SAR3 vs. BAD vs. GW - thoughts?

TrailWolf

TrailWolf

Joined
Apr 13, 2009
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2,809
Now that a bunch of the SAR3s are in your hands - just wondering how you guys are finding it as compared to the Boney Active Duties and skinny Game Wardens...?

I've been holding out on a SAR3 ever since I saw how close in size it was to the GW...

Is it a totally different beast?

Thanks guys!
 
having held & used them all, I like the SAR3 much better. IMHO, it makes the best hunting/edc in it's size range Busse has put out so far.
 
IMO, the Boney AD is clearly superior to the other two. It
has a longer handle than the GW and this handle is much more comfortable to the hand than the SAR3. The SAR3 is close to being a three-finger knife for me, and the squared-off micarta at the rear digs into my palm when grasped firmly. (Incidently, i have exactly the same problem with the squared-off 1911 grips so prevalent today.) I have put it in my collection, but to make it a user I would have to do some modification to the rear of the grip. My second choice would be the GW.

Of course, this is coming from someone who thinks that the original AD is the pinnacle of all things Busse.:thumbup
 
they are similar in that they are all too small to be practical as serious hunting knifes. To me they seem like fixed blade folders. Nice, but they leave me wanting something more.
 
This is one of those times I'd like to be in on a passaround. I'm not able to be in the market for a SAR 3 for awhile, but would like to try it out since I've had the others.
 
AD all the way, I haven't held a SAR3 yet because I'm holding out for the blaze orange g-10. ;) The AD is the perfect EDC. Fits the hand perfectly. :thumbup:
 
Like many, I waited with baited breath for this new baby and am happy that I got it. After side by side evaluation, the SAR 3 is ever so close to a game warden. The blades are virtually identical (my SAR 3 is 3/16" longer from handle to tip than my SAR GW "yellow and black"). SAR 3 has a different scale design and stabilization for your thumb. The micarta (new one) and the G10 (old one) are the same length but there is about 3/16" of exposed infi at the butt of the SAR 3 and they do feel different in your hand. Your hand has exactly the same amount of scale in it on either knife. If you gotta have one, you gotta have one (and it does edge out the GW for me but its ever so slightly at this point and possibly just cause its new and a LE) but they are REALLY close. Let's face it, the GW's are cool tools. This new batch is too but the difference is so slight that it may not be worth the effort if you already have GW's and like them. This size of knife is about the limit for EDC for me so its a great companion to take with you.
Just my 2 cents.
 
I was initially bummed out that I didn't score a SAR-3 LE, but when I saw the comparison photos and read some of the comments here, I wonder if I shouldn't just be satisfied with my GWs - both my satin/snakeskin LE and my satin/old school green linen are a thinner .140 and probably have a more confortable rounded grip overall. And my satin/tigerhide GW has the satin/tigerhide looks with only a slightly stouter .170 blade of virtually the same shape. And with a 3 1/2-inch satin/green linen BAD at .125 for a slicer and a new 4 1/4-inch BOSS Street at .22 for general purpose stoutness, I'm beginning to think that I really don't need another EDC ("want" is a different issue, since I have #94 LEs versions of the SAR-4, SAR-8, and FBM). Plus all the above have been paid for vs. potentially laying out another $300 for a SAR-3 LE. So...have I talked myself out of a SAR-3 LE? Almost, but not quite.
 
kdstrick said:
Comparison pics would be great if anyone has them...
Click to expand...

not the best pic but oh well :)
IMG_0759.jpg
 
I really like the Sar 3 Le. Mine are insanely sharp. Real comfortable grip. I like the pommel. No real dislikes.

I will say that IMO the Cult still whips all the above as far a Game knife goes. It has a longer straighter handle. THe blade isnt as wide so its easier to slide in between bones, cartilage etc. THe Sar 3 is a much tougher knife than the cult though...no arguement there.
 
MikeH said:
IMO, the Boney AD is clearly superior to the other two. It
has a longer handle than the GW and this handle is much more comfortable to the hand than the SAR3. The SAR3 is close to being a three-finger knife for me, and the squared-off micarta at the rear digs into my palm when grasped firmly. (Incidently, i have exactly the same problem with the squared-off 1911 grips so prevalent today.) I have put it in my collection, but to make it a user I would have to do some modification to the rear of the grip. My second choice would be the GW.

Of course, this is coming from someone who thinks that the original AD is the pinnacle of all things Busse.:thumbup
Click to expand...

This is exactly what I feel as well. Right down to the micarta diggin into my palm at the pommel.

knife hunter said:
I will say that IMO the Cult still whips all the above as far a Game knife goes. It has a longer straighter handle. THe blade isnt as wide so its easier to slide in between bones, cartilage etc. THe Sar 3 is a much tougher knife than the cult though...no arguement there.
Click to expand...

Also agree with this. The Cultie is at the top for me but probably not as tough as the SAR3.
 
dericdesmond said:
not the best pic but oh well :)
IMG_0759.jpg
Click to expand...

:thumbup: Thanks, man... that is a very helpful comparison shot.

I don't think I'll be going for this one, since 3" is just a bit short for my preferences. My game wardens have long since been sold in favor of the Cultie, 4" hack and meaners. Not to mention the Vex's, howling rats and SWardens.

I'm just covered up with the EDC or hunting sized blades, at the moment.... and since I remain limited to only two hands, I'm not sure I can even use the one's I already have... Still, it is a cool lookin' little bugger. :thumbup:
 
Question for any of you who have all three (SAR3, BAD, Game Warden):

Are all about the same handle thickness as measured across the tang/handle slabs or is there some significant difference in handle thickness there?

Thx,
Will
 
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