Well... I am just posting "My" opinion based on "My" perspective and logic.

I can't say that nobody else would think it is great - in fact many people have posted on the Busse forum how much they like it. Sometimes I don't understand other people... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />, but such is life.


Also, different people have different definitions of "Hunter" or hunting knife (????)
When I think hunting knife, I think of a knife that needs to be good at skinning and game processing "First" and other tasks and chores second.
For me, while I view many/most of my knives first as camping, trail, woods-bumming knives, I consider many of them "capable" of skinning and game processing in a pinch or secondarily. But, that isn't such a challenge IMO either. Most any knife that can cut could process game in a pinch. I can process game with a box cutter or a sharp machete if I needed to. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

But, I think certain knife designs "Excell" at skinning and Game processing. I consider a good skinning and game processing knife somewhat of of a specialist type blade that "can" do other things. But, excells at it's primary function first.


I think people get the INFI bug and loose reasoning. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/loopy.gif" alt="" />. On paper (computer monitor <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ), the SAR4 has nice flowing lines and I could see where some might think it is sexy (if not always looking for functional flaws like myself.)

The SAR4 scales have "Appealing" style! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> -

I can see where the SAR4's handle shape with it's flared butt might be comfortable, but I would always be thinking: "What a FAT, overly-long and HEAVY handle" (like the SAR5). And like the SAR5, I will always be thinking about how I need to chop and grind it down. - which I will do on my SAR5 some day. But, I was able to get the SAR5 at a "Reasonable" price..... what was it around $167 with micarta?... I will stop my price comparison considerations there.

The blade on the SAR4 "IS" at least convexed and satin. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

And although I personally prefer more of a drop point on most of my knives, I prefer a dropped point because most of my knife use is for task, chore, woods-bumming uses (not terribly unlike SAR type uses <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> ) and I find a dropped point excels for my uses over a trailing point or similar designs with lots of belly and a high point.

But, for skinning, I think that blade shape with a trailing, sweeping high point and belly works well. Or even a tighter radiused belly than the SAR4. However, for skinning, I think the SAR4 is WAY heavy. I like a secure knife for game processing, but nimble and "Skinny" blade - not fat, chunky and cumbersome.
But, I also like a knife I can manuever my hand around in MANY different holds. I don't use a pinch grip hardly EVER in woodsbumming, but I use it often in skinning.

Personally, for skinning and game processing, I like a slender and lightweight knife - blade AND handle. Length can vary depending on game. But, I still prefer slender and light-weight.

I have to be honest again. While I am a HUGE fan of Busse and kin for toughness and field use blades, when it comes to game processing designs, Busse and kin doesn't excell so much. And while many woods-bumming knives can cross-over and do will for game processing/food prep, there really are not many Busse and kin blades that I feel "Excell" at "Dedicated" game prep. In all fairness, I am not sure that is Busse's target. They tend to target the military/EXTREME/survival audience a bit more. And also different people might have different preferences for such a knife.

In any event, I honestly think Bark River, Dozier and many other offer MANY choices better suited for game processing and skinning compared to Busse offerings.... unless you define hunting knife as a knife intented to stalk and kill your prey with. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I think the Howling Rat I & II can both process game well - although a little tall for my preferences in a processing blade. I don't have the MUK, but it should be pretty good. The Vex should be pretty decent, but it's dropped point (which I prefer) is actually good for woodsbumming and "decent" at game processing IMO.

Actually, while I have slammed the HCLE's handle, I have "Missed" the HCLE's calling. The 3.5" HCLE is actually a pretty darn good game processing knife IMO. And probably one of Busse's better options for that. I use the handle a LOT different for game processing and it's blade is well suited for it. But, I still think the handle could have been better and still be a better knife over-all with a better handle.
The HCLE fits and feels good in a pinch grip. I actually think the 3.5" blade HCLE is better for game processing compared to the 4.0". But, the 4.0" HCLE is better for more versatile uses.... if the handle was better.

Fastcamo, try holding that HCLE as you would for various skinning or game processing task - in multiple hand holds. In those types of uses, while I would still think the HCLE would be better served with a better handle, the feel of the HCLE improves. What do you think?

For the record, anything I like about the HCLE, I still prefer the VEX for all-round versatility use. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> But, the HCLE does have more belly and edge sweep with a higher point which is just a bit better blade profile for skinning IMO. - When you get to processing meat or food in general though, I still prefer the Vex. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

And probably one of the BEST looking "skinning" blades I have seen from Busse is (ALMOST!) the recent HACK (not the pitiful Bear Cub. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />) But, the HACK is WAY to thick and chunky at 0.25" (or 0.22" ????) thick. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> That knife should have been about 0.15" thick <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />...... and I would have bought one. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> I liked the Hack's design and shape. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> ... But, NOT it's thickness. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbdn.gif" alt="" />
The blade shape on the HACK does NOT benefit from being a fatty. And for it's size, it is a fatty. That knife should be more slender and a slicer. 0.15" thick INFI is "PLENTY" strong, tough and stout and no thin box cutter.

Back to the SAR4: I can sort of understand a "SAR" knife being heavy-duty and tank-like to a point - although generally still without having a lot of the weight wasted on so much extra handle that you don't need (like on the SAR5 as well), but I do not understand that sweeping curved edge on a "SAR" knife. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

"Conflicted" knife IMO. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />


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Most of the SAR guys offered their input and had ideas. I was honestly surprised that Jerry's SAR4 didn't look anything like what the SAR guys had been asking for.
Personally, considering the knife was intended for them, I wish Jerry had listened to the SAR guys a bit more. Jerry is obviously a genious at many aspects of knife-making and marketing.
But, the SAR guys "USE" knives like crazy and have a VERY good feel for what they want and need.
Personally, I think the SAR guys had it RIGHT!
I only know part of the story. I had a few discussions with some of the SAR guys back when Jerry was posting concepts and "Asking" for input - especially from the SAR guys.

In the end, I am not sure what caused SAR designs to go in different directions. I as honestly dissappointed. But, in the end, the SAR guys collaborated with Bill Seigle.

Hope it is OK to mention and post their knife and pics here.








<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Great design! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />


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Personally, I obviously think the RMD is better than the SAR4, but I would also take the SAR5 and HRLM easily as well. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> .... not to mention, the "other" pure function SAR4 design. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

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