September

Yes, it has been September for a while now. Some might think it’s a bit late to be writing about a new month at this stage. But there are reasons why I’m running a little behind. Life got in the way—a phenomenon many of you will surely recognize. There have been some extremely positive events, and one that was less cheerful. For instance, my dear wife and I went on a trip to Dublin, where, among other things, we saw Bon Jovi. There is a lot to tell about that, but I’ll save it for another time.

However, things took a much sadder turn after that. My beloved grandmother passed away at the age of 92. That is a respectable age, yet the grief and sense of loss remain. She was one of the people who deeply influenced me and helped shape my childhood. Back then, we lived in Stockholm but frequently visited my grandparents down in Småland. On a few occasions, I spent entire summers there.

The last thing she said truly reflects the kind of person she was. Her heart was failing, and a very dangerous operation was absolutely necessary. When the doctor described the situation, she said...

"I love life, but I’m not afraid to die. Let’s do this!"

My mother quoted this to me at the funeral. An attitude worth admiring! I'm not quite there yet, I must admit.

My grandmother loved flowers, and I took this photo during a lunch break while thinking of her.

On a more positive note, I have embarked on yet another course of study at a mature age. This time, it is more practical than my previous academic pursuits. I am going to become a chef! Admittedly, I already call myself "The Swedish Chef" in knife-throwing circles—and that is no lie. I have worked as a chef for a few years, but now I am getting formal training as well! I have started my second week; naturally, it is intense at the start, with a lot of new information to take in. The connection to knives is, of course, not far-fetched, given that they are among the primary tools of the trade in a kitchen. I am not sure how natural a bridge that is to the subject, but that is how it turned out!

SRM Gent on another walk

Aside from that, there is a lot happening here on the blog as well—provided I can actually find the time to write it all down. Naturally, I have new knives to showcase. The list includes a rather eclectic mix—take, for instance, a handful of models from Civivi such as the Incindie, Over Yonder, and Neurohaptic. Those who follow me on Instagram will likely recognize a few of them. Beyond that, I plan to present a couple of throwing knives from Italy and Bodomar Knives; first up is a throwing version of the Glock combat knife. Also lined up is a hot new release from our friends at ANV Knives in the Czech Republic: a compact, EDC-oriented folding knife called the A090.

I also have a small lineup of knives waiting to be reviewed; first up is an elegant creation from Lionsteel - a Molletta design called the Q4ttro. Next in line is a rather brutal throwing knife: TacticalEdgedDojo's The Spike DC. I’ve now logged enough throws with it to offer an informed opinion.

Finally, there’s another somewhat unusual piece: a rescue knife from Al Mar with the aptly chosen name "Rescue Assist." That was more or less the plan. But as you know, things never quite turn out that way. Then again, if you don’t have a plan, you don’t have anything to deviate from, either!

/ J - overwhelmed

September

September ja, det har det varit ett tag nu. Kanske lite sent påtänkt att skriva om en ny månad nu kanske någon tänker. Men att jag ligger lite efter har sina orsaker. Livet kom emellan, ett fenomen som säkert många av er känner igen. Några saker har varit ytterst positiva och en mindre munter. Bland annat så har jag och min kära fru varit på en resa till Dublin och där bland annat sett Bon Jovi. Om det kan förtäljas mycket men det sparas.

Fast efter det blev det desto sorgligare. Min älskade mormor gick bort vid en ålder av 92. Det är en aktningsvärd ålder men sorgen och saknaden är där ändå. Hon var en av de personer som starkt präglat mig och bidragit till att forma min barndom. På den tiden bodde vi i Stockholm men hälsade ofta på morföräldrar nere i Småland. Vid några tillfällen spenderade jag hela somrarna där.

Det sista hon sade speglar väl hur hon var som person. Hjärtat höll på att ge upp och en mycket farlig operation som innebar kärlsprängning var av nöden tvungen. När läkaren beskrev situationen sade hon

"Jag älskar livet, men jag är inte rädd att dö. Nu kör vi!"

Min mamma citerade detta för mig vid begravningsceremonin. En inställning värd att beundra! Riktigt där är jag inte ännu måste medges.

Mormor älskade blommor och jag tog den här bilden en lunchrast och tänkte på henne

Mer positivt är att jag vid mogen ålder påbörjat ännu en utbildning. Den här gången mer praktisk än mina tidigare akademiska meriter. Nu skall jag bli kock! Nu kallar jag mig förvisso redan för "The Swedish Chef" i knivkastarkretsar och det är ingen lögn. Jag har jobbat som kock i några år men nu skall jag få den formella utbildningen också! Andra veckan är påbörjad och det är förstås intensivt i början med mycket nytt att ta in. Kopplingen till knivar är förstås inte så långt borta då det är ett av de främsta arbetsredskapen i ett kök. Jag vet inte hur naturlig den bryggan är till det ämnet men så blev den!

SRM Gent på en annan promenad

Bortsett från det händer det mycket här på bloggen också. OM jag bara hinner få det på pränt vill säga. Nya knivar har jag att presentera förstås. På den listan hittas en ganska spretig samling eller vad sägs om ett knippe knivar från Civivi som Incindie, Over Yonder och Neurohaptic. De som följer mig på Instagram känner säkert igen några stycken. Utöver det ämnar jag presentera ett par kastknivar från Italien och Bodomar Knives. Först ut är en kastversion av en Glock stridskniv. På kö står även en het nyhet från våra vänner i Tjeckien, ANV Knives. De har släppt en liten EDC-inriktad fällkniv kallad A090.

Sedan har jag en mindre kö med knivar som skall recenseras men först ut där är en elegant skapelse från Lionsteel, en design från Molleta kallad Q4ttro. Näst på tur en rätt brutal skapelse för kastbruk, TacticalEdgedDojos The Spike DC. Nu har jag tillräckligt med kast under västen för att kunna uttala mig om den.

Sist ut är ännu en skapelse som är en smula udda då det är en räddningskniv från Al Mar med det rätt logiska namnet Rescue Assist. Det var i stora drag vad jag hade tänkt mig. Men som ni vet blir det aldrig riktigt på det viset. Men har man ingen plan har man heller inget att bryta mot!

/ J - överväldigad

June

- So, the summer is here!

If you live in Sweden, you live partly for June, July and August. It's been around for a long time. But with the climate development that is, the question is whether it will last any longer. Especially not as the whole of May offered almost summer heat here down in the south and sun most of the time.

But it's nice, all in all, for me. Partly, I like being out in the forest, and it's so much more comfortable if the weather is nice. Partly, there's a lot of knife throwing for the moment.

There is a lot that attracts in that way. Not least because I am a coach for VXO Sportkastning, the sports association VAIS's newest section. It gives a lot to see others learn and develop. It goes at a furious pace, it can be said. I also train as much as I can for upcoming competitions.

First up is an international competition on home soil. Home soil and home soil, of course, it's about 400 km to Arboga or so. But pretty close anyway. It's time for the Soulthrower Open at the end of the month. Next month it's time for the really big event. Then some other people and I will hold the Swedish flag high in the U.K.A.T. World Championships in Carpi, Italy. Then my competition season will be rounded off with the Swedish Championships in August. But I'll come back to the subject, you can be sure of that.

Al Mar SERE Operator

In other words, some of the content on this blog will be driven by knife throwing. Not least because it takes so much time that the rest of life has to be squeezed in where it fits.

But as usual, there will be some reviews of mainly folding knives, including from brands like QSP and Al Mar.

Above all, however, it will be the month when I present news from a brand that I previously only owned a single knife from, the Spanish Joker. The knife I have is a classic Navaja. But the knives that are included are significantly more modern. Or at least partially. You'll see! But it should be fun anyway. Especially as it relates to what I started by talking about, the weather. Or rather, what you can do outdoors if the weather is nice.

Those who live in warmer latitudes don't understand that the focus is on the weather. They look out and nine times out of ten the weather is, as usual, sunny. Sometimes it's windy, sometimes not and only rarely does it rain. Up in the cold north, it's a different story.

But now the sun is shining, so soon it's time to go out and throw again!

Goodbye for now, good friends!

/ J - is found a knife's throw away


#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Juni

- Så var sommaren här!

Bor man i Sverige så lever man delvis för juni, juli och augusti. Det är sedan gammalt. Fast med den klimatutveckling som är så vete tusan. Särskilt inte som hela maj bjöd på närmast sommarvärme här nere i södern och därtill sol större del av tiden.

Men skönt är det, i alla för mig. Dels gillar jag att vara ute i skog och mark och det är så mycket mer komfortabelt om vädret är fint. Dels kastas det mycket kniv för stunden.

Det är nämligen mycket som lockar i den vägen. Inte minst som jag är tränare för VXO Sportkastning, idrottsföreningen VAIS senaste sektion. Det ger mycket att se andra lära sig och utvecklas. Det går i en rasande fart kan konstateras. Själv tränar jag dessutom så mycket jag bara orkar inför stundande tävlingar.

Först ut är en internationell tävling fast på hemmaplan. Fast hemmaplan och hemmaplan, det är kring 400 km till Arboga eller så. Men rätt nära i alla fall. Det är dags för Soulthrower Open i slutet av månaden. Nästa månad är det sedan dags för den riktigt stora begivenheten. Då skall jag och ett antal personer till hålla den svenska fanan högt i U.K.A.Ts VM i Carpi, Italien. Sedan avrundas min tävlingssäsong med SM i augusti. Men jag lär återkomma till ämnet, det kan ni vara säkra på.

Al Mar SERE Operator

Med andra ord kommer en del av innehållet här på bloggen styras av knivkastning. Inte minst som det tar så mycket tid att resten av tillvaron får klämmas in där den får plats. 

Men som vanligt kommer det att bli några recensioner av främst fällknivar, bland annat från märken som QSP och Al Mar. 

Framförallt kommer det  dock att bli månaden då jag presenterar nyheter från ett märke som jag tidigare bara äger en enda kniv från, spanska Joker. Den kniv jag har är en klassisk Navaja. Men de knivar som är på ingående är väsentligt mycker modernare. Eller i alla fall delvis. Ni får se! Men roligt skall det bli i alla fall. Särskilt  som det anknyter till det jag  inledde med att  tala om, vädret. Eller snarare vad man kan göra utomhus om vädret är fint. 

De som lever  på varmare breddgrader förstår inte det där, fokuseringen på väder. De tittar ut och vädret är i nio fall av tio som det brukar, soligt. Ibland blåser det, ibland inte och endast sällan regnar det. Uppe i kalla nord förhåller  det sig på ett annat vis. 

Men nu skiner solen så snart är det dags för att ut och kasta igen! 

På återseende, go' vänner!

/ J - återfinns ett knivkast bort


#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Ny kniv - Al Mar SERE Operator

 - eller det är skillnad på Operator och Operator

Vän av ordning med gott minne känner nog att det kliar i fingrarna och vill gärna påpeka att jag redan presenterat en kniv vid namn Al Mar SERE Operator 40. Det är förvisso helt korrekt men se, det är inte samma kniv. Namnet är snarlikt liksom kniven då de baseras på samma grundmodell. 

Just det här numrerade exemplaret kom i en mycket speciell låda

Precis som specifikationerna skiljer sig något så gör även namnet det. Det korrekta namnet på den här modellen är Al Mar SERE Operator eller ännu mer exakt 4" Al Mar SERE Operator Knife. Det sistnämnda är dock mer av en beteckning. 

I lådan fanns utöver kniven en del andra godsaker

Det finns ett antal punkter på vilka de  här knivarna skiljer sig åt. Det är faktiskt så många att det i princip är en annan kniv med liknande egenskaper. Jag ämnar därför presentera en jämförelse dem emellan vid ett senare tillfälle. 

Enkelt uttryckt kan det sägas att förutom att båda knivarna har G10 i greppet så skiljer sig materialen åt samtidigt som alla mått är ändrade. Sammantaget är den här kniven lättare och ännu smidigare att hantera än sin föregångare. Sedan kan tilläggas att båda modellerna är något mindre än originalet som hade ett femtumsblad vilket egentligen gör dem till en "mini SERE". 

Konkret innebär det en kniv som är tämligen modest i storlek med en bladlängd som namnet skvallrar om på fyra tum eller strax över tio centimeter. Det ger en totallängd av 222 mm (8,75"). Bladet har en godstjocklek på 3,3 mm (0,13"). Handtaget är därtill tunt och smidigt samt lättat vilket ger en så låg vikt på själva kniven som 126g (4,5 oz). 

Handtagsmaterialet är G10 som har fått en tunn röd linje närmast tången som dekoration. Mycket snyggt och anspelar på Al Mars svart-röda tema. 

Bladformen är Al Mars klassiska "Talon" eller som de flesta skulle identifera den "en kvintessentiell spear-point". Stålet som använts är det beprövade 154CM som fått en mörkt grå tumlad finish. 

Kniven kompletteras med ett fodral i Kydex. Det märks att det är kvalitet även i det då det har precis rätt motstånd för att hålla kniven i ett bestämt grepp samtidigt som den är lätt att dra. Därtill är kniven helt tyst när den är i fodralet. Inget skrammel här inte!

Fodralet har ett vridbart clip i fjäderstål som passar de flesta bälten inklusive stridsselar om så tarvas. För den extra kunnige så kanske den konstruktionen avslöjar vem som tillverkar den här kniven åt Al Mar.

SERE Operator kommer med ett fodral i Kydex utrustat med TOPS sedvanliga metallclip

Sedan brukar jag inte kommentera hur knivar är förpackade eller hur lådorna ser ut men i det här fallet är det något helt extra! Just det här exemplaret råkar vara en numrerad utgåva (nr 10/500) samt en press-realease-variant och kommer därför i den här mycket speciella lådan. 

Närmare bestämt är det en ammunitionslåda där mått och specifikationer skrivits på utsidan på samma vis som den innehållet patroner. 

För en gång skull känns inte förpackningen överdriven då det verkligen slår gnistor om den här kniven. En av de saker som ligger bakom det är att den till skillnad från den tidigare modellen inte är tillverkad i Kina. 

AL Mar SERE Operator tillverkad av TOPS Knives

Al Mar SERE Operator är istället tillverkad i USA, närmare bestämt i Idaho. Där hittas nämligen TOPS Knives och det är de som står för tillverkningskompetensen i det här fallet. För de som kan sina knivar för friluftsbruk, militär och polis och andra liknande yrkesgrupper så behövs knappt någon introduktion. Det går bara konstatera att de håller absolut högsta möjliga kvalitet. 

Samma intryck får man direkt av SERE Operator. Särskilt som det återhållsamma formatet parat med utmärkt balans ger en kniv som formligen utstrålar kompetens. Det understryks som sagt av en byggkvalitet inklusive fodralet som håller exeptionellt hög nivå. 

Därför skall det bli en sann fröjd att bära, bruka och recensera den här kniven. SERE Operator inbjuder till att bäras och skriker efter att få bli använd. 

Al Mar Knives

/ J - exalterad

Ny kniv - Al Mar B-21 Folder

Den här kniven känner jag igen kanske någon uppmärksam läsare konstaterar. Det är både sant och inte. Det vill säga jag har tidigare både presenterat och recenserat en annan kniv från Al Mar som är mycket lik den här. Jag talar förstås om B-21 och den här modellen har därmed det logiska namner B-21 Folder. Vid första anblick är det faktiskt bara möjligheten att fälla ihop den som skiljer dem åt.

Även den här versionen är förstås ett resultat mellan ett samarbete mellan Kirk Rexroat och Al Mar.

Al Mar B-21 Folder

B-21 Folder är en rejäl pjäs, faktum är att den är närmast identisk med sin fastbladade kusin i storlek. Det är inte alltid tillverkare ligger så nära när knivar "översätts" mellan fällkniv och fastbladare. Men i det här fallet har man ansträngt sig för att så skall bli fallet.  

Det innebär att även den här kniven har ett blad som är 95 mm långt. Sedan kan diskuteras om det är exakt detsamma som förlagan men det beror mest på hur de mäts. Handtagets form är det som gör saker mer komplicerade. Höjden på bladet är som mest 35 mm och tjockleken är 3,3  mm. Stålet som används är D2 med en angiven hårdhetsgrad på 59-60 HRC. Bladformen är även här en modifierad Bowie. Det vill säga en bastant clip point som i det här fallet fått ett tillägg av en rejält svängd rygg. Finishen är en elegant satin.  

Det distinkta modifierade clip point-bladet är tillbaks

Handtaget bygger på en stabil stålram och utanpå den hittas formade sidor av G10. Det är hela 13 cm långt vilket ger kniven en totallängd på 226 mm utfälld. Det är således ingen liten kniv. Vikten är därmed också  tilltagen med 195 g. 

Låset är en liner lock och öppningen sker huvudsakligen via tumknoppar. Två händer är förstås alltid ett alternativ. 

Inget clip här utan istället får du ett rejält bältesfodral på köpet

Lite mer ovanligt är att kniven saknar clip och istället levereras med ett solitt läderfodral. Det är inte bara välsytt utan tämligen arbetat. Frågan är om jag kommer att använda det? Är det något som pekar åt det hållet så är det vikten på kniven. 

Den frågan och andra kommer att få svar när kniven skall recenseras. 

Al Mar

/ J - har en déja vu-upplevelse

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

New Knife - Al Mar Rescue Assist

Without a doubt, this is an item that is completely unique in my otherwise quite extensive knife pile. But today's news excellently complements the collection. What was missing was a real rescue tool. This is where the Al Mar Rescue Assist comes into the picture.

Of course, I have knives that (unfortunately) are equipped with a glass breaker at the end of the handle, and I have also tested a pen with that function. That's when I discovered that carbide tips don't get scratched, but the rest of the object, the pen in this case, does. But that's another story.

But this is a pure tool with a knife blade intended for various emergency situations. Getting out of a crashed car is, of course, a scenario that comes to mind, but also things like quickly needing to cut a rope, fishing net, mooring line, or rope at sea or on land, cutting open a pair of trousers if someone has been injured, and so on.

Al Mar Rescue Assist

Rescue Assist is a tool centered around a knife blade designed for just such tasks. It means a blade with a partially serrated edge that is curved to better bite into ropes, for example. In addition, it lacks a tip so that you don't accidentally stab someone if you need to remove clothing. Special scissors are often used for this if you work in rescue services, but this can be an alternative in an emergency situation.

The blade is made of D2 but blackened to increase rust protection. It opens either with a flipper, with a thumb stud, or with two hands. Additionally, it is equipped with spring assistance to ensure the blade opens when it should. It locks with a cross-bar lock, which in the Al Mar version is called Max Lock.

In addition to the knife blade, there is also a fold-out belt cutter that certainly doesn't lock, but still feels solid. Then, as I mentioned in the introduction, there is a glass breaker at the end of the handle. There is also a wrench for oxygen tanks. That's the square hole in the handle.

Everything is finished with a signal orange color so it won't be lost, and a shaped handle with fairly coarse G10 on the sides to maximize grip. When such tools are needed, you don't want to slip!

Rescue Assist offers a partially serrated blade, a glass breaker, an oxygen tank wrench, and a belt cutter.

Overall, an exciting tool that I won't fully review as a regular folding knife, however. Details that immediately come to mind are that how long the edge stays sharp is not of the utmost importance. Just that it does its job when it's supposed to. On the other hand, other aspects are more important, such as whether the blade can really open under stress and whether it locks stably.

The answers to those questions and more will be provided in a future review.

Al Mar

/ J - better safe than sorry

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Ny kniv - Al Mar Rescue Assist

Utan tvekan är det här ett föremål som är helt unikt i min annars tämligen omfattande knivhög. Men dagens nyhet kompletterar samlingen på ett utmärkt vis. Vad som saknades var ett riktigt räddningsverktyg. Här kommer Al Mar Rescue Assist in i bilden. 

Visst har jag knivar som (tyvärr) är försedda med en glaskross i handtagsslutet och jag har även testat någon penna med den funktionen. Det var då jag upptäckte att karbidspetsar inte får repor men resten av föremålet, pennan i det här fallet, får det. Men det är en annan histora.

Men nu handlar det om ett renodlat verktyg med knivblad ämnat att ha i diverse nödsituationer. Att ta sig ur en kraschad bil är förstås ett scenario som faller mig in men även saker som att kvickt behöva kapa en tamp, fisknät eller rep till sjöss eller på land, att skära upp en byxa om någon skadat sig och så vidare.

Al Mar Rescue Assist

Rescue Assist är ett verktyg som centrerats kring ett knivblad ämnat för just dylika uppgifter. Det innebär ett blad med delvis sågtandad egg som är svängt för att bita bättre i exempelvis rep. Utöver det så saknar det spets så man inte av misstag sticker någon om kläder skall avlägsnas. Ofta används speciella saxar till sådant om man arbetar i räddningstjänst men det här kan vara ett alternativ i en nödsituation. 

Bladet är gjort av D2 men svärtat för att öka rostskyddet. Det fälls ut antingen med en flipperfena, med tumknoppar eller två händer. Därtill är det försett med fjäderassistans för att säkra att bladet öppnas när det skall. Det låser med ett cross bar lock som i Al Mar utförande kallas Max Lock. 

Utöver knivbladet hittas även en utfällbar bälteskapare som förvisso inte låser men ändå känns gedigen. Sedan hittas det som jag nämnde i inledningen, en glaskrossare i handtagsänden. Därtill  finns en nyckel för syrgastankar. Det är det fyrkantiga hålet i handtaget. 

Allt avslutas med en signalorange färg för att inte tappas bort samt ett format handtag med tämligen grov G10 i sidorna för att maximera greppet. När dylika verktyg behövs vill man inte slinta!

Rescue Assist bjuder på ett delvis sågtandat blad, en glaskrossare, nyckel för syrgastankar samt en bältesskärare

Sammantaget ett spännande verktyg som jag dock inte helt kommer att recensera som en vanlig fällkniv. Detaljer jag genast kommer att tänka på är att hur länge eggen håller skärpan inte är av största vikt. Bara den gör sitt jobb när den skall. Å andra sidan finns det andra aspekter som är viktigare som att bladet verkligen går att få ut under stress och att det låser stabilt. 

Svaret på de frågorna och mer därtill kommer i en framtida recension!

Al Mar

/ J - better safe than sorry

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Review Al Mar S.E.R.E T36

  

-  everything wasn't better back in the days

Recently, I reviewed an upgraded version of a famous Spyderco knife and then discussed when it might be appropriate to rework an existing knife model. That theme is relevant today as well.

The reason is that today's review item rests on the laurels of a true classic among robust folding knives and comes from Al Mar Knives. This version has been named S.E.R.E T36 or 3.6" SERE Taiwan.

Al Mar SERE T36

SERE Folder is a folding knife with a long history, as the first version saw the light of day in 1979. That knife was quite different compared to today's edition given the technology of the time. The strongest lock known was chosen with a back lock and the knife was considerably larger in size. So much so that its successors are actually smaller.

It was also one of the first "tactical" folding knives on the market. I'm not talking about wannabe-mall ninja knives, but one that was actually designed to fill a niche among soldiers. I discuss that story in more detail in my review of the previous version of this knife, the SERE 2020. That knife modernized and revived the old icon.

But there's no denying that even though I appreciated that model, there were a few signs that it wasn't completely well thought out. The modernization with a flipper that was perhaps not perfectly executed required that the knife be assisted, which both makes the knife heavier and more sensitive to dirt. The blade steel was certainly functional but not quite on par with the price tag and so was the build quality itself. Not because it's bad but because it was and is a step down compared to the older AL Mar knives made in Seki City, Japan.

That's where this knife comes into the picture and it addresses all those areas.

The new, fine-tuned version of the SERE folder is, in my opinion, the best

Short version: Al Mar SERE Folder T36, when an addition to the name means everything

Blade

The blade shape is not much to talk about but is one of the things that has been inherited through all generations and it would be strange otherwise, as it has become something of a signature for Al Mar and also appears in other models. Last time I wrote that the contours are almost dagger-like and that is true. This is a typical example of a spear point which includes a substantial false edge. In that area, this blade differs slightly from the previous version as the false edge has become slightly longer.

The length of the blade otherwise remains and is evident from the model designation. In other words, it is 3.6 inches, which is just over nine centimeters. The thickness is also the same as before, 4 mm. The height of the blade is at most 2.55 cm. 

The blade shape is recognizable as a classic spear point that Al Mar has chosen to call a talon.

The rest of the appearance is also reminiscent of its predecessor, but there are a couple of significant differences. To begin with, the coating is of better quality on this version. It is a matte black TiNi coating. The one on SERE 2020 is much shinier and looks cheaper, which it probably is. Speaking of appearance, the markings have also been given a major overhaul. To highlight the newness, there is no longer any red in the logo itself. Then the text is smaller and in a more discreet color tone.

The name and logo are on the presentation side of the blade, and the model designation, name of the knife, and country of manufacture are on the other side.

An interesting detail is that both the previous edition and the representative of this knife on the website are equipped with "sharpening choils". This specimen does not have them!

And while we are on the subject of sharpening, the step is not too far to talk about edges. This factory edge is significantly sharper than the 2020 variant. It is noticeable that they have changed factories. All quality markers are simply better.

The material of both blade and coating is upgraded to TiNi-blackened S35VN

There is no doubt that this blade is designed to stab considering the design of the tip. But it is also designed to be strong. The blade is four millimeters thick as mentioned and a large part of it is maintained by a flat saber grind that is about 13 mm high. Behind the edge is quite a lot of steel, about 1 mm. This means that the Al Mar SERE T36 is not the world's best knife for peeling apples, but on the other hand, it was not intended to be that way either.

However, this is a better blade for particularly tough work than you might think. Especially with this sharp edge and not least the steel. In that area, the biggest difference between the T36 and 2020 editions is found. CPM S35VN has been used in this knife. It is a real premium steel and a substantial upgrade compared to D2. The latter has its qualities, but S35VN is simply better, especially as it is stainless or significantly more rust-resistant to be exact. In any case, it is preferable for a knife that is to be carried in different climates and weather and close to the body.

In this case, the material has been taken to a stated 60-61HRC and that may very well be true because the knife holds its sharpness pretty damn well, it must be said. A little maintenance with a strop and it shaves hair with ease again. When I have to resharpen the knife for real, I may end up thinning the edge a bit. I don't need a knife with such a strong edge. But on the other hand, I have plenty of other knives if I really need a slicey blade. 

Handle

SERE still has one of the most ergonomic folding knife handles ever made. Maybe not THE best, but one of them. That fact remains and has even been improved a bit. The T36 has been tweaked a little here and there.

Concretely, this means that you still find a strong steel frame as the basis. But in this case, it has been lightened a bit. This means that the knife weighs slightly less than the previous edition, which is 189 g. The T36 weighs 177 grams. This also improves the balance a little.

The handle has also been adjusted with higher-quality G10 sides.

The knife is open at the back and there are a couple of simple spacers and a very small back spacer that stabilizes the construction and serves as a mount for the clip.

Another quality improvement is found in the handle sides. It is still G10 that is used but this one gives a better grip because it is coarser patterned and feels less plastic.

The sides are otherwise flat but beveled and rounded where they should be.

SERE is open in the back except for the small backspacer

It is easy to see the legacy of fixed-blade knives in this handle. It is spacious, wide, and fills the hand well. In addition, there is a finger guard which consists of the entire front part of the handle widening both up and down. This protection is of course reinforced by the flipper tab when the knife is open. To prevent slipping backward, there is a classic "beak" towards the rear end.

The handle is still just as comfortable. As long as you stay behind the finger guard, that is.

The adaptation to more robust tasks is noticeable when you then grip the knife. Holding the knife in a pinch feels a bit clumsy as the handle sides are thick and the flipper feels like it is in the way. The same applies when an index finger or thumb is to be placed on the blade spine. It is possible but you have to "stretch" over the finger guard.

It is different when the knife is held in a hammer grip or in a saber grip. Both grips are exemplary and the same can be said about reverse grips and when the knife is held in an ice pick grip. That is, all ways of holding a knife when you need to grip it properly, whether it is cutting something hard like thick rope or piercing something. In that case, this handle works exceptionally well. This also applies with gloves on because it is so spacious.

Opening and Lock

The way you open the T36 has also been given a facelift. You can still open the knife with two hands like in the old days, but it is essentially a flipper knife. But now it is for real, so to speak.

At SERE 2020 it felt a bit like a makeshift solution. The geometry was not fully thought out and it resulted in a spring-assisted knife. It is not good for several reasons, such as more things can break, it is much slower to close the blade and the knife is a bit heavier. Then it feels cheaper, for lack of other words.

The flipper has received a major facelift with grooves, a small hole, and, not least, better geometry.

Now that boring detail has been removed. Obviously, the geometry has been overlooked, as this flipper works great. It is also nicer to look at and more comfortable to use. This is because it is partly openwork and partly has more rounded edges and a grooved pattern for better grip.

This is still not the world's fastest knife, but it is at least as nimble as before. Much thanks to the fact that the relatively heavy blade now runs on ceramic ball bearings.

The flipper itself is easy to access and you can approach it any way you like, push, pull or something in between. The blade comes out anyway. You could possibly get stuck on the way out if you are a little too half-hearted. As I said, the flipper function is good but not the best.

The strong liner lock is now easier to access

The lock is still a liner lock and this version is at least as solid as previous models. But here too it has been tweaked somewhat. The recess that is on the opposite side of the handle to facilitate access to the lock bar has been given a better shape while the lock bar has been provided with grooves. Small but distinct improvements.

The lock is set deep to prevent accidental release if you use twisting movements with the knife but is still easy to release. The function is excellent and the blade stays in place without any notable play in any direction.

To Carry

In this respect, the knife has not changed much compared to its predecessors. Sure, it is slightly lighter as mentioned, but that is marginal in the context since it is the outer dimensions that are substantial. On the other hand, it naturally follows that you have a folding knife that is more or less intended to replace a fixed-blade knife in an emergency and add to that fundamentally good ergonomics.

The handle is still 12.2 cm long, 2.7-3.8 cm high, and 14.8 mm thick. This gives it a lot of volume.

This specimen of the clip isn't the best

However, I'm starting to wonder a bit about how Al Mar weighs their knives. The last time I reviewed a knife it was wrong and it is now too. On the website, the weight is stated as 5.1 oz which is 142 grams. After double checking I still get the weight as 177 grams. So they probably need to get new scales.

Here you can see the reason why my clip is not good, the ramp is basically gone. Something I intend to adjust

The clip is the same as before, although the material has also been given a makeover. My specific copy has taken a hit at some point, which means that it is basically unusable at the moment because it is right next to the handle. But even before that, I can say that the ramp was a bit too small and needs to be tweaked a bit to be optimal, especially when combined with slightly thicker fabrics of various types.

Otherwise, it can be said that it is a spring steel clip that has been colored black to match the rest of the knife's theme. It is also mounted at the back of the handle, which means that the knife sits very deep in a pocket. The purpose is of course that it should sit as securely as possible so that the user does not suddenly discover that the vital backup knife has disappeared. The construction also means that it is reversible if desired. The clip has the Al Mar logo, which is still in a discreet format, thank goodness.

To Conclude

If you follow the history and development of this knife, it gets an overhaul about every twenty years or so. First came the original with its variants, then came the SERE 2000 or S2K ​​as it was also called. It was with that version modern materials made their entrance in earnest and one-handed opening became an option. It was later followed by the SERE 2020, which was the one you had to make do with if you didn't want to spend half a fortune on the second-hand market. It was a nice enough version, at least concerning the price after it was adjusted downwards here in Europe after it had been available for purchase for a few years.

But then came the upgrade with this knife or rather it should perhaps be considered a complement as the SERE 2020 is still in the range. 

SERE Taiwan, T36 however, it is only the same knife in terms of the shell. Everything is simply better.

SERE T36 can be forced into the role of an EDC knife but is too big in many contexts

One of the biggest quality improvements that can be noted is a significantly better steel. This applies to both the basic material and the treatment. A properly hardened S35VN beats an AUS8 every day of the week and twice on a Sunday. In addition, the knife has got both a better look and, above all, a better coating  This TiNi does not look painted and lasts better. A real step up.

In addition, the handling has become more sympathetic too. Gone is the assisted opening and instead, we have a better-designed flipper geometry and ball bearings. In addition, a nicer and more functional flipper tab with a milled pattern that prevents the finger from slipping off. It is also nicer because it looks more worked with the little hole.

When we talk about appearance, it can be mentioned that the new more discreet marking is preferable and the same can be said about both the blade coating and the handle material that looks less plastic even though it is basically the same as before. But not all G10 is the same and this one both looks and feels better and above all it gives a better grip.

Outdoors, where the Al Mar SERE T36 performs better!

Overall, I think this knife is preferable on all parameters. It doesn't just look better, it is better! I've always liked and coveted the basic model and I still wouldn't mind an original knife from the eighties. Instead, I got the 2020 edition and although I actually like it, it has some shortcomings.

All of those have been addressed with the T36. It's distilled down to a damn nice folding knife for those looking for something really robust with an iconic look and feel.*

Al Mar

Specifications:

Length Overall: 214 mm

Length Folded: 122 mm

Weight: 176 g (weighed by me, stated 42 g/5,1 oz!)

Blade Length: 91 mm

Blade Thickness: 4 mm

Blade Steel: CPM S35VN

Handle: G10 on a steel frame

Lock: Liner lock

Produced by: Al Mar, made in Taiwan

/ J - rate this one the highest

* It can be difficult to get hold of in Europe but costs around €240 when you find it.

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Review Al Mar Payara 32

 

- a knife with as aggressive a bite as its namesake

Payara is not only a predatory fish from the Amazon, but also the name of a knife model from Al Mar. Now this is not the first version of the knife but the second. The older edition differs from this one on almost every level except the basic shape, as it was slightly larger and heavier and both the lock and the material were different.

The interesting thing about it is that this latest variant falls into a different category of knives. The one that includes other lightweight "crossbar lock" knives, read the "Bug Out Class".

Al Mar Payara

This knife is available in two sizes where the addition of "32" in the name of this one indicates that it is the larger model with a 3.25-inch blade. Now, big doesn't mean it's a giant knife, but still.

Behind the knife's intricate lines is an old acquaintance when it comes to designing for Al Mar, namely Kirk Rexroat. Other knives he designed are, for example, Nomad and B-21.

Al Mar's contribution to the class of lightweight "crossbar lock" knives

Short version: Al Mar Payara -  the little knife with the cheeky attitude...and the slightly embarrassing mistake!

Blade

Payara belongs to those knives that have a blade that is not easy to describe. But we can start from "tanto" and then add "modified". The back slopes like a drop point but in two steps. Then the knife has a fairly traditional Japanese tanto point, i.e. not completely straight but with a small belly. The modified part also includes the main edge having an s-shape, a "recurve". Also, the back has a ramp or rather a stop for the thumb as well. Et voila, there you have the blade shape described as closely as possible.

A not entirely easily identified but fairly effective blade shape

The length of the blade in this version is 82 mm, the height is 30-20 mm, and the thickness is 2.5 mm.

The blade finish is a glossy satin and features a pretty decent short story written on it. On the presentation side, you will find both the brand and the logo which now does not contain any red as it did before. On the opposite side, there is the name of the knife, albeit with a small involuntary twist, model number, and country of manufacture, which is incidentally China. Most of Al Mar's slightly more exclusive products are otherwise manufactured in Taiwan.

The steel used is D2 with a stated hardness of 59-60, which is not too bad for the material. At least not if it is found in the upper part of that span.

The factory edge was sharp and shall we say, somewhat even. It is not completely symmetrical if the two sides are compared.

But here it gets a little embarrassing...what does it actually say on the blade? The explanation is probably found two lines further down in the short story. "Paraya" is a completely different fish. Extra funny in Swedish where "Piranha" is spelled "Piraya"

Payaras cutting characteristics are defined by the blade shape. This means that it is, for example, excellent for cutting rope. The curved shape gives an edge that bites well. Then the rounded tip is quite normal in its design and behaves like most others found on more common clip and drop point blades. The difference is that this type of tanto blade has a secondary tip where it meets the rest of the edge. This entails both advantages and disadvantages. It clearly facilitates opening cartons and is excellent when cutting up tape, for example. On the other hand, it is more difficult to resharpen the knife without the point disappearing if you are not very accurate and knowledgeable.

The sharpening is generally a special chapter on knives with recurved edges. Here, however, it is so slight that problems can be avoided by using narrower sharpening stones. But wide ones are not recommended.

As for other features of the Payara, it is a very good EDC knife. Small quick cuts are the area where it excels and especially the aforementioned chores. I often use it in my work where there is a lot of packaging opening in materials such as cardboard and plastic.

One feature that contributes to the knife being perceived so sympathetically is the geometry. The blade is only two and a half millimeters thick from the start and the primary bevel is over a centimeter wide. The blade is not extremely thin behind the edge, however, about 0.5 mm. But it is not experienced negatively in this case.

Handle

The shape of the handle is not as complicated as the blade. But there are still some details to study more closely. The first thing that strikes you is that it is quite curved, the second is the material and the third is perhaps that it is equipped with "jimpings" or grooves just all over. It might not be my favorite feature.

Otherwise, it can be said that it is 11.8 centimeters long, 10.8 mm wide, and about 29-25 mm high.

The slightly curved handle is slightly oversized, which gives plenty of room for the whole hand

The material in the handle is a fibre-reinforced plastic material often called FRN in English. However, they may have slightly different names depending on the make. The interesting thing is that Al Mar states in the presentation text that it is carbon fiber that has been used as reinforcement. In that case, it is something more unusual. Anyhow, it is not the most exciting of materials but on the other hand very practical.

The knife is quite thin and the back is mostly closed as you can see

The previously mentioned grooves are found basically everywhere. They are found near the thumb ramp on the back of the handle, but the index finger also gets its share on the underside. Furthermore, they are found both on the underside and on the upper side at the other end as well.

Add to that that there are patterns on large parts of the rest of the handle as well. A knife that doesn't slip out of your hand in a heartbeat in other words. As usual with such handles, I usually go over them with some fine sandpaper to remove the worst peaks. They might be suitable if you work with gloves on or your hands are full of fish slime, but neither is relevant for me. I don't really need that much grip but prefer a slightly softer feel against the hand.

The knife is equipped with grooves just about everywhere. It gives a good grip, almost too good, whereupon I went over the handle with some fine sandpaper

In general, however, the Payara is comfortable in the hand. The handle is long in such a way that it could be shorter and still hold the blade. A little over a centimeter is extra and there you find a lanyard hole.

However, the length means that all fingers get a firm grip. Then there is no problem with changing grips either. There is a nice flow between different grips, which is not least facilitated by a good balance. The balance point is found just behind the locking bolt.

Opening and Lock

The main way to open Payara is via double-sided thumb studs. They are of the classic "barrel model" which is good. The top is rounded which makes them comfortable to handle and they stick out just far enough to give a good grip. They are also positioned correctly on the blade to both be easy to reach when the knife is closed and to be out of the way when cutting something.

Another way to make the blade emerge is, of course, via the locking bolt, as on all knives of this type. But in this case, it requires a little flick of the wrist.

The thumb studs are the main way to open the knife and they work great

The action was not one of the best when the knife was new. Here, Al Mar has not opted for ball bearings but bronze bushings instead. A solution that I often prefer on knives that are to be used outdoors, but of course, the feeling will not be as smooth or nimble for that matter. In return, the entire knife becomes more resistant to dirt and grit entering the mechanics.

But then there are degrees of smoothness even in these kinds of knives and the Payara was quite sluggish even considering that. However, it has gradually worn in and become more likable, but some of the problems remain. Especially after adjustment. Something that is needed from time to time because the pivot screw has a tendency to loosen after a while. The line between no blade play and a quick opening is very delicate. But it can be found and then the knife is pleasant to handle.

The "crossbar" type lock works well

The lock is, as I said, a "crossbar lock". A type of lock that includes a bolt that sits across the blade base, thus holding it in place. There are many variants of the system today after Benchmade's patent on the Axis lock expired. This variant is called "Max-Lock".

The lock is intuitive to handle and, above all, the top of the screws are not sharp, which I have experienced with some other solutions. The springs that hold everything in place are strong, which gives a fairly high resistance, but in this case, it feels reassuring.

Then it can be noted that both thumb studs and locking bolt have acquired a blue tint. Such details make a knife feel more luxurious.

To Carry

Payara is for the most part a knife that is easy to carry. But there is a fly in the ointment. The actual weight of 85 g is good and even though the handle is relatively long, it is thin at under 1.1 cm. This makes the knife feel comfortable in the pocket.

But there are a couple of small details I would have liked to see differently in terms of the overall picture.

A very sizable clip that can be shifted from the right to the left side if desired

There is, for example, potential for improvements regarding the clip. First, it's too big. It measures almost 6.5 cm in length. A couple of centimeters could easily have been cut while maintaining function.

An almost well-functioning clip. It is too long and the attachment point is not good

Then parts of it can hardly be used because the attachment point is not recessed in the handle side at the same time as the screws stick up. Remove them and the size of the clip can also be adjusted to the better. Now, for all intents and purposes, this only applies to thicker trouser fabric. With thinner shorts or similar, it is not a problem. Otherwise, what happens is that the edge of the fabric sticks to the protruding parts, whereupon part of the clip is unuseable.

In addition to that, the material beneath the clip is quite rough. A small area with a smoother surface would have done the trick and made it easier to pull and put the knife away.

Otherwise, the clip is good with adequate tension and a good ramp.  

To Conclude

Al Mar Payara was a knife I liked the look of from the beginning. But since it was a long time ago it was the first edition I looked at. But there were a couple of details even on that knife that I wasn't sure about and wondered how they would work in practice.

Now, this version is a completely different knife but some of the considerations remain as those design elements are still present. One was related to the handle shape. I've never been a fan of handles that taper towards the rear end. The impression is always that they will slip out of the hand forward, like a bar of soap. But here, both material, grooves, and the pattern prevent that. So the potential downside could be quickly written off.

The other possible objection was that the blade might not be practical. You know like a classic puukko type of knife like a Mora knife or a folding knife with a full flat grind. After all, the blade shape is a bit unconventional.*

But thankfully even those fears were unfounded.

Payara is a really good EDC knife 

It turned out that the blade actually works very well, especially for most everyday tasks. That said, this is not a "bushcraft" knife. It is not a knife that is very good for cutting wood, simply put. But it is not intended as such either. But if you stick to cutting cardboard, opening plastic packages, puncturing cooking oil cans, cutting nylon webbing around bundles of paper, cutting rope, and other similar tasks, this is a really good knife.

As I said, the grip is not slippery, but rather the other way around. Here we are not talking about the rather fine textured G10 as in the first edition, but heavily patterned fibre-reinforced plastic. Not the sexiest of materials but damn durable and in this case functional.

Overall, therefore, I like this knife. Especially as it is comfortable to carry, but not perfect at that, as I said, there is potential for improvement. This especially applies to the clip and its attachment, which could have been designed better. But otherwise, there is only good to say about Payara in a pocket.

This also applies to balance, weight, and format. The knife is not too small and not too big and thus a good "EDC knife" also in terms of size.

It can be added that since the knife does not come with ball bearings and the smoothest action, it may not be the right knife for those looking for a fidget toy. Payara undoubtedly pulls in the more practical direction.

Al Mar Payara during a summer adventure. An excellent all-round knife as long as you are not carving

All in all, it ends up with a folding knife with great potential as an everyday companion in both work and leisure. In addition, you get a knife that doesn't quite look like all the others. So if you are attracted by the look and are looking for a practical utility knife in what is sometimes referred to as the "Bug Out segment" then you should definitely take another look at the Al Mar Payara.

Al Mar

Specification:

Length Overall: 200 mm

Length Folded: 117 mm

Weight: 85 g

Blade Length: 82 mm

Blade Thickness: 2,5 mm

Blade Steel: D2

Handle: Fiber-reinforced plastic

Lock: Max Lock

Produced by: Al Mar, made in China

/ J - gone fishing

* A similar blade is found on, for example, the Spyderco Vrango, albeit with a completely different type of grind. A knife designed by Swedish Michael Henningson. A blade designed for, among other things, use at sea. That is, with rope cutting in mind.

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