Pulled the trigger on Al Mar SERE MINI BLACK

M

mostel

Joined
Sep 1, 2011
Messages
43
hey guys,
yeah i gotta post some pics... but for now, just a quick first impression. This is a stunning knife of probably perfect proportions and Sebenza level fit, finish, and execution, maybe even nicer, in some ways.

Lock up, zero play.

Big (for a small knife) handle with nice ergos, slightly heavy in a good way. Black blade, stunning with the red Japanese AM logo design on it. Thick red ink.

Open and close is sweeeeeet.

Sometimes you get a knife new and know in 5 seconds its a keeper.

I read at least one review of a guy who was very disappointed with the mini vs. the full size SERE. he complained of various let downs in comparison. I have never owned a full size, but this knife oozes core quality. No criticism just yet, except maaaaaybe it miiiight need some grease on the close.

very fine, very strong, beautifully designed. easily pocketable.

I'll get some pics up and more thoughts up soon.

Damn sweet knife!
 
Congrats on a nice knife. I'm a big fan of Al Mar knives. They are pricey, but f&f is always excellent. Their VG-10 is fantastic too.
 
I also fell in love with this knife too, the minute I picked it up. Small knife with a very stout feel to it, and it rode deep in the pocket. Mine very quickly developed severe vertical blade play. Shortly after this I found another one BNIB on sale at a local knife shop and decided to pull the trigger and get another one. The second knife developed the same vertical blade play. After that I swore off Al Mar. Neither example of the knives I received justified the premium they ask for their products. I am glad you are liking yours and I hope you got a good one.
 
I have had two Mini SEREs and neither has had any problems whatsoever. In fact, I’ve had 4 Al Mars and none has developed any issues at all. Al Mar has shown me the best continuity in QC of any maker I’ve had experience with, and I’ve owned most production brands.

My first Mini SERE was a black blade version. I usually don't like coated blades but I really like the SERE's. The coating was the best I've ever had on a folder. I bought a satin version for my next one.

I love the mini SERE. It is easily in my top ten folders for all time. It’s one of the few knives I’ve re-bought. If I had to pair-down my collection to two folders, the mini SERE would be one of them. I could let my XM-18 go first since it’s really not that good of an EDC, great survival folder, not a great EDC.

I agree with the OP about the F&F being as good as it is. Swiss watch, jewel like, quality that you have to feel to believe. The handles are great, the action is really smooth, the weight is just right, the pocket clip is the gold standard. (Although I really like Spydercos wire clips too).

I really think the reason the mini SERE isn’t mentioned more on these forums is that it isn’t the latest and greatest. The new stuff gets the attention and the accolades even though most of them aren't as good as the Al Mars.

I happen to like folders in the 3” blade category better than any other size, and the folder I compare them to is the mini SERE. Very few are as good in all categories as the Al Mar.

It’s strange, but I don’t like the full sized SERE nearly as well. Some folders just work better in certain sizes and the SERE is one of those that works best in the smaller version.

I did recently buy a folder that comes very close to the perfection of the mini SERE. It’s the Fantoni HB-02. Best small-tac I’ve ever had since the mini.
 
Thanks for replies guys--coming a little late here with my reply--but may as well mention how much I LOOOOVE this Al Mar. LOOOOOOOOVE!!! I'll check out Fantoni, thank you.
 
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