Help me decide between these three folders...

W

Wildewinds

Joined
Nov 20, 2006
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So I'm planning on getting a new semi-large plain edged folder. I've narrowed my choice down to three options. I'd like your opinions and also any other similar styled knives in the ~$150 (or less) price range you think I should consider (please no Spydercos or CRKTs).

#1: Benchmade 710 I'm not sure if they make this knife anymore, but they're still available at a few shops. I guess I'm limited nowadays to the D2 version. Haven't decided between the silver or black blade.

710.jpg


#2: Benchmade Dark Star Elishewitz 880BT They don't make this one anymore. I think it's a sweet looking knife. Still available at a few places.

Benchmade880PPBack.gif


#3: Al Mar SERE 2000 I have another Al Mar knife on my key chain (Hawk Talon Ultralight) and it's been a great knife so far. It's definitely the sharpest factory sharpened knife I've ever had.

b_almarsere2000.jpg
 
first the dark star if you can find it, i prefer tip down carry.
second the 710, the axis lock is fantastic.
third al mar, thicker than the other two, but still very nice.
 
The Dark Star doesn't have any assisted opening, does it? I haven't been able to find much info about it.
 
I have all 3, and my order of preference goes to BM 710 (axis lock, 4" blade), Al MAr Sere 2000 (liner lock but built like a tank, slighty shorter blade), and to the Dark Star (liner lock, good but not in the same class as the other 2 locks).

The steel on all 3 is very good, even though you might have some preference towards one or the other. I personally prefer M2 (I have the 710HS model) and VG10 (the al mar) to the ATS 34 of the Dark Star, but it's really just a matter of personal like/dislike.

Hope that helps a bit,

Guido
 
Depends on if you want a really big knife. The 710 might have comparable dimensions to other large knives, but in real life, for some reason, it just defies the statistics. The thing is massive. And if that's what you're going for, the 710 is the one.

The Sere2k is a sweet knife too. I was never much for the dark star, looks wise.
 
The Al Mar SERE 2K is a big folder--I note that you said you were looking at "semi-large". Depends on what you are going to use it for, but the Benchmades might be more practical size-wise. BTW, I carry a Al Mar mini-SERE for EDC and find it useful for anything that I encounter. It's all up to you--I have a SERE, but it is so big, I don't carry it much.
 
I am a big fan of the sere 2000. But you would probably wouild like the mini sere better.
 
710, I just like it! Not as heavy as the SERE either, and IMO, more practical than a dagger shaped blade.
 
I have the BM710 in D2 and the Al Mar SERE 2K. I found that the SERE 2K was a bit heavy for pocket carry but it is in my Fatboy Jumbo. The 710 isn't exactly small either, but it does carry much nicer. Both are very well made. Agreed on the personal preference. I got my SERE 2K first and it was purchased with the intent of "If I had one and it had to do everything" line of thought. Heavy duty, not likely to break and easy to sharpen. The 710 was one that I sort of ran into by accident - I had heard so much about the 710, but never did hold one, and as soon as I did, I bought it:D The D2 part was the bonus, I think....it definitely holds an edge.

- gord
 
I really like the SERE2K.I held,played around with and now will eventually buy one.

MPE
 
I prefer the al mar mini-sere for edc, but I have 3 of the larger al mar sere's too, my favorite knife, pretty much :D
 
All three are winners for sure, but the Axis-lock is the real deciding factor IMO.

So, 710 all the way!:thumbup:
 
I have the Al Mar 2000 in my pocket while typing this. I absolutely love the knife. It's built like a tank and, to me at least, it's too heavy for EDC at all.

I also love my BM 710. It has a 1/2 longer blade than the Al Mar. Axis lock is a plus but if you are going to have a liner lock knife, the Al Mar SERE 2000 is quit possibly the best one out there.

You really can't go wrong with either knife. You'll probably end up with both of them sooner or later.

Regards
 
Check out the Al Mar Shrike. It has all the quality of the SERE but is not as heavy and bulky. It is my favorite Al Mar and I don't even like upswept tips very much. It is suck a nice knife that I am amazed that it is not more popular.

Do yourself a favor and go to a knife shop and hold one. If you still think one of the other ones are better, I will be shocked.
 
710, hands down. I like the SERE, especially how low it carries but is seems small compared to my 710's. You cant go wrong with any of them.
 
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