SAR4 vs RMD vs S5 vs S5LE

R

rsco

Joined
May 9, 2009
Messages
65
It looks like all Busse(kin) have put out great knives in the 5 inch range : the SAR4, RatManDu, Scrapper 5 and Scrapped 5 Limited Edition. Can anybody discuss the pros and cons, or why one may be more popular than another.
It started for me when I was looking for a survival / bushcraft knive that could do it all, without additional knives, and save my hide. I found Busse...
 
It's blasphemy in these parts, but for a belt knife, I prefer the Scrapper 5 variants.

The mudder handles are crazy comfortable, and give a very secure non-slip grip. They also lighten the knife up quite a bit, which is nice for extended carry.

To throw even more blasphemy out there, in my eyes there's not a whole lot of difference in the performance between SR-101 and INFI at this size. The toughness of INFI won't really show. The main advantage you get with the INFI in the S5LE is the awesome rust resistance and ease of restoring the edge. You can't really go wrong with either S5 variant.
 
Last edited:
I agree with MM on the S5...very confortable, lightweight and supersharp too.

The Sar-5 is also a great 5" knife too. I used to really hate the looks of them, but its a great little knife once you pick it up and use it.
 
since I own a RMD, I passed on the others you are comparing.

The RMD just "does it" for me. Great size, handle, holds an edge, blade shape, width, everything.
 
INFI RMD. would be "Da Bomb".
I have the RMD, S5LE, the SAR4 had the Sar5.

the RMD feels the best, the S5 is the lightest, and feels great, too and it's INFI. I just like the full tang of the RMD.
The SAR5 is nice, but the fact that the edge starts right at your fingers bothered me. There are some great modifications out there, tho'.
The SAR4 is a bit on a heavy side, but it does everything. It would be perfect without a choil.
 
Well if you consider the knives as done by Busse and not stripped or modified then you get some of the story but not all of it...

For bushcraft/survival use where food prep comes to the fore I think a satin or D/C finish is much safer than painted...particularly dark colours. So on that basis I think the S5LE scores highest as it has a satin finish at half the price of the SAR4 LE or CE models.

But if you want chopping ability then the SAR 4 LE with a rear grip designed to be held that way nudges ahead. Howver the RMD with the G10 handles has some weight to it and can perform at this task...the grip is not as well designed for a rearward hold though.

If you were looking for fine cutting and various grips I personally find the hump on the spine of the S5LE/S5 to be in the way...it is however easily sorted.

If weight were a consideration then the S5/S5LE is the lightest with the RMD and linen grips the next. The SAR4 is actually quite heavy for a 5 inch knife.

If balance and feel are a priority I think the RMD is about "perfect"...then the S5LE modified with the hump removed.

If you strip your RMD so you have a self made Satin or D/C finish then you probably have the best 5 inch knife as an "all rounder" with the S5LE a very close second if you want a light weight option...the difference being that the RMD can do a couple of heavy tasks better by having a full spine and pommel. Both steels are great for edge holding and sharpness...if I was in a boat I might go for the S5LE more...

The SAR4 for me is just a bit too handle heavy....modified to a BAIII type handle with the same type of shape and it would score much higher...although I doubt it would surpass the RMD...an Infi RMD is as they say "the grail" knife for many I am sure.

All the ones I have commented upon I have...I don't have a SAR5...
 
DMDC. H.D. Lightweght comfortable grip $100. Use it like a knife or a demolition tool.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top