New Knife - Al Mar SERE Operator

- or there is a difference between Operator and Operator

Friends of order with a good memory probably feel that their fingers are itching and would like to point out that I have already presented a knife called the Al Mar SERE Operator 40. That is certainly completely correct, but look, it is not the same knife. The names are similar, and so is the knife, as they are based on the same basic model.

This particular numbered version came in a very special box

Just as the specifications differ slightly, so does the name. The correct name for this model is the Al Mar SERE Operator, or more accurately, the 4" Al Mar SERE Operator Knife. The latter is more of a  designation, I guess.

In addition to the knife, the box contained some other goodies.

There are a number of points on which these knives differ. In fact, there are so many that it is basically a different knife with similar characteristics. I therefore intend to present a comparison between them at a later date.

Simply put, it can be said that in addition to both knives having G10 in the grip, the materials are different, while all the dimensions have been changed. Overall, this knife is lighter and even more agile to handle than its predecessor. It can then be added that both models are slightly smaller than the original, which had a five-inch blade, which essentially makes them a "mini SERE".

Specifically, it means a knife that is quite modest in size with a blade length that the name suggests, four inches or just over ten centimetres. This gives a total length of 222 mm (8.75"). The blade has a material thickness of 3.3 mm (0.13"). The handle is also thin, smooth and lightweight, which gives the knife itself a weight of as low as 126g (4.5 oz).

The handle material is G10, which has a thin red line closest to the tang as decoration. Very stylish and alludes to Al Mars' black-red theme. 

The blade shape is Al Mar's classic "Talon" or, as most would identify it ", a quintessential spear-point". The steel used is the proven 154CM, which has been given a dark grey tumbled finish.

The knife is complemented by a Kydex sheath. It is noticeable that there is quality in it as well as it has just the right resistance to keep the knife in a firm grip while being easy to draw. In addition, the knife is completely silent when it is in the sheath. No rattle here!

The sheath has a swivel clip in spring steel that fits most belts. For the extra knowledgeable, this construction may reveal who manufactures this knife for Al Mar.

SERE Operator comes with a Kydex sheath equipped with TOPS's custom metal clip

I don't usually comment on how knives are packaged or how the boxes look, but in this case, it's something completely special! This particular copy happens to be a numbered edition (no. 10/500) and a press release variant and therefore comes in this very special box.

More specifically, it's an ammunition box where dimensions and specifications are written on the outside in the same way as if the contents were cartridges.

For once, the packaging doesn't feel exaggerated, as this knife really sparks. One of the things behind it is that, unlike the previous model, it is not made in China.

AL Mar SERE Operator made by TOPS Knives

Al Mar SERE Operator is instead made in the USA, more specifically in Idaho. That's where TOPS Knives is located, and they are the ones who are responsible for the manufacturing expertise in this case. For those who know their knives for outdoor use, military, police and other similar professional groups, there is hardly any need for an introduction. It can only be stated that they are of the absolute highest possible quality.

The same impression is immediately given by the SERE Operator. Especially since the restrained format paired with excellent balance gives a knife that literally radiates competence. This is underlined, as I said, by a build quality including the case that is of an exceptionally high level.

Therefore, it will be a true joy to carry, use and review this knife. SERE Operator invites to be carried and screams to be used.

Al Mar Knives

/ J - excited

Emptiness

I am currently suffering from severe withdrawal. One that is particularly difficult to overcome, as there are few cures. I suffer from nonthrowiensis. A condition that arises as a result of a shocking absence of knife throwing.

Summertime, throwing times

At this point, I had hoped that spring would start to show small signs of coming. That was the case last year and the year before that, for example. This year it is different. The snow is, although not thick, at least present, and the temperatures the last few nights have been between -15 and -20 degrees. During the day, a little warmer, but instead the temperatures have been accompanied by a steady and icy wind of between five and ten meters per second with gusts above it. It has been like that for several weeks now. The only advantage of that is that the sun came along with it. It is brighter that way anyway.

    The state of affairs feels a bit sad. February 2026

Now, it doesn't help my throwing in the slightest. The snow covers the training arena, the targets are frozen lumps of ice, and the knives are too cold to hold. Sure, it's possible to throw the occasional throw. You can always do that on some dead stump in the forest. But the circumstances don't allow for training. That means repeating things you're not so good at or details you want to improve.

Training at the end of last season

What makes it all the more frustrating is that I can't avoid taking note of all the friends, competitors or whatever you want to call other throwers who train either indoors or in a warmer climate than here.

They are all thrower friends, but the word "competitor" comes up unbidden as several of them intend to compete in the same U.K.A.T World Championships as I next summer. As the event takes place in northern Italy, more specifically in Carpi, the weather shouldn't be an obstacle. Although who knows in these times. Maybe there will be torrential rain and flooding.

In any case, I can't help but see the progress they are making. Fun for them, but slightly anxiety-provoking for me.

Swedish Championship targets from 2025, hopefully, there will be more Championships for me

The main goal for 2026

In addition to that, I am passionate about getting the newly started but so far dormant section in VAIS called Växjö Sportkastning started. The actual training activities are, of course, weather-dependent, but there are a lot of other things to do along the way. Now we need to procure target material and timber for a couple of sturdy target stands. Maybe even one for distance throwing and possibly for silhouette throwing. We'll see what happens.

/ J - the thrower