SAR-4 Ergonomics Question - Your Experience Needed

LightGuy

LightGuy

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I have a Boss Jack Proto satin which I love, except for the handle size. I was going to put liners under the scales, but I'm just not sure a couple extra mm will make this knife handle thick enough to be secure and comfortable.

My quest was to find a great med-sized Busse - I already have a great EDC Busse in the SAR-3.

First, I tried the BATAC LE, but the handle was slightly too thick, and the shape (big hump on top) was uncomfortable for my hands. So I traded it for my Boss Jack Proto, and am already much happier, but the more I use and handle the knife, the more I wish the handle was thicker and just bigger. The shape is great, there just needs to be more of it...

So....I've always liked the SAR-4 from what I can tell in the pics, but I'm just wondering how the ergonomics are. Will the handle again be just too big and fat like the BATAC, or will it be between the BJ and BATAC and be "just right"??

I don't want to keep trading Busse's as I lose valuable $$$ each time...:eek:but I do want my main med-sized Busse user to be right for me.

Thoughts from the SAR-4 owners out there?

Thanks in advance!!
 
Sar4 ergos didn't work for me.

Try out a SAR5. People either love em or hate em. I'm in the love camp. :)
 
Have you tried out a CGBATAC? The handles are thinner than the LE version and I think they are very comfortable.

I have a SAR4 and I like the way it feels in the hand as well.
 
I love my SAR-4. However, I would NOT recommend you getting it without handling it before. This knife is heavier than it looks in pictures. Handle-heavy in particular...
 
I think the SAR4 is the perfect knife for using in the winter with gloves or mittens. There is enough handle and weight that it feals just right to me for that. I will say that in my bare hands it doesn't feel a good as several of my other Busse knives in this category. YMMV

FYI I wear a size 8 to 8 1/2 glove
 
How about one of these :thumbup:

_DSC0026.jpg
 
Everyone has their individual tastes and what feels good to them. I have the SAR 4 LE and I don't care for it at all. It's thicker than I prefer in that size of knife and the handle doesn't fit me. I didn't like the LE version of the BATAC either (basically the same reasons but I never learn) but love the CG version of the same knife with mags on it. May be worth your while to find Busse set up at a show within traveling distance of you so that you can try some out before you buy. Of course there may be some forum members close to you that are willing to meet and greet as well.
 
The SAR 4's ergonomics are essentially flat slabs giving an oblong shape with the edges rounded .... it fills the hand depth wise but not width wise ..... everyone has there own preference for a working grip to a knife .... mine is for a wide oval shape overall .... with some central palm swell and sell's to the front and rear to anchor your hand into the grip ....

In the 4-5 inch range of knives the "grip" is "everything" because this size of knife is what you will use for working with wood .... do a few hours carving a paddle and you soon see what works best for your hands .... even if you use a larger knife for cutting the main shape out .... the smaller blade is by far better for finishing the job .... and that's when the shapes start to show a difference.

My favourite grips for these size of blades are those on Woodlores or their clones .... designed for carving by having the edge as close to the grip as you can get .... doing a large carving project like a paddle really shows through the advantage of that design benefit .... on Busses or Bussekin knives which I have tried in the same size range there are only 3 that I like and have kept .... the Ratmandu, the Scrapyard S5LE and the Basic 5 ....

All these have great grips .... the RMD suffers from a large choil and having the edge too far away from the handle for a large carving project .... your fingers are sore and tired using the choke grip for that length of time .... the S5LE is the same but due to not having a finger shaped choil is actually less comfortable .... the Basic 5 is by far the best .... it has a mini choil but the edge is a lot closer to the handle and the grip is superbly comfortable ....

A close knife to this will be the CABS .... being choiless the edge is even closer to the grip and these are oval in shape .... experience tells me that will be by far the most comfortable Busse to-date for extended work with wood and fits into the mid size range you are looking at ....

I had a SAR4 LE and moved it on, and a BATAC LE all for the same reasons as yourself .... the grip .... the SAR grip balances out best in the SAR 8 .... that is a different knife altogether ....

The CABS are available now so don't miss out .... :thumbup:
 
The BATACLE has magnum slabs, plus uses thicker stock...so the handles are pretty large.

I'd try the CG BATAC- thinner stock and regular slabs.

If you're going to a SAR4 for the shorter blade length, in addition to smaller handles, you may want to try out a Boss Street / CABS....or put the shims under your proto.
 
randucci said:
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Or one of these? :eek:


DSC_0028.jpg



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:D
Click to expand...

Ooooh. Yeah, a SHBA would do the trick. What a sweet handle it has.

SAR4 didn't do it for me b/c, like the SHSJ and BAIII, the handle was too long. There was just too much handle sticking out past my pinky-finger. And I have large hands.

SAR5 would be good, but probably too thick. Get the sandpaper and make it work. Those things were a steal originally.
 
I really like the SAR 4, it's one beautiful knife and it feels great.

But as stated before, handle one first, it is more knife than you'd think.
 
Here's some comparison shots with a spyderco military...









Biggest ergo with the knife is it's handle heavy, but you can compensate by using a lanyard which will neutralize that tendency to slide back in your hand. Thick grind too. Sort of a mini NMSFNO blade.
 
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Thanks for all the helpful information, as well as the comparison pics! Well, the chances I'll have the option of trying one before I buy it is slim. So based on your comments, I think I'll be sticking with the Boss Jack Proto and using some liners - maybe even double them up. The Busse's are definitely cool knives, but the ergos on some don't tend to fit my hand too well.

Thanks much!
 
I'll just add my voice to those really liking the SAR4. It is a very solid knife - similar to the BATAC, but with a really classic look to it. I think it's very comfortable, as well. I just wish it were choil-less.
 
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