Request for review of ALMAR SERE 2000 manual

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Nakano 2

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Jan 1, 1999
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I am particularly interested in whether or not anyone who has put it thru serious USE have been able to defeat its liner lock mechanism. Thanks.

Nakano
 
Here's a review I did on this knife a while ago. Currently I have sent it back to Al Mar for repairs. I haven't heard anything yet.

SERE2K Review
 
Thank you all. Greg, that was a fine review job. The current models are marked with SERE 2000. And have no serrations on the top of thumb rest.

I recently obtained a SERE 2000. Two things that need improvement:

1) The perimeters of the steel liners are quite sharp! White knuckle grip it and see. I' m not sure if the first/ older production models have this. They need to be slightly radiused. The G10 scales are nicely done in this respect.

2) Personal for me- wish it was tip down carry capable. :( There is enough room for a standard 3 hole clip to rest comfortably...

Additionally I noticed that the locking liner, the forward half, protrudes a bit from its respective G10 scale. I think this magnifies the bite that my hand is experiencing while in a white knuckle sabre grip. The rear half is just about flush. Anyone else have this and #1?

Please continue to give your experience here concerning the SERE 2000. Thanks.

Nakano
 
I know a few members like Kodiak and rdangerer have had some lock failure problems. I assume these knives were from the first run, or first year. The SERE 2000, to me, appears to be a great example of a company listening to the complaints of their consumers. My impression is that the newer knives, those perhaps stamped with "Sere 2000 Japan," are free of these problems. In any event, if you get a good specimen like I did (which you should), you will have one OUTSTANDING knife. The quality you will get is amazing for $120. I love mine.
 
Mine is the recent black blade, black clip version. I find the handle to be one of the most comfortable I've ever handled.

It is very "handle-heavy", but I have no problem with that.

Some have felt that there is not enough blade length for the handle size. I feel that 3.6 in. is plenty of blade.

As to the lock up, my sample has about the strongest lock I've ever seen, short of a Sebenza.

I am not an advocate of "spine whacking", but I have done a bit of moderate tapping on the spine and have not been able to get it to fail.

Slow twisting motions have also not caused any lock failure.

The VG 10 steel is great and the grind lines and edge geometry are in the custom class.

Overall, I'm very pleased with this knife. I've been carrying it almost daily for about a month, so that says something to me right there.

As I subject it to more rigorous use, I'll report back.

Good luck with your SERE 2000.:)
 
Mine is the older version. I sent the knife back a few weeks ago to see if they will repair/replace it. I haven't heard anything yet. I am not sure of Al Mar's customer service--I haven't heard of anyone using their repair service. Is it like Buck or Spyderco? Anyone have any experience with their CS?

Thank you.
 
I have one of the newer ones, and it is as nice as any factory knife I have owned. Perfect lockup with no blade play. As close to perfect as grinds get from the factory. In fact, only a handful of custom makers grind with more precision. I love this knife, but the thumbstud does occasionally catch on my pocket when I pull the knife out. I really like the fact that I only paid $90 for mine.
 
Ah, that darn thumb stud(s) catching the pants. Probably less severe with tip DOWN carry.

Folks, again, please look closely at the locking liner. Specifically, the forward half length. Does it protrude pass its respective scale or is it flush?? This may exasperate the problem of the forefinger possibly moving the liner while in a white knuckle grip. And thus possibly compromising its lockup.

Nakano
 
On mine, the liner protrudes very slightly above the G-10 scale (maybe 1/32 in).

I have no probs. with the liner disengaging when doing slow, twisting moves, which IMHO, is a fairly good test of the integrity of a liner-lock knife.

It also holds with MILD spine-whacking.
 
I really like my SERE 2K, have had no problems with lock failure. Mine is very, very solid. Sooner or later I'll file down the thumb studs a little, but haven't gotten around to it yet. Complaints? I don't like G10 in general, and find the SERE's scales to be a bit bulky. I wish the Al Mar people would offer a SERE with anodized aluminum scales, or maybe titanium.
 
Originally posted by Nathan S
I wish the Al Mar people would offer a SERE with anodized aluminum scales, or maybe titanium.
Click to expand...

I really like the SERE. One helluva folder. My only complaint was the thumb studs. A little too sharp for my liking.

G-10 is fine with me, but a titanium framelock version wouldn't hurt my feelings any. :D
 
I just got another SERE 2000. I had it shipped to gary Graley for a custom sheath before it came to me.

attachment.php


The new SERE locks up rock solid. Passes the spine whack test with flying colors. Also the studs arent as sharp and don't stick out so far. There is no blade play in any direction.

The sheath also kicks major butt as well. It allows for secure carry and easy access. I think it looks good as well. The S2K and a G2 sheath make for a winning combo.
 
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