Al Mar SERE 2000, some opinions please

C

CoelacanthNZ

Joined
Apr 21, 2015
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Keen to get some feedback on the good ol SERE in terms of ease of use for edc - I like fast deploy, not too worried about size or weight..

This is a expensive knife where I live and I wonder if it is outclassed by others in it's price range - framelocks etc...

Hit me.
 
I own one and my opinion now is that is it seriously over-priced. It used to be a great knife worthy of the high price tag, but not any more. The world has moved on. To illustrate ... I recently got myself the ZT0452CF for $220, same price as a SERE, but they are worlds apart. There is no way on this beautiful earth that the SERE2000 is as good as the ZT. With ZT you also get excellent after-sales service just about anywhere on earth. With Al Mar products there is zero after-sales service (I know, I've tried them, zero response).

I use ZT as an example. Benchmade and Spyderco (to name a few) will also give you much better options for the price. For $100 less the Spyderco ParaMilitary2 is already a better option.

I take it you live in New Zealand. I strongly suggest you buy and import your knives from online dealers (mostly in the US). You will save a lot of money and be able to get way more for the money.
 
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The SERE 2000 is one of the highest quality knives in the price range. The level of fit and finish is incredible. If I remember correctly, they're made in Japan at the same factory that makes Falkniven. The SERE 2000 is a bit heavy, but the heat treated steel lock and other features make the weight worth it for such a great all around knife. The only thing I didn't like about it is the nylon washers, but they're the same kind that Hinderer uses so they can't be that bad. I just prefer phosphor bronze washers.

If all you see is materials, then you will never be able to enjoy a SERE 2000 because it's "only" VG10 and G10, a Sebenza because it's "only" S35VN and titanium, or a Mercedes/BMW/Lexus because it's "only" steel and plastic and rubber. Design, fit and finish make a huge difference and the SERE 2000 oozes quality.

I've had great experience with Al Mar's customer service, you just have to get ahold of the right person. They mailed me a bunch of parts, free of cost, and didn't give me any grief about disassembling my knife.
 
I've had one for about 10 years. I don't carry it anymore but I will keep it forever. It's a beautiful piece of cutlery with superb fit and finish. It really excels in handling due to the size, shape and weight of the handle. Opening and closing is buttery smooth. Blade material wise, VG10 is my favorite steel. I prefer VG10 to S30V, S35VN and other "super" stainless steel knives I own. VG10 is easy to sharpen and maintain whereas the other steels can be slow to return to sharpness. VG10 is kinda like carbon steel in that respect--easy to get really sharp really easy.

The reason I don't carry the SERE 2000 anymore is that it is a heavy, thick knife and, these days, I prefer thinner, lighter weight knives in the same general size.
 
I had a SERE 2000, I traded that one off, I really wish i handn't, I miss that knife!
It was smooth and sharpened up nicely. I actually took this one apart and was super impressed with the construction.
It uses steel liners but they go together so solidly that even without tightening the pivot screw, I didn't get any side to side play.

I like the detent pressure, and it's centered. In my humble opinion, I think it's a very good knife.... It's solid as all hell, the VG-10 is easy to sharpen and has great corrosion resistance and edge retention.

A SERE is a SERE and there are no others like it, it's a nicely (very well built) semi beefy folder..... Ooh and that dagger grind, don't get me started lol. I think you'll really like it, if you are already sold on the looks and ergos, the performance won't let you down.

If its an easy opener (with semi beefy ergos) you're looking for, I think the ZT 0620 or ZT 0630 are worth a look as well.

Good Luck!
 
Beautiful, exceptionally made knives. Look to buy them used to undercut the high MSRP. I just sold 2 for about $125 each.
 
I've only had mine for a few weeks, and I Really like it. It came very sharp, and all its needed so far is a bit of stropping. The action is very smooth and just getting smoother :D
 
I went to my local dealer to check one of these out. I had read many reviews and such, so I was eager to see. Long story short, I ended up buying a Domino. I just couldn't put the price to the feel, if you know what I mean? Given this is a nice knife, the build quality seemed nice and of course, I have never owned one so my observations were based on there and then. I was lucky that I could go check it out, my perception was underwhelmed.
Just my take.
Cheers
 
It is not for everyone. For those who enjoy a classic design, great fit and finish, and simplicity, this is a good knife. For those looking for the latest and greatest at a value price, this is not it. People jump at the price point because its "only VG-10." Look at what Emerson and Hogue charge for 154cm, and many of Spyderco's newer knives are VG-10 in this same price range (Karahawk, Nilakka, Battlestation, Tatanka). VG-10 is a great steel. I very much prefer it to S30V.

I don't own one, but have considered it many times. I am generally not all that choosy about steel, as long as its 154cm or better (with the exception of S30V, bleh). However, I will say I get my jollies from bearing flippers and spydieholes. Just can't stand thumbstuds, but to each their own.

Best of luck, whatever you choose,


K.O.D.
 
The Sere 2K is an exceptional knife. They are extremely well made. The fit and finish screams quality. They are heavy, but so stout because of it that I don't mind the weight at all. They are also buttery smooth to open and close.
When locked open mine is like a fixed blade. I've had mine for quite a long time. It's developed a lot of character over the years and the use. It's one of my absolute favorite knives. And you know what? I traded for mine on a whim thinking I wouldn't like it. Once I got that beast in my hands though, I knew it was "my knife". I sold off every other production folder that was close to the same size because the Sere kicked all of em out of my pocket. I didn't carry any other folder for well over 10 years. I've owned hundreds of folders, and the Sere 2K will always be one of the best, and one of my very favorite trusted companions.
Good luck and enjoy! If you get one, use the heck out of that sucker, and post pics.



 
I own 3 SEREs one being the mini. All 3 are top shelf quality knives. There must be enough high quality steel in a full size SERE to make 2 Benchmades or 3 1/2 Spydercos. Yes it is not an Axis Lock but the traditional locking system it does have is perfectly manufactured and locks up perfect with a quality sounding click. Yes the full sizer is heavy but the thing about the Seres are(at least one thing)is that the ergonomics are stone cold perfect. The fit and finish beats any Benchmade, Spyderco and even ZT I have seen and I have about a dozen of each of those. The big black SERE features some of the highest quality and hand finished G10 you will ever see. All the G10 contouring is hand done to impossible clearances. A LOT of labor goes into a SERE.

All the steel in a SERE from the liners to the blade to even the screws are perfectly hardened, heat treated etc. The Seki factory is a 1000 year old sword making factory which is where these are made. I put my SEREs VG10 blade quality above American S30V VG10 may be inferior in its make up but it is just made to a higher standard than any US S30V Ive used. The blade takes a crazy edge pretty easily on my Sharpmaker and strops and holds it for a very very long time. My SERE blades have yet to rust, stain or pit or even chip.

Lastly I will add that the Mini Sere is just as well done as the regular Sere. It was my Mini that I bought last out of the 3. I had read a couple bad reviews and opinions on it on these very forums but once I got one it is my opinion that those ppl just have there heads stuck in the latest super steel or were just brand snobs because the Mini is SOOO damn good! Also worth every penny and far easier to EDC. Aside from weight all the praise for the big one falls just as well to the Mini. Unless you have pretty big hands the ergos on the Mini are just as good and everything is just as expertly well done. Thought I was going to hate it when I ordered it and was flat blown away by it when I recieved it. I was expecting some kind of quality loss with the size loss but that is just not the case. Its also the reason the Mini costs just as much as the big one they pulled off all that pefect execution on a smaller scale.

As you may have noticed I love my Mars. What started with the SEREs grew into having 6 different Mars all of which exhibit superior ergos and design that you just do not find in mass produced Benchmades etc. I marvel at all the steel in my Mini being all just as perfectly executed and built as the big one. A firm named Moki of Japan has the Al Mar Seki contract currently and have done an actual perfect job in bringing up their end of the Mar contract. I have never ever heard of anyone ever even recieving a defective Mar. Im sure it happens but the likely hood is very low. Good luck
 
I am totally sold.....!

I spent hours scanning here there and everywhere for a spearpoint knife that I prefer the look of - and I cant. Not to mention the old school charm. I mean there are plenty of great looking knives out there but I can help but feeling so much of what you are spending money on with some of these is their industrial look. I am sure they are ridiculously strong, but I am not going to running over the knife with a bulldozer. Anyhow - I have paid my down payment on a black/satin SERE 2000 full size version....... cant wait to get it. For now I just have be content with the Benchmade Brend Talon II which just arrived........... life sux!
 
Congratulations! Been using a simple Sharpmaker and strop to touch mine up when needed. I love the spearpoint as well Mar just nailed the design. You will notice how thick the blade actually is looking down on it. Will be sending my oldest Sere and my Mini out for some real edge love and a full on Wicked Edge professional sharpen and mirror polish next week...they just...deserve it..Oh when you get it look down inside into the end of it there is a big chunk of stainless there means with the knife open or closed knocking an attacker in the head with the butt of the knife can be very effective as well. Once you get and hopefully EDC it full time a couple days then try using and carrying around some "modern" super duper this and that knife and you should notice that likely none of them feel as good in the hand as the Mar will..its all in the Mars details which are basically custom level...
 
Woohoo! Another convert! Congrats, and enjoy the knife. Post pics when you get it and post a few after you use it a while. :thumbup:
 
Congrats man! I pulled the trigger on my SERE 2000 a couple years back and it will never leave my collection. It doesn't get as much pocket time as some of my other lighter options but I feel it is a must own for anyone interested in a true tactical folder with heritage. Well designed, well built and excellent fit and finish. You will not regret it:thumbup:
 
The SERE 2000 is a knife that I keep looking at, I've held and handled a few, though I haven't bought one. I think they are fantastic knives, but I keep telling myself that I don't collect knives, I only buy ones I'll use. And for the type of knife the SERE is I have others I would prefer to use, so it would end up living in my safe. But based on my limited experience with the SERE, I definitely feel like if it is a knife that appeals to you strongly, it is hard to beat.
 
the SERE has an interesting history behind too i believe, as Colonel Nick Rowe helped design it, he was a vietnam POW who wrote the book 5 years to freedom
 
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