The Al Mar SERE 2000 is a classic “big folder” that is one of the few from a lesser known brand to attain this classic status along with the $100-$200 Benchmades, Spydercos, Bucks, and Kershaws. This makes the Al Mar SERE 2000 something of a unique choice for anyone looking for a big high-end production folder since it is not from one of the main four brands. It remains, however, a very respected knife and on many “to buy” lists.

The Benchmade AFCK was a hit since it was introduced, but with the release of the 806D2 (simply an Axis lock version with a D2 blade), they had a modern classic on their hands. The discontinuation of the AFCK made 806D2 prices soar and the knife became very collectible.

The good things about the knife are the D2 steel, the unique look, and the Axis lock. This combination is what made the knife so popular. I really like the half Persian, have tactical look to the knife. But there are some things I do not like as well.

A lot of people ask whether or not a Sebenza is worth the money. Never mind that there are many other knives that cost as much, or more. The Sebenza seems to be the standard first “expensive” knife purchase for many people. To determine whether it is worth it (to you) or not, you have to understand why the Sebenza costs what it does.

I used to have a thing for big folders. When I first started carrying a knife, I usually wore shorts. Not just any shorts, but shorts with a draw string. So not only was the size of a knife a major concern, but the weight was as well. I really liked the Kershaw Leek because it was slim and light. I also loved the Buck Mayo TNT. These knives would not cause my shorts pocket to flop around, and would not drag my shorts down. However, I soon started wearing pants to work to protect my legs from oil and dirt. While wearing jeans or cargo pants and a belt, carrying a small folder like a Leek is sort of a waste. You have more pocket room, the pockets do not flop around as much, and you have a belt to keep your pants up. So I started using larger, heavier folders. In fact, I got a little carried away.

Every once in a while Bob Dozier does a small run of knives with the same shape and materials. Sometimes these knives are not a standard model of his. Bob makes a “Neck Knife” model with a swedge and screwed-on G-10 scales, but I am not a huge fan of the look. So when Bob Dozier offered a run of six of this neck knife on his webpage, I jumped on it.

The knife is hollow ground D2 with brown canvas Micarta scales. The scales have a very pretty pattern. I love the different colored layers that are shown thanks to the sculping of the handle. The canvas pattern is very nice too. I have had many people comment on the knife.

One of my favorite knives is my Bob Dozier Model 6. The grinds are very sleek and sexy, and it feels very comfortable in every grip. But a lot of the reason this knife is my favorite goes beyond the great job that Bob Dozier and Dan Crotts did designing and creating the knife. This knife is so special to me because of how I came to own it.

Rob Simonich was one of the world’s most respected tactical knife makers. His designs very aggressive, but never over-the-top or unrealistic. His knives were always practical, comfortable, and useful. I speak in the past tense because a few years ago Rob Simonich died in a car accident. The knife world was stunned and saddened. Rob’s wife Christine has carried on the Simonich company with Simonich Mid-Tech knives. These are basically mid-tech versions of previous Rob Simonich models. But you can also have your Mid-Tech Simonich customized with different materials and sheaths.

I talked before about convex grinds but would like to go a little more in detail about how they are created, used, and maintained. Here are two convex ground Bob Dozier beauties that show off the shape of the convex grind as well as two great handle materials: carbon fiber and thuya burl.

The Wharncliff blade shape has been a classic for many years. You can find the Wharncliff blade shape on many slipjoint folding pocket knives and it is similar to the sheepsfoot blade. Since the Wharncliff does not have a curved belly like many other blade designs, the tip digs in more to the material you are cutting. This gives it aggressive cutting performance and makes it a great general utility blade shape. The downside is that the blade shape is better for single draw cuts, and sawing, but not as good for long slicing motions. A Wharncliff would not be a good choice for skinning a deer, nor for whittling. However, you will notice that the slight belly on a Wharncliff is similar to the shape of a chef’s knife. A Wharncliff is great for general kitchen duty and is only limited by the size of the blade.

This is not a review, nor an informative post. I just want to brag about my favorite knife. I have liked Bob Dozier’s work for a long time. His knives are affordable high performance users known for their fantastic sheaths, amazing cutting performance, and unbeatable comfort. His knives are affordable because they are no frills, no nonsense users that beat other user knives because Bob Dozier is a genius when it comes to knife design (he is also one of the best grinders ever). However, as I amassed a collection of user Doziers I eventually wanted something a little more fancy, but still simple. After a lot of thought and planning, I decided on this.