Battle Grade Questions. Is INFI worth it?

kdstrick said:
Aw man... you had to bring three more steels into the debate didn't ya! :D

All good steel, no doubt but as has been discussed ad-nauseam all steel is a compromise. I feel pretty well covered with INFI or SR101 as they are a great blend of toughness and edge retention.

Maybe you should try some thinner bussekin??? There is lots of it out there.

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I have an infidu that I just reprofiled. I really like my HOG MUK LE's (my favorite busse). I have the trail scalpel on order (looks really cool). I like INFI and SR101 but I just don't think the hype is real. Then again, I'm not a steel snob and for me and my backpacking trips, most steels work just fine. I think INFI shines with guys that chop. I use an axe and then that's rare. As far as if INFI is worth it? Sure, if you have money, especially if it's not coated.

With operation two weeks though I'm more prone to grab the BG SR101, basically so I can buy more.
 
I am of the opinion that between INFI and SR-101, the difference you might see between the two will be so small as to be unable to distinguish... other than things that are obvious like corrosion resistance as you quickly see the difference. You will notice far more performance one way or another based on cross section and geometry than anything else, comparing similar steels.
 
kdstrick said:
Not a whole lot of difference in INFI and SR101. Corrosion resistance being the main difference.

Fact is, if you are on this forum you WILL end up with both. The curiosity will kill ya if you don't!


Both are fantastic and will take whatever abuse you throw at them.

Get both, have fun and enjoy the ride.

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This. ⤴I haven't tested INFI enough to have a confirmed opinion on it. Its real tough though, INSANELY EASY TO SHARPEN, takes a very nice edge. That said I love Busses SR101. Holds an edge forever, have had zero micro chipping, fairly easy to sharpen, also tough, also takes great edge but not as good as INFI, i believe.

For me, where INFI shines is in thin knives. Where you'd want the extra toughness perhaps. Or want a stainless blade. Or blade you can sharpen easily on a variety of things.

I like both so far. Know I like Sr101. You gotta try both. But honestly, I can't pick one steel over the other, especially when price is involved.

One thing I can tell you is INFI doesn't hold an edge like Sr101 imo. Its noticeable after couple days of use. But you can sharpen INFI on a variety of things, which is pretty dam cool. Sr101 for me takes diamond stones.

Get both!!!!!!:) Sr101 will serve you well though if wanna go big without going broke. But I think to get INFI for whatever model you where gonna get in sr101 is just around a $100 more. I really like both.
 
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Ulf Krogstad said:
One thing I can tell you is INFI doesn't hold an edge like Sr101 imo. Its noticeable after a day of use. But you can sharpen INFI on a variety of things, which is pretty dam cool. Sr101 for me takes diamond stones.
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I have also noticed that SR-101 seems to be FAR more difficult to grind than INFI in comparative type blades, which is odd considering the compositions of the two... as to me it would seem INFI should be far higher carbide than SR-101. For this reason, INFI would be preferable in real world use chopping where dirt and rocks are almost to avoid contamination of the chopping medium in the field. This will dull any knife over time, INFI wins here as the inches in blade length are comparatively large and SR-101 will take much longer to restore. In this regard I would also prefer SR-77 over SR-101 for big blades, I feel that anything over 5" blade SR-101 seems to be not such a great choice.
 
Alacrity said:
Hello there BladeForums!

I am returning from a 2 year hiatus to Australia and I have been re-bitten by the bug. There I was thinking I was cured...

Anyways, I noticed in my absence a number of Busse knives in SR101 steel. Namely the TG. Now this is a knife I've wanted for some time.. And I love my Ratmandu in SR101... And the price difference is significant. Now at risk of starting a war, is the INFI worth it? Or is the SR101 model just as good?

On a related vein (I might as well just throw it all out here) I've been debating between the Boss Jack, TG, and Sar 6 for a while. Anyone who has owned the knives who can give a recommendation? I have the Ratmandu so I'm looking for something with a little more heft with some chopping power that doesn't get annoying in hand (my fear with the TG). I think I'm ready to take my step into Busse.. But whether it is dipped in INFI or SR101 is up to ya'll.

Thanks in advance for any comments!

Cheers.
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The TG has more chopping capabilities than the Boss Jack.. but is still very light in the hand.
I love my Boss Jack.. but it´s not my goto chopper ;)
 
That's it, I am selling my collection-NOT!!! The simple fact is that NOBODY designs Knifes Like Busse-NO other Manufacture has the Design, Handle comfort, and Toughness in ONE package that Busse offers-Period!!! INFI or SR-101 will provide a lifetime of service with minimum Maintenance! Choose one you like, and can afford, and you will end up a "Happy Camper" I Love me some INFI
LukeTheSpook said:
Honestly I have quite a few Busse / Kin now and while I don't do real scientific tests and I don't like in the woods, I can't really see the difference between the two. My 3V, 10V and S90V knives are a world better performance wise than my way too thick infi or SR101. I think the busse appeal is more based on really good steel (not mythical), great designs and really fun marketing.

Don't forget Busse and Kin normally have great handles.
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The short answer is no, it's not worth it -- at least from a pragmatic perspective.

Swamp Rats carry the same warranty as Busse knives. That's kind of the way I look at it. Both are reputed to be tough-ass knives that can take one hell of a beating. And from my experience in using both extensively, that is certainly the case. Any perceived advantage or disadvantage to one over the other is negligible except for the one that ultimately matters: price!

If you can get a cheaper knife that is as good as a more expensive knife (and comes with the same warranty) why wouldn't one simply opt for the more inexpensive blade?

Again, this is looking at the question from a strictly pragmatic perspective. When you start to consider blade design, aesthetics, features then the question becomes a matter of taste -- not practicality.

I will say that Satin Busses don't stain as easily as Rats. But in either case, cleaning them up is a piece of cake.
 
Alacrity said:
On a related vein (I might as well just throw it all out here) I've been debating between the Boss Jack, TG, and Sar 6 for a while. Anyone who has owned the knives who can give a recommendation? I have the Ratmandu so I'm looking for something with a little more heft with some chopping power that doesn't get annoying in hand (my fear with the TG). I think I'm ready to take my step into Busse.. But whether it is dipped in INFI or SR101 is up to ya'll.
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Welcome back :)

As some one who has used both, INFI is worth it.

I would go for the SAR 6 if it was me.
I have had all three and for what you describe I would go for the SAR 6
enough heft to chop well in that size package.
One of the most comfortable handles Busse has ever made.

TG is a close-ish second.
 
Thanks all for the comments! I've missed this forum...

So semi settled myself on the INFI/sr101 debate. But I would like to know which knife I should shoot for.

I'm most attracted to TG, Sar, and Boss Jack. I've had a couple recommendations. I guess of the 3 I'm most keen on the TG. Is it nice is SR 101? Is the LB significantly better? I see these pop up on the exchange fairly often and I get tingles every time one does. Would this be a knife I could take camping/fly fishing trips and not have to worry about another knife? Or would the Sar or Boss Jack be a bit more all rounder?

Thanks again for the outpouring of comments and opinions. It really does help.

Cheers
 
I am very partial to the Boss Jack of those three, especially in SR-101. It has a much smaller footprint and girth overall, which lends itself better to unobtrusive carry in various methods... while being enough knife to do difficult tasks.
 
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Here is my take;

The Boss Jack would be about the same as your RMD, just slightly longer, no better at chopping.

A BG TG would work well for you (about 300.00) , the TG LB would be INFI, but any of the un-coated ones now command "Collector Prices" (600.00 + ) unless it is a stripper (450.00 to 500.00).
But if you want it for chopping heavier would be better.

I still think the SAR 6 would be the best of the 3 but it will cost you about 500.00 to 600.00 for one.

prices could be more or less but that is my best guess.

Again hope that helps
 
IMO, chopping with any sub 10-12" blade would be trumped by a landslide to expediently makeshifting a baton to use for leverage and velocity to drive the knife through. I suppose that is why I take form over small gains in chopping ability that come with enormous amounts of added bulk.

Efficient chopping basically equates to requiring a tool with relatively high mass/leverage (well over a pound), high rotational velocity and thinnest/acute edge geometry that will accept the loads placed on the tool ... all of which impart cutting ability which chopping ability is directly correlated to. None of which come standard with most 8" Busse IMO, though the TGLB with it's mass distribution given the I beam handle does begin approach this if you are willing to do some work to the edge geometry.

Basically, if you want a chopper... I would recommend buying a chopper (10-12") and tweaking the edge geometry to suit your requirements. Or buy yourself a Basic 8 for a one tool option with the understanding that you will still want to dial in the edge geometry and expect to use more muscle energy adding velocity to the swing to get it to do the same work as a higher mass equivalent with better rotational characteristics.
 
Your answer is very logical, if this pragmatic perspective was used in all purchases, why would people buy a an expensive sportscar instead of a prius? A quality gun with a proven track record instead of a Wal-mart Special? Simple answer is because they believe the product is worth the extra investment. This argument pops up about once a month, my knife is made of better steel than yours, because its mine-The simple fact is SR-101 is a great Steel period, It is not INFI, if it was it would cost the same and people would not be willing to pay the difference-If I was in a situation (survival or otherwise) and all I had available was SR-101 I would feel very confident-(yes SR-101 is that good), However put two identical knives up for sale on the forum, say a SFNO Battle Grade and a SFNO-INFI and see which one sells for $700-There is indeed a reason for this-Cheers
TerryBlinski said:
The short answer is no, it's not worth it -- at least from a pragmatic perspective.

Swamp Rats carry the same warranty as Busse knives. That's kind of the way I look at it. Both are reputed to be tough-ass knives that can take one hell of a beating. And from my experience in using both extensively, that is certainly the case. Any perceived advantage or disadvantage to one over the other is negligible except for the one that ultimately matters: price!

If you can get a cheaper knife that is as good as a more expensive knife (and comes with the same warranty) why wouldn't one simply opt for the more inexpensive blade?

Again, this is looking at the question from a strictly pragmatic perspective. When you start to consider blade design, aesthetics, features then the question becomes a matter of taste -- not practicality.

I will say that Satin Busses don't stain as easily as Rats. But in either case, cleaning them up is a piece of cake.
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TommyGun56 said:
Your answer is very logical, if this pragmatic perspective was used in all purchases, why would people buy a an expensive sportscar instead of a prius? A quality gun with a proven track record instead of a Wal-mart Special? Simple answer is because they believe the product is worth the extra investment. This argument pops up about once a month, my knife is made of better steel than yours, because its mine-The simple fact is SR-101 is a great Steel period, It is not INFI, if it was it would cost the same and people would not be willing to pay the difference-If I was in a situation (survival or otherwise) and all I had available was SR-101 I would feel very confident-(yes SR-101 is that good), However put two identical knives up for sale on the forum, say a SFNO Battle Grade and a SFNO-INFI and see which one sells for $700-There is indeed a reason for this-Cheers
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Yeah, the more I mull the question over the more I believe that INFI isn't worth the extra money. Contextualized in a utility setting, SR-101 preforms every bit as well as INFI. If SR-101 was an inferior steel in terms of its toughness, Busse would not honor the same ridiculously awesome warranty.

There are subtle and inconsequential differences between the two. As I mentioned, SR-101 stains easier than INFI. It is also harder to sharpen. But, by the same token, I think it holds an edge longer.

To your underlying point about a survival, life-on-the-line scenario, you are correct. In fact, I'd go one step further and say that I'd feel every bit as confident with an SR-101 blade as I would with a Busse. That alone should answer the question of whether it's worth the extra $. The reality is -- again, from a strictly utilitarian/pragmatic perspective -- it's not.

Theoretically, one should buy SR-101 every day of the week before they shell out the extra coin on a Busse.
 
TerryBlinski said:
Theoretically, one should buy SR-101 every day of the week before they shell out the extra coin on a Busse.
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Well played :)

Hog trickery at its best.

I should start telling people the same thing,
They will stop spending so much extra on worthless INFI/Busse's
Then there is a surplus
then the price of INFI goes down
and more INFI for me.

Once I get all the INFI, then I will start saying SR101 is worthless,
and why pay more for Swamp Rats than Scrapyard
Then corner the market on Swamp Rats too

Well played indeed :)

Cloven Hoof salute Oink Oink :D
 
All right I probably shouldn't tell you this...

Buy both and never look back!!! :D

OINK!!! :pig:
 
TerryBlinski said:
Yeah, the more I mull the question over the more I believe that INFI isn't worth the extra money. Contextualized in a utility setting, SR-101 preforms every bit as well as INFI. If SR-101 was an inferior steel in terms of its toughness, Busse would not honor the same ridiculously awesome warranty.

There are subtle and inconsequential differences between the two. As I mentioned, SR-101 stains easier than INFI. It is also harder to sharpen. But, by the same token, I think it holds an edge longer.

To your underlying point about a survival, life-on-the-line scenario, you are correct. In fact, I'd go one step further and say that I'd feel every bit as confident with an SR-101 blade as I would with a Busse. That alone should answer the question of whether it's worth the extra $. The reality is -- again, from a strictly utilitarian/pragmatic perspective -- it's not.

Theoretically, one should buy SR-101 every day of the week before they shell out the extra coin on a Busse.
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Propaganda Machine at play ----- smart ;)
 
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