What's the difference between the SAR4 vs LE?

Liu Kang · May 7, 2009

Ok, I've been wondering this a while and did some reading but can't really figure it out. What is the difference between the Limited Edition sar4 and the normal ones? I know the limited edition ones are numbered and have a different colored handle but is that where it stops? So your paying more for a number? They are both Satin blades right? So the limited editions have micarta instead of the G10 but isn't the G10 usually an option that cost more money?

arcli9ht · May 7, 2009

My understanding is the edges are different.

Special editions have the V grind, Limited Edition has the full convex edge.

giant1 · May 7, 2009

Difference is:

SAR4 LE is Satin / tiger hide micarta and numbered Full convex edge on the blade

SAR4 G10 Satin / G10 scales (so far Black or Orange / black) Convex edge but not full height.

feynslowblade · May 7, 2009

Other than aesthetics (which is hard to discern), is there any difference between the 2 edges (ie full convex vs not quite full convex)?

longbeachguy · May 8, 2009

I have both, and I'm pretty sure the grinds are the same. The only difference I can see is the satin finish on the LE goes all the way to the edge, and on the SE the edge hasn't been polished. Once you sharpen your LE on sandpaper the blade will basically be the same as the SE, or that's my impression.

Elen · May 8, 2009

Three differences exist:

1) the LEs are numbered because they're "limited edition", the others obviously aren't numbered

2) the LEs have a full-height convex grind with no secondary edge bevel; the others have a full-height convex grind but with a secondary edge bevel that is apparently convex, too. Yeah, it is a bit strange.

The LEs will cut better, since there isn't a secondary edge bevel on there, and they'll have a thinner edge. On the other hand, the non-LEs will have a somewhat stronger edge, less likely to be damaged in heavy impact, especially with hard materials.

3) the LEs have tigerhide handle scales, the others don't.

That's it. To me, the most important difference is the different grind.

giant1 · May 8, 2009

longbeachguy said:
I have both, and I'm pretty sure the grinds are the same. The only difference I can see is the satin finish on the LE goes all the way to the edge, and on the SE the edge hasn't been polished. Once you sharpen your LE on sandpaper the blade will basically be the same as the SE, or that's my impression.

I also have both and agree that the difference is negligible(at least to me)

Meier66 · May 8, 2009

To me the LE got a slightly better balance in hand, due the fact that micarta is lighter than G10.

The Special ed (G10), feels noticeable heavier in my hand.

MikeH · May 8, 2009

I view the LE's as the safe queen collectables. I will only use an LE if it is in a blade thickness, grind, etc, that is not available in a non-LE version.

The only LE user I have at present is an original Custom Shop AD.

I generally like the thinner versions better, but there is one exception. For some reason, I prefer the thicker SJTAC LE. If I ever declare one of my SJTAC's to be a user, it will be the LE.