The SERE "Operator" is a great knife IMO. I don't remember seeing you post a pic of your SERE Operator before. You just keep coming up with new additions or digging up more and more from your collection. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
One issue I have with the SERE Operator is the same issue I have with the SERE 2000 - I don't like the thumb ramp. It is just in a bad place for me. I have often considered grinding it down on the Operator as well. (* I know you said the ramp doesn't bother you on your SERE 2000.) But, I don't think the knife will stay in the factory sheath if I grind it off and I am concerned about the scales. They feel hollow. It would only take me a couple of minutes to remove the scales to confirm, but after having this knife for 4-5 years, I still haven't. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
The scales are so light and if you tap them, the sound hollow, so I assume they are hollow. (????)
I usually like light-weight handles, but the SERE Operator might be extreme. It might feel too light in the handle. However, sometimes that is still nice - especially for lots of hiking and carry.
I actually like the factory kydex sheath. Great fit without rattle and not too tight. The retention is just right. Not too loose and not too tight.
I like the "concept" of the Tek-Lok's, but it sounds like we might agree with some of their short-comings: they are a little bulkier than I prefer and don't ride in tight and close enough for my preferences. I have a Spyderco Fred Perrin with a "mini" Tek-Lok, but it still doesn't ride in as close as I would like. - Otherwise another very nice knife. (* I also think pretty highly of my Spyderco Temperance and Spyderco Day Hiker <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> - I don't like thumb-holes in my folders, but I like a lot of other things about Spyderco. )
Short of those little issues, I think the SERE Operator is a great knife. But, for me to fix those "little" issues, after grinding off the ramp, I would probaby have to make custom scales and have a custom sheath made (????). So, it has been a drawer knife with "almost" potential for me.
If the thumb ramp doesn't bother you, it is a great knife as is. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
Another good knife in similar size is the Fallkniven S1. I have a custom micarta handled one with a well made and "pretty" well fitted (slightly tight) custom kydex sheath. The S1 is a little larger than the F1.
*** Oddly, the S1 - even though referred to as the "Forest Knife" - also has a swedge... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
The SERE Operator is similar in size to the RMD, but the SERE Operator much lighter.
But, if "light-weight" EDC type knife with a functional blade and similar in size to the SERE Operator and RMD, you MUST find a Bog Dog!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />
The Temperance and Perrin are also lightweight and I like them both, but I would rank Bog Dog first followed by Temperance and Perrin for good lightweight carry fixed blades. If not for the thumb ramp, the SERE Operator would probably rank close to the Temperance. I like the handle more on the Temperance, but probably lean towards the blade on the SERE Operator (???).
Top to bottom:
RMD, Bog Dog; Al Mar SERE Operator; Fallkniven S1 with custom micarta; Spyderco: Perrin, Day Hiker, Temperance
Some other good 4.5" - 5.25" blades:
Top to bottom:
Bog Dog; Al Mar SERE Operator; Gerber Yari (older model); Bark River - 2007 Club Knife and River's Edge.
More:
Top to bottom:
Bog Dog; Al Mar SERE Operator; Sog Field Knife; Byron Knives - Elishewitz design; Greco MST
I would think the SOG Team Leader would be a good choice as well <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> (???).
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