Help I need expertise! I am considering selling/trading my boss street for a SAR 4 or S5 LE- interested in a little more of a midsize (camp/skinning/kitchen knife) than EDC. Would appreciate thoughts/opinions/pros/cons on SAR 4 and S5 LE. Had SAR 5 did not care for handle.
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SAR 4 vs S5 LE
- Thread starter DL Robin
- Start date
- Joined
- May 31, 2005
- Messages
- 6,860
SCRAPPER5-LE. (I'm thinking - wait - there was no SAR5-LE. LOL)
S5LE over the SAR4: Smaller handle. It's a mudder. (You have to decide if you like that - I'm not a fan.) GREAT blade. much lighter than the SAR4 and blade-heavy balance. (Balance towards the choil, instead of between the 1st and second handle fastener.) Cheaper.
The S5LE will be the most "lively" in the hand. Not as strong as either of the alternatives, but we're talking "don't stab it into a cliff face and bounce on it for a day" type of not-strong. LOL
If I could ever get past the mudder handle, I'd own one.
S5LE over the SAR4: Smaller handle. It's a mudder. (You have to decide if you like that - I'm not a fan.) GREAT blade. much lighter than the SAR4 and blade-heavy balance. (Balance towards the choil, instead of between the 1st and second handle fastener.) Cheaper.
The S5LE will be the most "lively" in the hand. Not as strong as either of the alternatives, but we're talking "don't stab it into a cliff face and bounce on it for a day" type of not-strong. LOL
If I could ever get past the mudder handle, I'd own one.
While I don't have a SAR-4, I have both the CG S5 in SR101 and the S5LE in Infi. IMHO, in that size of a blade, the SR101 steel is superior for the majority of the jobs that require a 5 inch blade. So, for "camping, skinning, kitchen" use, the SR-101 holds a good edge longer. The CG does have the coating to protect the steel which oxidizes fast. Some people do not like the coating on knives that will see food prep. You can remove the coat, but SR-101 will stain.
I guess what I'm getting at is if you are looking to replace the SAR-4 with a S5LE, just keep the SAR-4 and save up and buy a CG S5.
I guess what I'm getting at is if you are looking to replace the SAR-4 with a S5LE, just keep the SAR-4 and save up and buy a CG S5.
- Joined
- May 27, 2007
- Messages
- 4,210
knife selection is such a personal thing that it really is impossible to judge without holding each of them in your hand. You will know when the right one comes along.
The great thing about Busse's is that you can buy, and then sell without losing much or any money in the process. Just toss it back in the trough... and move on to the next knife on your list.
Hang on to your boss street... it is destined to be a classic.
The great thing about Busse's is that you can buy, and then sell without losing much or any money in the process. Just toss it back in the trough... and move on to the next knife on your list.
Hang on to your boss street... it is destined to be a classic.
The SAR4 didn't "sing" to me, so I haven't bought any, but I did buy a dozen Scrapper 5 CGs and five LEs.
I don't know what "flavor" of Boss Street you have, but they're a very nice knife -- compact and well balanced -- I sometimes wish I'd have grabbed a couple of the Terror Monkey BSs at the last Knob Creek, but I also can't say I bought anything that I'd have been happy putting back on the table, so I stand by my picks. However, since you're asking for a recommendation between the SAR4 and Scrapper 5 LE, I'd go for the S5.
I don't know what "flavor" of Boss Street you have, but they're a very nice knife -- compact and well balanced -- I sometimes wish I'd have grabbed a couple of the Terror Monkey BSs at the last Knob Creek, but I also can't say I bought anything that I'd have been happy putting back on the table, so I stand by my picks. However, since you're asking for a recommendation between the SAR4 and Scrapper 5 LE, I'd go for the S5.
- Joined
- Jun 18, 2008
- Messages
- 1,799
The scrapper 5 le is a great knife for a user. As a working knife, the mudder grips are something in a different category that G10 or Micarta. Though not nearly as attractive looking as the other two materiel it is shock absorbent, tacky without being sticky, and nicely hand filling. They really need to be felt in hand to be appreciated. The scrapper 5 le is nice that is a bit less pricey then alternatives in INFI in that size, many people, including me, have modified theirs to suit their needs. I preferred the full flat grind of the SAR 4 to the saber grind of the S5 Le. Mine now has more of a convexed profile. For camping/hiking etc. the weight savings and forward balance may well be deciding factors. One the negative side, although RES-C is a great materiel I would not plan to use the pommel as a hammer.
- Joined
- Dec 31, 2005
- Messages
- 2,984
S5LE is my recommendation .... I had the SAR4 LE and moved it on .... I like the S5LE the best of my 5 inch Bussekin knives after a Basic 5 which is tops .... the S5LE beats the RMD which was a long time favourite .... and these three are the best of the crop IMO. I would keep a Boss Street more than a SAR4 .... but sell it for a S5 LE. The reasons are light weight, excellent balance, comfort and price. The SAR4 is a much bigger handle heavy knife than you might think .... held at the back of the handle it has chopping potential more than any of the choices .... but in normal grip it feels very handle heavy and like it want's to slip out the back of your hand if held vertically .... for game/food prep the S5LE is much better balanced IMO.
