Are Al Mar knives worth the cash?

I have a Mini Sere folder from the first production run of 200 ... its VG-10 ... its a great EDC and takes an incredible edge ... I believe Seki produces them but definately a solid well made knife
 
SERE 2K is a great outdoor carry knife, but it can be a poor EDC depending on your daily use. Because it's designed for outdoor, it's very beefy (heavy), and it has extended thumb studs to accommodate gloves. I found out (the hard way) that the stud can catch on the rim of the pants pocket, and cause the knife to open unexpectedly in the pocket when I drew it out.
 
A dark blue G10 HD Eagle in ZDP189 exclusive just became available. Dealer is a non BF sponsor though.

Should make for a handsome EDC if 4 inch lightweight carry is your thing.
 
Original Al Mar knives, meaning those made when Al was alive, are indeed worth the cash. I have SERE folder with green micarta scales, and gold cartouche. Later, I was lucky to score a 5th Special Forces (Abn) bowie. Both knives were made in SEKI, Japan. The fit, and finish is impeccable. They are expensive, but only for those who don't know what their looking at.

[top to bottom: Boker Walter Brend folder, 5th SF bowie, and folding SERE ~

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Vintage mars are worth the cash.
But they have evolved into a form of speculative object d'art.
Which appears to have the current al mar brand somewhat forever bound in the shadow of a tough ghostly act...
And that happens to be the work of superior past branding and marketing laid by the late master knife designer al mar.
 
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GIRLYmann said:
Vintage mars are worth the cash.
But they have evolved into a form of speculative object d'art.
Which appears to have the current al mar brand somewhat forever bound in the shadow of a tough ghostly act...
And that happens to be the work of superior past branding and marketing laid by the late master knife designer al mar.
Click to expand...

What...:confused:
 
Current production Al Mar blades are great. Kirk Rexroat has some designs (Payara, Nomad, Shrike) that are distinctive and executed very well. My Payara has zero blade play, yet the action feels as though it has zero resistance. Great lock up. The ergonomics are magical in hand. G-10 scales feel like there are no seams at all where they marry steel liners. Blade grind is gorgeous. Blade centering is perfect. It has a weak detent, which feels intentional for this one (tip down, large blade tactical folder).

The F&F is truly exceptional.

I'd love to add a Nomad.
 
I picked up a beaten up eagle folder and although the tip was mangled and reground. And I love it. (you hardly notice it in your pocket)
 
Really enjoyed reading this thread, now thinking about getting an Al Mar. The Eagle with ZDP is actually ZDP clad with AUS-8 on the outside, correct?
 
Hello all, new to the forum so hooe you don't mind me asking for advice. I've just inherited a collection of Al Mar sheath knives. One is a Presidential Bowie in presentation box, another is a similar sized bowie with a plain brass back. I would really appreciate any advice or information. Thanks
 
mountainavenue said:
Hello all, new to the forum so hooe you don't mind me asking for advice. I've just inherited a collection of Al Mar sheath knives. One is a Presidential Bowie in presentation box, another is a similar sized bowie with a plain brass back. I would really appreciate any advice or information. Thanks
Click to expand...

Welcome to the forums!! Post some pics of your collection for us when you get a chance.
 
You can still post pics if you use an image hosting website (photobucket, imgur, etc.). You can find instructions in the stickies. Would love to see pics.
 
Al Mar makes excellent knives. I highly recommend them. It's a big mistake to assume they're not worth the price just because don't use the latest super-duper steels (ZDP-189 being an exception).

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A few weeks ago i took some new pics of my vintage Al Mar Denali mid-backlock folding knife with hollow ground blade from the 1980's and made in Japan. (probably by Moki)
The cocobolo handle is inlayed with a gold shield picturing a fighter plane and the text "United States Navy Fighter Weapons School".
The 1986 movie "Top Gun" with Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis was partly filmed on the grounds of this elite school for US Navy pilots.
Bernard Levine thinks this version with the gold shield was a special edition, not standard production.
The original edge measured about 35 degrees inclusive and wasn't really sharp, so i changed the angle to 30 degrees inclusive with a treetopping sharp bling & bite finish.















Specs:

Length open: 6.8 inches (17,3 cm)
Length closed: 3.94 inches (10,0 cm)
Blade length: 2.95 inches (7,5 cm)
Blade thickness: 3,0 mm
Steel: Masahiro RS30 stainless steel
Hardness: 57-58 HRC (?)
Handle material: Cocobolo wood & satin stainless bolsters on brass liners
Handle thickness: 11,0 mm
Lock type: Mid-backlock
Weight: 100 grams
 
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Al Mar knives are among the elite of the best production (and some custom) knives on the planet.
 
Vintage Al Mar Combat, probably made by G.Sakai, Japan in the late 80's.





Specs:

Overall length: 13.27 inches) (33,7 cm)
Blade length: 7.76 inches (19,7 cm)
Blade thickness: 5,95 mm
Steel: most likely AMS6 (AUS6) stainless steel
Handle material: Leather washers, brass guard, stainless pommel.
Gewicht: 367 grams
Sheath: Leather
 
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