SAR 4 vs. SAR 8

J

JohnM

Joined
Oct 22, 2005
Messages
725
Hogs,

Are the SAR 4 and SAR 8 the same except for blade length?

I have a 4 and am considering the 8. I like the 4, but don't love it -- handle feels a little long for the blade. I also tend to grip the 4's handle in the back, which provides great extension but not the most secure grip.

If I'm on the fence with the 4, should I hold off on the 8 ... or is the 8 balanced so differently, that you can't compare them?

Finally, for those who have both, which do you like better?

Thanks.

John
 
I don't have a SAR 4, so I can't compare... but the SAR 8 is well balanced. The handle is large which gives you the ability to shift grips for different chores.

I'm extremely happy with mine.
 
Get it! I have both knives, and while I too like the SAR-4, the SAR-8 is pure perfection. I've never held a more natural-feeling knife. It has a surprisingly light/fast feel, incredible balance, an impressive yet useful length, a useable choil, and extremely versatile grip. I'm even considering having the choil on my SAR-4 enlarged to match the shape of the one on my SAR-8.
While I have/have had an FBM LE, NMSFNO, and a number of smaller Busse knives, the SAR-8 is my favorite one-knife for the woods or camping.
 
I know the SAR 8 seems to be the more popular knife but I really like my SAR 4. Yes, the handle is longer than it needs to be but I still find it comfortable and well balanced and I like the option of choking back or up depending on the job. I can even use the elf choil (though it could stand to be bigger). When I go out hiking/backpacking I always take a knife with me but never take one as long as the SAR 8. It's a nice knife but I'm glad there is the shorter version for people like me who prefer to carry sub-five inch blades.
 
JRB has a good point about those who either live in the land of the 5 1/2" legal limit or those who don't want to scare more timid hikers/campers. I do like the fact that for a "smaller" knife, the SAR-4 can even be used to chop thanks to the handle length and shape - it's a fine knife and was my first choice whenever I headed into the woods, that is until I received my SAR-8. Now it's often the SAR-4 or BAD on my belt and the SAR-8 on my pack, or just the SAR-8 (and always a SAK farmer or the new soldier).
 
We have a 5" legal limit here, but only for concealed... nothing in the law about open carry over 5" :D
 
Perhaps, but I bet there is something on the books about "inciting a panic/riot."

Nothing like a sheath knife to incite a panic.
 
The SAR8 is an absolutely outstanding blade. I just received mine today (thanks budthachud) and am completely blown away by it. I have no idea why I didn't pick one up sooner. While comparing it to my BMs the SAR 8 feels like a big little knife, if that makes sense. Very fast in the hand, well balanced, and lightweight. The only thing I can ask for is a SAR12!!!
 
hlee said:
Perhaps, but I bet there is something on the books about "inciting a panic/riot."

Nothing like a sheath knife to incite a panic.
Click to expand...

Even if it's not on the books, there's always the ultra-vague "disturbing the peace".

Just out in the woods for me.
 
I think the Boss Street is a better smaller "version" of the SAR-8 than the SAR-4 is. It's more proportional (with the possible exception of thickness); and very similar blade configuration.
 
I dont have a 4 but the eight is great!!! 6-8 is the perfect size for a "do everything" knife. if your gonna take one, take the sar-8. great balance, light for its length (relative to other Busses).
 
I own both and love the Sar8 it is IMO better than the sar4 as far as feel and balance. I pit the sar4 away and am using nothing but the sar8.
 
Thanks for all the input on the SAR 4 vs. SAR 8. Guess I need an 8, not to mention some money ... a job would be good too!

Still have my SAR 4, but don't have a Boss Street (yet) -- but that's for another thread!

John
 
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