Basic 9 vs Battle Rat

[Bobby B]

I did a search, but couldn't come up with a solid answer...
Which of the 2 lines offers better performance: the older modified INFI Basics, or the new and improved SR-101 Swamprats.
I assume there are a few here who have "tested" both, and can answer...

I have a Basic 9 waiting for me (as mentioned in an earlier thread) and am also looking for a 7.5"...

Basic or Rat?

 

[SALTY]

I have not tested them side by side and have never done anything scientic with either. The New Swamp Rat knives are awesome. The steel, heat treat, design, grnd, all if it - it's a great overall package at a great price. The handles on the SR knives are imporved somewhat. While still using the Resciprene-C, they are somewhat harder, have a slightly improved shape and have a bit more texture to the surface. I like the new handles better and that's saying something as the Basics handles (#7 & #9) are about top of my list.`

With that said, INFI is hard to beat and Modified INFI is not too far behind. Honestly, I never was able to discern a difference in the use of the knife. SR-101 is a great steel for knives that Busse participated in the "design" of. In the hierarchy of steels for tough use knives I would have to put INFI/Modified INFI above all others, including SR-101; but what do I know?

 

[Eric Isaacson]

I'm going to disagree with Nimrod but just slightly.

In my observations from use, I'd say that SR101 falls somewhere between INFI and Mod-INFI. I've found my BR to be an extremely high performance blade, that would probably edge out Mod-INFI to fall into second place behind INFI.

 

[contender]

I agree with Eric. The only area that I am aware of that MOD INFI spanks the SR 101 is in corrosion resistance, otherwise I have been super impressed with SR 101 and the Swamp Rat line - especially for the PRICE !!

 

[Bobby B]

Hmmm, they seem to be pretty close... Apparently the Mrs. is good too. What happens if the Swamp Rat Queen gets to use the INFI???

 

[utmts4me]

Maybe this would be a good time to ask about the differentially tempered SR-101 VS. the INFI/Mod INFI which is hardened to uniformly to RC 58-60.

To me this has always been part of the magic of INFI, that the WHOLE blade was hardened to the same RC as the cutting edge and yet it was not brittle and it could be used to pry and torque and bend (see demo videos) without fear of blade failure. No other steel that I know of can do that and that is why differential treatments were developed.

Eric, Andrew, Marc, Jerry would anyone shed a little light on this aspect of SR-101 and Swamp Rat knives?

I'd be interested in a knowledge dump on this point

 

[Andrew Lynch]

I'm not sure, but I believe that the spines of the Swamp Rats are not as soft as many differentially-treated blades, so much strength is still retained, while toughness is still exceptional.

I agree with Eric and Marc, from what I've seen, SR-101 is somewhere between M-INFI and INFI in performance (except for corrosion resistance). Still the big three are all exceptional performers and are close in performance.

 

[SALTY]

Such uniform disagreement with the Mighty Nimrod?

My view is probably skewed given my special feeling for my Basic #5 and Basic #7.

 

[gk4ever]

I would enjoy seeing some performance test data comparing the Swamp Rats with the Basics. M-INFI is tough - remember the 2771 cuts Jerry made through 1 inch rope with a Basic 9, and the only reason he stopped was he ran out of rope!

One reason I like the Basics are the extremely comfortable handles - they are the best I have ever held! I am interested to see how the Swamp Rat handles feel compared to the Basics (maybe at the next Indy 1500 show?).

I prefer knives that resist corrosion, so I will have to side with the Basics.

Gene

 

[SALTY]

Originally posted by gk4ever

One reason I like the Basics are the extremely comfortable handles - they are the best I have ever held
Gene

Gene, trust me on this one, if you liked the handles of the Basics, you will love the handles on the Swamp Rats. They are the same thing-only different. I felt (feel) the same way about the Basics' handles but have to admit that the handles ont he Swamp Rats are actually better. They are a slightly different shape and the Resiprene-C is a bit harder, and textured a little bit.