So, I got the SAR3-LE, here are my initial impressions (without having actually used it for anything practical.)

I am stumped by this knife. I just spent and hour trying to describe it, and am having a hard time. I'm not entirely sure what role its trying to fit into.

The rounded spine retains its thickness almost to the very tip, this makes it seem very thick and sturdy with a nearly blunt looking tip. The blade is also pretty thick behind the convexed edge toward the tip.

I find these properties somewhat at odds with its small size, as I'd like a small knife to be a fine slicer and something I can use for more delicate work. Something all the other knives in the comparison shots below excel at.

The handle has some hotspots on the pommel end of the micarta, and the ridges are milled with very sharp edges and could benefit from 5 minutes with a bit of sand paper. Compare to the AD and MPLE, which both have excellent handle ergonomics.

It seems this was designed to be an extremely good looking blade with everything else as secondary considerations. If this is the case, it excels within those design parameters, its hands down one of the best looking knives I own. Once I have a chance to actually cut something with it, I might change my mind.


A thread is worthless without pictures, so here are comparison shots with an Active Duty, Mud Puppy LE, and a Swamp Warden (click picture for larger size):

I like the AD better,but the MP will kick thier pretty boy butts. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the impressions. I think I made the right choice passing on this one. I think the AD or Swamp Warden would be my choice out of those. Of course I do love the Vex and would like to see side by sides.


BTW I gotta say that is the best AD I have ever seen. Thanks for the pics.

I like the MP. Larger handle, better ergonomics, and res c.

Yeah, the SAR3 is a bit of a puzzling beast. I must admit I bought it based on looks. I still want to actually use it for something, but it will have to wait until the next time I'm out of the city.


You ought to know! Thanks for letting me adopt it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> I still owe you pictures of a sheath, this is how far I got on it:



Its glued together, the plan is to smooth out the edges, add stitches and some kind of belt loop. For now it allows me to carry the knife in my pocket. Not a Rainwalker by any measure <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

+1, i dont think there will ever be another knife at that size that will be better for me. the MPLE is number 1!

Thank you for the feedback Monster. I was hot over this when I first saw it..then I assessed the portfolio and decided that I'd wait on reviews (such as your generous offering) before jumping on an an SE model in later releases. Well, I'm glad I did...I don't like the idea of a fat tip on a close detail knife.

Here's to waiting for a thINFI BOSS Street. I'd be in Heaven if the big Dog released a CG BOSS-ish model with thin SR101 & Mudders...akin to the SS4 but with the Street profile.

Thanks again! Cheers. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I was hoping that I was not the only one that got a SAR3LE with a super thick, bluntish tip.

If I decide to keep this...and I probably will...I am going to have to work on the tip quite a bit to get it to a usable thickness.

The edge near the tip is no kidding, 70-80 degrees. The edge from the belly to the choil is decently sharp.


I love everything else about it.

Please excuse my poor manners MD.<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" /> Thank you for the first impressions and the photos!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the review monsterdog.

I received two SAR 3 LE's and I have already sold one because the handle does not feel right in my hands. It's a great looking knife but for the price I will wait until Dan releases a similar size knife with mudder handles.

That's about where I am, Walker. I've got all the bases covered...no need to get into things for the sake of getting into it. I sense a SYKCO EDC around the corner...not sure why, just feels right <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I was gonna try and get one of these, but I think I'll get another Swamp Warden and wait for Dan to release a new EDC and a BIG chopper <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />