The Al Mar SERE/Attack I 3001-B is part of the first generation of tactical folding knives developed by Al Mar in Japan. Compact yet exceptionally robust, the 3001 features the characteristic construction of the SERE/Attack range in a smaller format; this range has now become one of the brand’s most sought-after classic series.

This particular example is distinguished above all by its U.S. Army Special Forces emblem bearing the motto ‘De Oppresso Liber’, affixed to the bolster. This version, produced in significantly smaller numbers than the conventional SERE/Attack models, is of particular interest to collectors of American military knives and vintage Al Mar knives manufactured in Seki.

The SERE also holds an important place in Al Mar’s history. A former member of the U.S. Army Special Forces, Al Mar developed this range of knives within the context of the SERE programme – Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape – notably in collaboration with Colonel James “Nick” Rowe, a leading figure in U.S. SERE training.

Version 3001-B: the 3001-B model refers to the smaller version of the SERE/Attack, fitted with black neoprene scales, as opposed to the 3001-A, which features Micarta scales.
This material gives the handle a slightly flexible and grippy surface, perfectly suited to the knife’s operational purpose.
It is also now an important feature for collectors: the neoprene scales on knives that have actually been used frequently show signs of wear or deterioration of the material.
On the knife offered here, they are in exceptional condition and perfectly preserved.

The construction combines these black scales with brass back plates, a generously sized metal bolster and a particularly robust locking mechanism. The gold-plated Al Mar medallion inlaid into the handle completes an aesthetic that is instantly recognisable from the brand’s historic productions.

Historic Japanese manufacture: the blade bears the AL MAR marking alongside the brand’s famous seal, whilst the opposite side is marked SEKI-JAPAN.
This Japanese-made knife dates from the golden age of Al Mar Knives, when the brand had its knives produced by the finest cutlery workshops in Seki City, Japan.
The blade, made from Japanese stainless steel of the AUS-6 / AM-6 family, features a robust profile with a particularly pronounced tip and a satin finish characteristic of the early SERE models.

A true Al Mar collector’s item: the appeal of this piece lies in the combination of several features that have become difficult to find all together:

3001-B version with neoprene scales
U.S. Special Forces emblem – De Oppresso Liber
manufactured in Seki, Japan
knife preserved in mint condition
remarkably well-preserved neoprene scales
Original Al Mar nylon sheath
Original Al Mar box

This is therefore a piece we would primarily recommend to collectors of vintage Al Mar knives, Japanese Seki cutlery or American military/Special Forces knives.
Condition: mint / collector’s item.
Estimated date: late 1980s – early 1990s.

Technical specifications for the AL MAR SERE/Attack I 3001-B knife – De Oppresso Liber – Seki, Japan:
Brand: Al Mar Knives
Model: SERE/Attack I
Reference: 3001-B
Type: tactical folding knife / vintage collector’s knife
Manufactured in: Seki City, Japan
Estimated production period: late 1980s – early 1990s
Total length when closed: approx. 9.7 cm
Blade length: approx. 7.3 cm
Total length when open: approx. 17.0 cm
Blade steel: Japanese AM-6 / AUS-6
Hardness: approx. 57–59 HRC
Blade profile: clip point / reinforced tip
Blade finish: satin
Edge: smooth
Opening mechanism: manual via nail notch
Lock: Al Mar Front Lock / lockback
Handle scales: black neoprene
Construction: brass plates
Guard: satin-finish metal with U.S. Special Forces ‘De Oppresso Liber’ emblem
Medallion: inlaid gold Al Mar logo
Lanyard hole: yes
Case: original black Al Mar nylon pouch
Packaging: original Al Mar box
Condition: new, unused