SAR5 or Desert Jack

I am trying to keep my Bussekin knives down to one excellent example of each size/use and I recently sold my YKCG because my SAR5 was a nicer knife that filed the same mid sized slot. Today I had a very nice but hard used DesertJack show up on my doorstep. Unlike the SAR5 which i did not like at first but grew on me the DJ was love at first sight. It was not abnormally fat stock for a knife which is a pleasant change from a lot of the Bussekin knives and the handle was very comfortable with lots of good grip positions. It is like a one size bigger version of my SS4. It fits very well between my SS4 and DFLE.

The SAR5 is a very nice knife as well though. I love the simple handle and
the awesome convex bevel(not edge the whole bevel it's self is convex <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />).
There is also the INFI versus SR101 factor. I just realized if I have the DFLE the SS4 and the DJ ,that is all the Bussekin tool steels. As soon as Scrapyard comes out with their inevitable<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" /> CPM154 necker/skelly I will have the complete set.

Another thing in the Jacks favour is it's a user that I will need to strip and clean up a bit. I always feel bad about scratching up a new Busse. It is hard to look at a nice new virgin Busse and not see a big pile of 20$'s.

So who thinks I should stick with the SAR5 and who thinks the DesertJack is the way to go?

I am not giving "keep them both" as an option because everyone would say that and so why bother with a poll<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

So for the SAR5 which is a Black/Black micarta with logo model.

INFI

Great handle

incredible convex bevel

indestructible

I think it is a good looking simple knife

Colour matches the SS4 and DFLE

But it is also

heavy as heck

brand new


The Desert Jack is based on the SatinJack which was a simple good looking knife
but the DJ is anything but. It is your typical fugly curved and bumpy modern Busse. The handle is very comfortable even though it has a HUGE monstrous choil.
It is very similar to the SS4 handle but in micarta and 1 size bigger.


The Desert Jack which is a tan and brown micarta handle but will soon be a stripped and micarta handle.

Is lighter and an inch longer than the Sar5

Diff tempered SR101(I think they are diff tempered?)

Comfortable but ugly handle

it is a user (looks less like a pile of 20$'s)

Nice thin blade stock

more a cutting tool than an entry tool

but

Not INFI

colour does not match and is ugly.

Not as indestructible as the SAR5

sabre grind no where as cool as the SAR5's convex bevel

Big choil eats up a lot of edge

lets cast some votes.

I like them both!

I don't have a Desert Jack but I like the style and shape a little better than the SAR5, so I had to vote for the DJ. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I also picked the Desert Jack. Would like to get one myself someday.

DJ ( I wish I had one to go with my RW <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> )

I just love the handles and how it flows with the blade.

One reason why I like the Old School Ratweiler so much.

Leave the SAR5 and keep the DJ. It isn't INFI, but the Diff Temp SR-101 is just as good. I seriously doubt that the DJ is less indestructible as a SAR5.

Handles are better on DJ, IMHO, and blade shape is also better (forget that useless swedge and ugly clip point). I can see why Jerry didn't like the SAR5.

So after all that rambling, I suggest you keep and use the heck out of that DJ and leave out the SAR5. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I've never handled either knife so I'm basing my decision on what I've always wanted, a DJ. I just love the way it looks.

I think I like the DJ better. If they were mine, I'd sell them both and buy a box of <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Ratmandus!

41 views and only 6 votes, all for the DJ.

Now I kind of want the SAR5 just to be contrary.

The SAR5 is way more indestructible but that is not a terribly important factor.

The DJ is now stripped and much nicer looking. I will try to post pics but my PUTFILE account has been down.

AH just keep 'em both one for each hand!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

There you go! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

The SAR5 is worth holding onto for a while for sure. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

brother, I do believe you would be hard pressed to break her! I'd keep the DJ because you get an extra inch of blade at the same or less weight

THe DJ has tan scales. That's all that matters. You keep on forgetting that.

IMO, the Desert Jack has a classic knife look and greater utility. If you're looking for a bushcraft knife, IMO the Desert Jack is it. I'm just not a fan of the SAR5. I don't like how it looks or how it feels in the hand. Sorry. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

I had a SAR5 and sold it. I thought it was too handle heavy, and I didn't like the placement of the talon hole. I passed on a really good deal on a DJ, and got my RMD instead. I still want a DJ though. Someday...

I’ve got a Satin Jack, which is sweet.

I’ve never handled a SAR5. It looks like it should be fine—a Busse version of the Grohmann # 4 survival knife. I used to have one of those, and liked it a lot. But the SAR5 seems to be one of those love it or hate it knives. Until I handle one, I’m not qualified to vote.

Andy is right The SAR5 is very handle heavy. However it can be used as hard as the MuttCG or YKLE but because of the clever convex grind which I have never seen on a Busse it still has excellent cutting geometry. I may be all alone on this but I think it is a much better looking knife than the Desert Jack. It also has the same amount of edge because of the lack of a choil.

The Black/black micarta SAR5 is going to look sharp with the black OST sheath it's getting. Maybe I will keep the SAR5 until I find a soldier who needs a good duty knife and give him(or her) a really good deal. The SAR5 would make a near perfect
combat knife.

The DJ would suit a nice leather pouch sheath.

99 people clicked on this thread but only 14 voted? That means 75 people got bored before the end of my first LONG post <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

Actually the Busse Satin Jack has a full convex ground blade.

I don't own either, but I voted for the Desert Jack.

I think the satin jack TACLE was the only fully convex factory SJ

Gruntinhusaybah

You're right. I just checked and it's the Satin Jack TAC I own. I do remember it was billed as a full convex grind from spine to edge.

[censored] now I really want a SJ TACLE! That would be an awesome knife. I bet it's expensive though.

Another thing in favour of the DJ is the handle has a great feel just like the SS4 or a slimmer ergo handle.
The SH-E ,and the DJ and the SS4 make a really great set.
Busse
SwampRat
Scrapyard
and I think I am going to get matching leather pouch style sheaths for them all.
They all have the same blade shape ,handle shape and big choil in the same place.
They are all getting nice hand rubbed finishes as well.

Sorry SAR5 you can't compete with fate. I will find you a good home though where you are appreciated.

The Desert Jack is a lot more knife for the weight and has better balance. Also, the SAR5 has a swedge that will eat your baton. I voted for the DJ!

I voted for the SAR5, like usual I am out to lunch

It sounds like you like the DJ better, so use it but unless you're really desperate for cash hold onto the SAR5 as an investment. If you paid release price for the SAR5, you could turn it over for a profit right now, but one day you'll think, "I sure wish I still had that SAR5." Besides, with the economy as it is, more folks than usual seem to be selling knives on the Exchange -- I've picked up some pretty good bargains lately. It's a buyer's market right now, not a seller's (unless you've got an AK or ruck to put on the block).

If you don't believe me about the regret factor, ask somebody who sold their "extra" SS4s.

Jim that is probably pretty good advice.

One thing I liked about the SAR5 is the simple practical lines and especially the
handle

Well sell me the DJ!

Sorry Pinky but I think Jim made to good an argument and i have to keep both<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Hahah, I was kidding. To many bills right now, but seriously the DJ is an awesome looking and rare knife, glad you're keeping it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

New update the SAR5 has been traded for a "gasp" Spyderco.

Which one? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

spyderco?!
another mule or something unsub?

A carbon fibre caly3 in ZDP is the Spyderco along with a little legal tender was the trade. I have been wanting one for a long time as they are a hot choice for best EDC folder on the market. I figure I will get a lot more use out of it than another fixed blade. I have several Spydercos and the smallest one is a Police.
I had also considered the Polliwog as well as a small CR Sebbie.
I have a nice Lambert custom for a small EDC folder but i have a hard time not worrying about it.

Nice pickup on the Caly3, Unsub. Though I tend to go with SpyderEdge on the smaller Spyderco folders for increased edge surface.

Are you happy with the trade??? I guess that's all that really matters.