Thanks for that comparison. Even though it doesn't offer more than anecdotal information, it's still an interesting exercise. You mention that the Busse was thicker stock than the 3V blade, but you didn't offer information about how the edge geometries of the two blades compare--edge thickness, thickness behind the edge, and sharpening angle? All can affect edge retention. And do you know the hardness of the 3V blade by chance? Some small Busse's offer enhanced steel hardness for better edge retention and are more ergonomically suited to field dressing and butchering tasks.
We've seen other indications that 3V may offer equal or better edge retention against INFI as currently heat treated to 58-60 HRC, and Jerry has indicated he may experiment more with higher hardness as used in INFI's early days, more 60-62. But I think he has the steel where he wants it in terms of durability right now, especially on the larger blades more subject to chopping, batonning and general abuse. As you said, even in the thicker blade your Battle Mistress still had a good working edge at the end of the comparison--and on many materials INFI seems to cut almost forever even though it may not stay "shaving sharp".
The two areas in which I think 3V has yet to prove equal to INFI are in how both fail from impact, especially repeated heavy edge impact, and of course corrosion resistance. If your needs include edge retention beyond what INFI is capable of, then 3V may be a good choice. Some other CPM steels like M4 or 10V also might offer adequate toughness and even significantly increased edge holding over 3V. Chopping through hog bones is not really very hard on steel as long as the edge isn’t torqued—I’ve taken many leg bones off deer carcasses with one stroke using a 1095 machete.
Besides excellent edge retention, INFI is a very low-maintenance steel and requires very little attention over long periods of time in harsh conditions; ease of sharpening, toughness/impact resistance, and very high corrosion resistance for a non-stainless steel (and better than some stainless steels). Remember that Busse's full name is Busse Combat Knife Company. Jerry's knives are designed to take everything that can be thrown at them for prolonged periods of use in the worst possible conditions. See how well edge retention holds up on steel that is more prone to rust/corrosion--and see how well a knife cuts after being carried a few days in a wet sheath during harsh weather conditions, as its edge begins to deteriorate. I have used ATS34 blades alongside INFI in wet circumstances where the ATS34 rusted, and the INFI did not. I know 3V does not rust as quickly as some carbon steels, but I doubt it can equal INFI. Would like to see more comparisons in that regard.
With Jerry's genius for taking garden variety steels like 52100, S7, D2, A2, ATS34 and Elmax, tweaking the elemental mix, and then applying sophisticated heat treat protocols to wring amazing performance increases out of them, I would imagine he's experimented with the CPM steels to see what they have to offer. He has always held publicly that the only reason he uses the steels he does is because he has not found anything better--and he is always looking. If he's not changing steels, you can bet there's a good reason based on fundamental, across-the-board performance.
Glad you like your Silverback -- hope it continues to serve you well. :thumbup:
