Who still likes their SERE 2k?

HoB

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May 12, 2004
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I did a search recently and found many thread, talking about the qualities of the AlMar SERE 2000, and some of its problems as well. But those were pretty old threads. It seems to have gone very quite around what seems to have been once a highly regarded, very popular knife.

So, who still likes their SERE? Or as it mostly been surpassed by newer models? How does it hold up to other classics like the 710 or the Military?
 
I like the styling and symmetry on the handle and blade of the SERE 2000. I got the plain edge with the black finish. It opens quickly and the lock clicks in very assuringly: The lock-up really blocks the blade. I especially like the pocket clip: It goes to the top of the handle, which makes the knife seat deeply in a pocket.

I will say that it is significantly heavier in weight than my Spyderco Military. The Military feels like it weighs as much as a pack of gum. The SERE feels like a candy bar.

What problems did others comment regarding the SERE? I think it's top shape for rough handling and as a beater. :D I would happily cut rope or cardboard boxes without worrying.

r
 
The S2k, Military and MT Amphibian M/A are my EDCs.

The Sere is built very, very well for a production knife - solid lockup, no play, nice even grind. It also has a utilitarian blade, with a nice sharp point that's not as delicate as it might look at first. It rides very low in the pocket, with a comfortable, compact heft. Very happy with VG10s edge retention and ease of sharpening.

No complaints, really, except I sometimes wish the blade was a *bit* larger, and the thumb studs are a little sharp, but overall I prefer it to my 710HS and consider it the equal of both my S30V Millie and the Amphibian.
 
My SERE is one of the few liner locks I like. The handle is very ergonomic, the blade steel is easy to sharpen, the liner is somewhat thick and very sturdy. The overall size is not too big and not too small for use in the field. Apparently, the knife was designed by Mar and an Army colonel for the Army's SERE school. They did their job well. A well thought out knife, one of the few I'd trust for survival.
 
The SERE 2000 is an awesome knife! The only complaint I had(and, it's not really a complaint), is that the knife sets so deep in your pocket, that it's not the quickest to deploy. Again, this isn't much of a problem, unless you're a Mall Ninja and need to covertly deanimate somebody(while watching for bloodspray, of course) at Rue 21. ;) :D
 
Dual thumblugs allow my SERE 2000 to see regular carry in my left front pocket.....work or casual environment. I'm not one who constantly searches to "upgrade" so I doubt its bulk or weight will ever be the reason for its replacement as one of my EDCs. As I've posted here before, I think the 2K represents a terrific value in the cutlery world.:cool:
 
I purchased one a while back and there are no quality problems. The knife is absolutely built like a tank. I like the deep pocket carry but it doesn't get much time in the rotation due to its size (very thick handle) and weight. Those, however, are just personal preferences but the build quality is first rate.
 
I have a Black Blade, Black clip model that I carry most days here lately!

IMHO the SERE 2000 has to be one of the BEST bangs for the Buck in production knives! :thumbup:
 
Sere 2Ks get scary sharp and stay that way. One of the best knives you could ever buy imho.
 
A very well built knife, with the perfect size handle. I'll second the comment about the tip not being nearly as delicate as it looks. I EDC this knife every day both at work as a Fireman on a heavy rescue and at home. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat if I lost my current one.
 
IMO, the only thing that improves the S2K is getting the Vallaton scale release double action conversion! :thumbup:
 
Still like my SERE 2K, and intend to hang on to it, but I now carry a large classic Sebenza with micarta inlay.
 
It's good to see that such a classic still has followers. I got inspired by the Jan 06 edition of Blade, when I noticed that of all folders the SERE 2k is problaby closest to a classic chute knife.
 
I like my SERE 2000. It's a solid knife and finished well. However, I find it a little to big and bulky. It is also a liner lock, but I'm not worried about the lock failing, I just don't prefer a liner lock as far as operating the knife. It isn't as quick and easy to open and CLOSE as an AXIS lock knife. So for EDC I want to grab whatever knife I have that will perform the best for me, so my BM710 is my EDC, the SERE 2000 sits with the rest of my collection.

I know there have been some people that raved about the SERE 2000 until they experience a BM Axis lock and then the SERE 2000 took a back seat.

Also, and maybe this is just my SEREE 2000, I find it kind of uncomfortable in my hand. Basically the steel liners feel like they have a very sharp edge on them and they catch and dig into my skin. I hear the finish is so nice on this knife because Al Mar slaps together what maybe a less than perfect bunch of parts and then grinds and smooths everything out after assembly so everything will be flush.

Now, if this is the case, it means those steel liners are going to be polished or ground flush with the g-10 handles. This means they can't round or smooth out the edges of the steel liners. They become like a sharp hockey skate. I believe this is why they feel like they are cutting into my hand when I grip the knife firmly. Maybe I could run a dremel around the edges of the liners to slighly round off any sharp edges, but this might be something Al Mar could do before sending them out.

I just grabbed my SERE 2000 to see where it's giving me the most discomfort and it seems to mostly be around where my index and and middle finger grip the knife. When the liner lock is engaged it exposes a sharp section of g-10 and then the liner lock itself has sharp edges that irritate my fingers.

So I may go over this and try and smooth things out. I'm just curious if anyone else has noticed this, or if my SERE 2000 wasn't smoothed out as well as it could have been.
 
IMHO the BEST made liner locking folder today. Very high fit and finish. Just break the edges of the liners with a stone, kind of like dehorning a hand gun. Simple to do and makes a great knife even better. keepem sharp
 
Danbo said:
The SERE 2000 is an awesome knife! The only complaint I had(and, it's not really a complaint), is that the knife sets so deep in your pocket, that it's not the quickest to deploy. Again, this isn't much of a problem, unless you're a Mall Ninja and need to covertly deanimate somebody(while watching for bloodspray, of course) at Rue 21. ;) :D

I agree 100%. Other than quick access, the knife is a gem.:thumbup:
 
longbow said:
IMHO the BEST made liner locking folder today. Very high fit and finish. Just break the edges of the liners with a stone, kind of like dehorning a hand gun. Simple to do and makes a great knife even better. keepem sharp

Good idea! I'll try the sharpmaker grey stones since they may have enough of a point to get in there. :)
 
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