New Knife - Al Mar SERE Operator 40

Today I will present something as interesting as a new...old knife. What do I mean by that? Well, this model has been produced before and also in several different editions. Among others, it was manufactured by TOPS* a few years ago and then of course by Al Mar themselves back in the day. The original did not have the three tubes to attach the handle sides but screws instead and was slightly larger. Otherwise, this version and the original are very similar.

This is, as the title says, the SERE Operator 40, which is now back in the range, something that makes me glad.

Al Mar SERE Operator 40

It is enough to look at the dimensions and you will understand that this is both an all-round and very well-thought-out utility knife. Certainly, it looks a tad aggressive with its spearpoint blade or as Al Mar chooses to call it "talon", which to most others refers to a completely different blade shape. But if you study the design of the edge, the height of the primary bevel, and the length and thickness of the blade, you begin to approach a sturdier Mora knife in format, say Bushcraft Black for example, even if this knife is older.

The SERE Operator measures no more than 8" or 203 mm in total length and the blade is 4" or just over a decimeter long. It weighs as little as 275 g with the sheath and the knife at 177 g. It's good for a full-tang knife. This model can also be had in a smaller version with a 3" long blade.

A modern classic is back in production!

The blade features D2 steel with a stated hardness of 59-60HRC and the handle is made of polished G10. The sides are attached with three steel tubes. The finish is good.

The sheath is made of composite plastic and comes with a variant of a Tec-Lok mount that fits most things from belts and backpacks to MOLLE systems.

Overall it's a very interesting package and in my eyes, it's a damn good-looking knife. A modern classic. I look forward to testing and reviewing this in the spring which hopefully will be here soon.

Al Mar

/ J 

*A variant that, however, deviates from the original on several points.