Sere 2k Vs. TSEK

[jokrswylde]

Ok, so maybe it isn't as exciting as Alien Vs. Predator...but for me it comes close. I finally got a brand new sere 2k from ebay (great price and 2 days to ship) And have been using it as my edc for 2 weeks and just thought I would share some thoughts. My 2 normal edc's are a 550s grip and an 805s Tsek. I have been very happy with this combo, but the sere changed all that. The grip will probably always be my utility knife, and the tsek was my backup/sd knife.
The first thing I noticed about the sere was how substantial this knife is. I am the first to admit that I would like another .25" length on the blade, but it is a very solid knife regardless. The knife locked up with 2 very impressive clicks and the liner lock was unbelieveable. The vg10 was the sharpest knife out of the box I have ever received (barely edging out the grip and a madagascar inlay bg42 sebbie) The spear point looks cool, and the scales felt like they were made for my hand. But is it enough to edge out the tsek? I made a generic pros and cons list and heres what I came up with ( I would love to hear your opinions).

1. Fit and finish - SERE 2k-it just feels more well made than the tsek IMO.
2. Lock- TSEK - If there is a linerlock that can compete with the axis, it is the sere, but falls just short.
3. Blade steel- Sere 2k - The vg10 has outperformed even my spydies with the same steel. I have had problem getting my the 440c of my tsek razor sharp on the sharpmaker..it feels really "thick" if that makes sense. My grip with 440c has always been razor sharp.
4. Price - TSEK- I got the BM for 20 bucks less.
5. Smoothness - TSEK - C'mon..it is an axis
6. Performance- Sere 2k- Both perform very well, but the sere 2k seems more sturdy than the tsek. I have felt the scales bend while gripping the tsek tight....no way that happens with the sere.

Very close knives in all categories I used to compare the knives. I guess what it boils down to is that the grip will remain my general utility knife. As for my sd/backup knife, if it came down to an emergency situation I just feel more comfortable knowing the sere 2k is in my pocket. Just my own gut feeling.

BTW- I know that TSEK and S.E.R.E both stand for something rescue/military..anyone tell me what the letters represent....I would love to get your feedback glockman.

-Seth

 

[glockman99]

....I would love to get your feedback glockman.

-Seth

...And here it is..

I have owned 3 SERE 2000 folders, and they ARE an excellent, well-built folder. The two things that I DIDN'T like about them:

1. I'm a "lefty"...The liner-lock of the SERE 2000 isn't, where the Axis-lock of the 805 TSEK is TOTALLY "lefty-friendly".

2. The blade of the SERE 2000 is too short for its' handle, and just too short, period...Another 3/4 inch WOULD be good.

On the other hand, I currently own a pair of the Benchmade 805 TSEKs (and EDC one of 'em as my "defensive/offensive" folder), and I really cannot find ANYTHING about 'em that I don't like or that I'd change about 'em...(Although, I WOULD like to have one with a 6 inch-long blade, just for "kicks" , the SLIGHTLY under 4" blade-length of the "805" is a good compromise length, that actually "acts" much longer than it is, due to the long handle. I like the blade-style of the 805 "better" than that of the SERE 2000, as it is a "better" slasher. I also like the longer handle of the 805, and its' "pointed" end, alot better than that of the smaller, and "flat" end of SERE 2000. I also feel that the cut-out for the index finger on the handle of the 805 TSEK makes it much more secure "in-hand" than the handle of the SERE 2000 during a hard stab.

What the SERE 2000 and the 805 TSEK share in-common are G-10 scales, dual stainless liners, reversable clips, dual thumb-studs, and very good steel...(Yes, I DO like "Benchmade's" 440C alot, and I really don't see the SERE 2000's VG10 to be all that much "better" than this 440C in actual use.).
They are also both very stout, and well-finished, with excellent workmanship.

 

[maximus otter]

SERE = Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape

TSEK = Tactical Safety Equipment Knife

I own the SERE. It's my single favourite folder.

maximus otter

 

[James Y]

I own a black SERE 2k and two TSEK's; one I got when the TSEK first came out, and a new version TSEK bought a couple months ago. The new TSEK is my main EDC at this time, with other knives as backup.

The TSEK has been upgraded subtley. The handle is now a little longer, the position of thumb studs are back a bit when opened. The locking position of the axis lock has been redesigned to lock up more securely. There is now a longer back-spacer to make the handle more solid with less flex. The washers have been changed from nylon/teflon(?) to phosphor-bronze, which are much more durable, slippery, and solid. I commented favorably in an e-mail to Benchmade and a rep replied that the improvements were due to input by users. I definitely love this knife.

The 2k is an awesomely made knife. The liner lock is perfect on it, and fit/finish and sharpness are top-notch. Unlike the BM, the 2k uses nylon-type washers, which may not be as long-lived, though with most use this probably will not be an issue. I like this knife a lot...but I don't really carry it yet. The thumb studs are a bit rough and long and sometimes get stuck when withdrawing from the pocket. And the shape of the TSEK is very natural to my hand. BM's 440C is possibly my favorite using steel in a folder. I also like the VG-10 a lot, but each has its advantages/disadvantages. There are some who think one or the other, but I am a fan of both. I know that BM's 440C takes and holds an excellent edge, is easy to care for, and is easy for me to resharpen. It also is tougher than some steels and has no brittleness issues.

I will admit my 2k has a better fit/finish, but the BM is still beautifully done, and is my choice for a daily user knife between the two. Besides, the 2k is, IMO, among the most beautifully fit/finished production knives around, so that says a lot. I can access the TSEK much more quickly and smoothly and it feels more streamlined to me. It is also plenty tough, much more so with the upgrades.

But in the end, it's all a matter of personal choice, because both are perfect examples of the high quality of modern production knives today.
Jim

 

[SIFU1A]

its all just personal choice, or aesthetics, they are both good knives although i would much rather have a 806D2 vs the TSEK, i have never liked there looks, but again, its just what ya like,