Chris Reeve IMPOFU CPM3V VS Busse Battle Mistress INFI - THOUGHTS??

ctrsurf

ctrsurf

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Feb 1, 2012
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I just acquired my dream chopper- a beautiful CRK Impofu with a glorious 10" CPM3V blade 16.25" overall length- #499/500- THANKS BF! It is about the exact same dimensions as a Busse Fusion Battle Mistress in INFI- also a glorious knife, and one I hope to eventually acquire as well (hopefully in aged bronze)!

I've read many threads here discussing CPM3V vs INFI and though people argue over different aspects of each, the general feeling I get is that there are both exceptional steels, especially for large choppers- perhaps even the very best 2 modern steels to make larger blades with, where the knives can be punished and punished and smile back, asking for more. Though neither are stainless steels, people think that INFI is pretty close to stainless and may wear slightly better than 3V, while 3V might have slightly better edge retention and be a little easier to sharpen, while both are consider tough as nails (just speculation based on my reading).

I have not seen any threads or reviewers discussing or comparing these two specific knives with one another, and I am very curious to hear your thoughts, opinions, and scientific evidence you may have on the subject. I intentionally did NOT post this in either manufacturer forums to try and avoid bashing or bias. How sweet it would be to see a video demonstration of these 2 blades side-by-side chopping trees down in the mountains! :D

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
 
Both INFI and 3V are great steel... design, geometry, handle, blade finish would be more critical factor.

Overall design as chopper I will give a nod to Busse.
CRK coating are much more smooth than Busse powder coat. Satin Battle Mistress will be significantly more expensive.
I think the handle shaft of CRK is too much 'fighter' style. The overkill jimping and the middle grip don't look very comfortable.
They both are high sabre flat grind unless you getting the FFGBM, the edge thickness of Impofu will be much thinner thus better cutting performance.
 
There are also Full Flat grind versions of the Busse Battlemistress out there.

I'd go with the Battlemistress.

I've never been a fan of the CRK proud tang style handles.

Watch out for fake CRK copies too. Literally, the first link that came up when I was looking at that knife, was a Chinese copy. Shipping out of china, with the happy Made in Idaho stamp!


It is tough to express how cool the big Busse Choppers are.






 
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Good points xk! The Impofu does have a very nice slicing edge profile and came extremely sharp! Definitely doesn't need to be reprofiled, like so many people feel Busse's need to be. Awesome pix fatty! And yes, that handle shape does look much more ergonomic than the CRK by a mile. What's your opinion of the steels?
 
I have own and use both steel, INFI is noticeable easier to scratched due to the much less wear resistance.

Properly heat treat CPM-3V will hold an edge longer in most application. INFI will have more chip resistance and sharpen easier due to malleability of the steel.

INFI resist corrosion a little better.
 
Can you post s pic of the crk? Very cool that crk is making a big one
 
Edge holding is subjective. But I can tell you this much. GSO and Nathan's 3V is very tough and you need not worry about any issues. I tested both hard and they passed. CRK 3V, I have no idea. 3V appears to be finicky. So HT and grinding overheat is crucial. INFI is still much tougher when you go to the extreme, but you will never need more toughness than what GSO/Nathans 3V offers.

The big question is how is CRK's HT? Who does it for them?
 
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Cobalt said:
Can you post s pic of the crk? Very cool that crk is making a big one
Click to expand...

Quick google picture:

IMG_0931.jpg


chris-reeve-impofu.jpg
 
I very much like the blade shape of the Impofu, and it's comforting to know that Mr. Reeve is famous for being an absolute cutler perfectionist! Rest assured that he did not cut any corners or do anything "good enough" manufacturing the Impofu. Although I've never had to exercise it, Chris Reeve also has a solid reputation for having a pretty comprehensive warranty...I'm sure there'd be zero hassles should any issues arise [appropriately] using the Impofu!

I first saw it on a CRK shop tour in Boise, and the shop manager was cursing about dealing with the 3V- saying that he hopes they never make anything else with it as it is much much harder to work with and make than the S35V and Damascus they usually use.
 
I have no experience with either knife or either company, but my preference would doubtlessly be the Busse. I base this preference on personal accounts from forum members as well as my own tastes.
 
The good thing about the buses is you know the resale value on a not cheap chunk of steel. And Jerry encourages alcoholism, so that's a plus.

Zero
 
Anecdotally, and in regards to smaller blades, the feedback I've heard is that a properly heat treated 3V can outperform INFI, but again, this is just based on word of mouth from people who have owned both...
INFI is by no means a slouch tho...
 
Rasco said:
Anecdotally, and in regards to smaller blades, the feedback I've heard is that a properly heat treated 3V can outperform INFI, but again, this is just based on word of mouth from people who have owned both...
INFI is by no means a slouch tho...
Click to expand...

INFI has been proven to have better corrosion resistance. INFI is definitely tougher. Comparisons of modern INFI to 3v show 3v holding an edge longer.
 
I spent a few afternoons chopping brush down last summer, and I'm actually reasonably satisfied with the Scrapizashi, a 17" full tang shortsword.
Really these 10" knives are better suited for the kitchen, stuff like spreading butter and slicing bagels...
No really! How many times has your knife been too small to reach the bottom of the mayo jar? That's what the Battle Mistress is for, or in my case a Nuclear Meltdown Fusion Steel Heart.
 
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