This one-of-a-kind vintage 1980's Al Mar SERE 3003 "Rhino"  features a beautiful hand engraving by master engraver Aleksey Saburov. The bolster is hand engraved in a masterfully detailed bas-relief finish with 24K gold and copper inlays. 

 

Unlike so many regular designs, the bas-relief is dimensional coin-like technique where every curve is embossed and can be felt by touch. Bas-relief is an incredibly detailed and time-consuming craft, with the finished piece being worth ten-times that of all the regular, flat designs.

 

This unique piece features a complex composition inspired by wildlife of Africa, with the mighty rhinoceros depicted in amazing detail with every wrinkle embossed and sensed by touch.

 

The bolster is surrounded by the contextual rhino skin-like texture, with the spacer covered in zebra stripes and following the wildlife motif. Two specially designed sterling silver beads hold the leather lanyard in place, with the beads shaped and texturalised like the famous horns of the great beast. The very fine detailing holds clever surprises: like the liner having a line of rhino-like "toes" or black sapphire in a thumb stud.

 

This is a nice heavy duty, antique folder has very light scratches on the handle, as the knife of its age would. This unique piece will be a true centerpiece of any knife collection.