of the smoothest knives I've ever handled. Not as nice as a Duncan or Elishewitz, but better than the Obenauf I just sold.

There's more I could say, but not much more that won't be echoed by others. I have the common complaints about the too-sharp studs and the difficulty drawing because of the deep-set clip, but if you can find one for a nice price, buy one just to see what a production folder can be.

Has anyone replaced the nylon washers w/ phospor bronze....could I/should I?

Nitin (pics may follow)
 
Hi Nitin. I still think that the Al Mar SERE 2000 is one of the best made and finished production folders a person can find. I've had several over the years and found very little if any difference in them........translated; QC is very consistent! As far as replacing the washers I did with some of the medium sized pb washers from www.knifekits.com They now offer nylatron washers at KK also.

You got a fine piece of cutlery Nitin! :cool: :D :)
 
It is a workhorse for sure. I like the fact that it makes a nice EDC, but I can also use it hiking or camping for more strenuous cutting jobs.
 
Art, what did you think of the difference in action (if any) when you went to the bronze washers?

Nitin
 
I've found that pb washers will stiffen the action a bit more than teflon. I tend to tighten down the actions on my folders and have found that teflon washers will more likely deform and even tear after a certain amount of openings. The reason I like the pb washers is that they will not do this. With that said I found on the last set of washers I installed ( large JW Smith Evolution lliner-lock) that a polishing with a Dremel tool and some of the red compound really, and I mean REALLY helped the smoothness of the washers. I use Miltec as my lubricant.

All in all I do like the pb washers.
 
tknife said:
It is a workhorse for sure. I like the fact that it makes a nice EDC, but I can also use it hiking or camping for more strenuous cutting jobs.
Click to expand...

Strangely enough, I actually sold mine just because I found it a bit heavy in the pocket for hiking and backcountry use. I have several fixed blades that weigh less and are obviously more suitable for rough work on the trail and in camp. (Not to mention that they are easier to clean and maintain.)

I didn't mind carrying it in urban environments, however.

A fine and sturdy knife nonetheless.
 
I've had 3 SERE 2000's, and I'd still have at least one of 'em if the blade was longer. For that size of a knife the blade is just too darn short.
 
Wow Glockman. My thoughts exactly. My SERE 2000 barely sees action because of the blade length. I usually use a CS Medium Voyager in its place. I've been thinking about getting the Shrike. I just wish it had G-10 handles like the SERE. :grumpy:
 
That's funny, I actually would love a mini SERE. I don't find much use for larger folders. I prefer a smaller, thin folder, and if I am in the woods, I take out a fixed blade as well.

Nitin
 
GOt one in trade last month, 2nd or 3rd owner, had a neat customization---one of the previous owners cut a recessed channel in the G10 scales near the butt and installed a set of Victorinox (i.e., Swiss Army) tweezers. They've already come in handy for splinter removal and cleaning most every part of the SERE itself.

I love the deep pocket ride, but the guy who traded it to me said he thought it felt a little too loose in the clip. I think if the clip were tighter, it would not be very easy to draw from the pocket.

The highest ride knnife with a clip I've found is the CRKT M16-14 Ti.

Keith
 
I also have to agree with glockman99 as I found the knife wide, heavy and the blade too short for the handle weight. I know it is a strong knife but why carry such a heavy knife unless you expect to use it for self defense or for a purpose most folders are not designed to handle in the first place.

Of course this is MHO but I do respect the opinions of others who find the knife perfect for their purposes.
 
I was thinking on this, and perhaps the teflon washers wore out -because- you tighten the action of your knives.

Good choice to go to PB then.

CRKT also uses the teflon washers, and I enjoy those immensely!

Yes, the SERE may be overbuilt, and it is the heaviest knife in my EDC rotation (emerson Commander hasta be close in weight, tho). It is a nice counterpoint to my lighter EDCs like the CRKT M-16-13Ti (really light) or the Spydie Endura with FRN(or zytel? can't recall) handles.

Keith
 
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