SERE 2000 Lockup

Aux · Feb 21, 2003

I am holding an Al Mar SERE 2000 in my hand, and I am unsure if it needs to be sent to Al Mar for repair/adjustment. There is some unexpected vertical play, given how much praise this folder gets here.

The liner normally seats just left of center, stopping where the bevel on the right side of the lockup surface of the blade begins - in other words, normal.

However, when pressure is applied to the spine, there is very slight give, and the liner shifts left, a tiny bit, but enough to be seen. The lock seems to "dig-in" at this point.

The only other liner-lock I carry, a Spyderco Viele, does not exhibit this lock shift, so I assume it needs to go in for adjustment. But I thought I would check with the experts here first!

jonmok · Feb 21, 2003

that isn't common, i would just go ahead and send it in

knifenerd · Feb 21, 2003

I agree. Don't take a chance with it. I'm sure they'll make it right for you.

boobar · Feb 21, 2003

Hey Aux, is that the Sere that you got from me? I am sorry you are having lockup problems. I never noticed any lockup problems but then again I never carried the knife, it was a permanent fixture in my safe. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do. later

Aux · Feb 21, 2003

Aux · Mar 22, 2003

Dang!

I have different one (from a different source) that exhibits the same play! Am I missing something here? These things seem to have an excellent reputation, but I am a bit disappointed.

When I grip the handle firmly (in a 'thumbs-up' grip with the thumb along the blade spine), and with the same hand press against the spine with my thumb , the blade moves towards closing slightly - enough to see, hear, and feel. Plus, in this grip, the insides of my fingers can feel the liner shift in the releasing direction! They acutally get a bit of a pinch.

This does not inspire confidence :grumpy: I am not applying excessive force, only that which I can apply with my thumb.

I double checked my Spyderco Viele, and it does not exhibit any liner flex with this test, nor does an old Rigid liner lock.

Two in a row. I may give up on liner locks completely now - except for my Viele.

TheBadGuy · Mar 22, 2003

My Sere 2000 has about as solid of a lock up as it gets. Send it in!

ErikD · Mar 22, 2003

I don't have any problems with mine. The lockup is great. Just a thought, is it at all possible that you are moving the liner as you grip it?

sph3ric pyramid · Mar 22, 2003

It's probably your grip, try shifting it, then checking for bladeplay.

On some of my linerlockers, when I white-knuckle grip them, the liner will shift, and there will be some noticeable vertical bladeplay. It may be that the knife simply doesn't suit your individual hand.

Also, try spinewhacking the knife a few times, then see if movement remains between initial lockup, and the "digging in" point.

Aux · Mar 22, 2003

The liner shift also happens if I hold the scales in my finger tips with one hand, with no part over the liner, and press the blade spine with the other.

It's just odd that two different samples exhibit the same behavior.