The SAR4 just looks like it might be a good all around hunting blade. I have a little knife that looks like the miniNorthdar with a guard that is great for most of the cleaning duties, great for boneing, but too fragile to pound though the pelvis.

The GW was great for everything but didn't have enough handle to really latch onto when cutting through the ribs/sternum. There was that snagging choil issue too. Also, even though it worked a little more blade length would have made things easier.

I'm just trying to not have to bring three knives into the field with me.

I've never handled either but I hope to soon. Just from looks though I have the same problem with the SAR5 as the Koster Muk.

Ugly doesn't really bother me because they are both pretty ugly.

I prefer the SAR4 though and again I bet it has as much cutting edge as the SAR5.

I prefer the SAR5 to the SAR4 as well. I prefer the S5LE to either.

Why?

I prefer the S5 to the SAR5.

I have done that MANY times now. Considering how long some of my posts are, that can suck BIG time! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

I try to "copy" before hitting my Continue button - especially on long posts. Then I can just past back into a new post if it won't continue.

Sometimes when I hit the back button, my post is still there.
But, a few times, it has dissappeard.

... sorry you lost your post.

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I don't always mind chunky knives. But, I don't generally prefer them unless I want to bash stuff with the knife. Thinner is just more nimble and tends to cut a bit better. With a good convex edge, a thick knife "Can" cut fine, but starts to not be as good if cutting deeper.

As far as weight preferences though, I do try to keep in mind that everybody has a right to their own opinion. To each their own and so on.





I am not familiar with which Koster you refer, but in regards to the SAR5, the integral guard effectively created by the blade is "AS Large" and effective at preventing my finger from sliding over the blade almost as well as most guards on knives of similar size.

But, I am used to using knives without guards and with much less guard than the SAR5. One of my favorite smaller knives is my Canadian Special. I also like the Aurora and many similar knives without any guard. It works for me. And I just know what I can and can't do.

But, I can appreciate where some people might feel they need a gaurd.




I agree. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> But, for skinning, processing, cleaning and similar, I often find that a high point is about as good as a lower point for those tasks.






I agree. I feel similar about thumb ramps, thumb recesses and similar. Sometimes they work, but usually at a cost of not being universal for a larger number of people. And tend to restrict hand movement for various holds. So, while I "sometimes" like a given finger groove, recess, or similar (Canadian Special is a good example), I often just like simple for versatility even for my own hands. As is, the Canadian Special works even if I move my hand around a lot. The grooves on it are not sufficient to prevent hand movement, but do offer good control.

The Seigle has a index finger groove. I don't know how it is. I haven't handled. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />





To a point. But, it depends on how much. I am a stickler for details on many things including knives - obviously.

I have much more issue with things that detract from function. Too much pommel is more of a balance issue, too much length, too much weight. All reasonably minor. But, if it serves no value, I would rather not have it in use or when carrying around. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbdn.gif" alt="" />

I can honestly say the SAR5 has too much pommel hanging out IMO. It weights the handle too much IMO. I have a plan in mind for mine. I can fix it.

The SAR4 EASILY looks to have more handle than I prefer.


The RMD has a great handle size. But, I wish they had put the lanyard hole at the back/bottom rather than the back top of the handle. I can't figure that out for the life of me. My only speculation is that Jerry didn't want the RMD to be "TOO" good as to outshine his Flagship Busse-INFI line. But, lanyard hole isn't a big deal either - for me. It still works. And for me, the RMD EASILY outshines most of the Busse-INFI line.... Until he releases something without that sharpening choil. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbdn.gif" alt="" /> ... For me, the SHBA without choil and with skeletonized tang would be VERY close to the RMD in value to me. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

To each their own again. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

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+1

I prefer the S5 and RMD both over either the SAR5 or SAR4.

I can "Make" the SAR5 decent. Mods to make the SAR4 to my liking would be too extensive to be worthwhile.

The S5 and RMD are both dang good from the factory and "Minor" mods make them world class. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

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Balance, feel, weight, good blade shape/design for MOST tasks = VERY versatile. Will skin and process game well - even if not the best.

SAR5 is good, but would be better with a bit smaller and lighter handle.

SAR4 is too thick, too chunky, has a USELESS sharpening choil, too long and heavy a handle, likely has poor balance (IMO). Personally, I don't really like the jimping. I haven't handled it, but I don't think I like the cut-out or they way it is done. But, it looks like a tank of a knife that might give you a good urge to grunt like Tim Allen when you hold. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ... But, I think I would find lesser satisfaction in use. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbdn.gif" alt="" />

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Fair enough.... so do I. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

And I like my modified S5 even significantly more than the standard S5.

But, when I modify my SAR5, it will be a much better knife and a worthy contender.

There wil be notable differences between the SAR5 vs. S5 - mostly choil vs. no choil - which also equates to S5 longer over-all vs. shorter SAR5. But, the SAR5 actually has a bit longer cutting edge.... So, compromises as usual.
Also micarta vs. Res-C mudder.

But, they will BOTH be VERY good with some tweaks. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

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I take that to mean you prefer a guard. And you are implying neither the SAR5 or Vex have a functional guard.

I will disagree.

While neither have a conventional guard, both have a functional and effective guard from the shape of the blade helping to prevent fingers from sliding forward.

The both offer "Secure" and reasonably safe grips.

Some guards do offer more safety - if that is what you need. But, I wouldn't say either the Vex or SAR5 are guardless by my definition. They just provide "Guard-like functions" differently. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

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Imaginefj,

If you like the SAR5 except for the lack of guard, having somebody add a guard to something like the SAR5 is very feasible.

Outside of just bolsters, there are generally two type of attachable guards: those with a single hole that go over a hidden tang (not what you want) and those with a slot cut from above that is mounted from beneath and pinned. This could be added to the SAR5.

There are many guards to chose from. Some are pre-shaped. Others are just blocks of various metals (nickel-silver, aluminum, brass, stainless, etc.) that need shaping.

Remove the scales. They will need to be ground back behind the guard to fit.

A 2nd hole could be drilled above the Talon Hole (which is flat in the Ricasso, to pin a guard.

To much else to explain, but basically just re-build the SAR5 with a guard.


.... For that matter, many knives can be modified or altered many different ways.

Res-C handles could be modified to hidden tang scales, etc.

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