Fehrman Knives, INFI and Rust

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yorgos238

Joined
Nov 12, 2003
Messages
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Hi everyone.

I'm relatively new to the Forums. I've done a lot of research on the archives here on the Fehrman - Busse comparisons. I have to admit I'm probably more confused now than I was before I knew the difference between stainless and carbon steels. :D

I've read several things about how corrosion-resistant INFI is, but I have not been able to figure out how it would compare to Fehrman's CPM-3V. Has anyone ever done a side-by-side comparison on this particular aspect? For example, has anyone done a salt-water or fresh-water immersion tests on both steels side-to-side? I know Cliff has performed these kinds of tests on different blades, but he has not tested a Fehrman yet.

I appreciate any information on this. I'm basically thinking about eventually getting a 9-inch blade and I'm definitely set between Busse Combat and Fehrman knives. I know I can't go wrong either way, but I'd still like to get some info on this aspect of the steels which I have not seen been covered enough.

Thanks in advance and please take it easy on me. I'm new!! ;)

George
 
My opinion is completely unscientific and anecdotal.
You do not want your 3V to rust. It corrodes quite badly.
But for some reason Infi corrosion, at least at the beginning, is relatively benign. You can actually rub it off with little penetration. At least, that has been my experience.
Many factors are at play, I'm sure, like heat treat etc.
I love the 3V I've used, but if you will be in adverse conditions where you can't be very careful about keeping your knife clean and dry, it may not be the best choice. I'm sure coatings help alot, like the Fehrmans. I'm actually trying to get one of Doc Ron's Hood Hunters to see if the coated 3V will compare to my coated Busses.
Infi and 3V are both superb materials. But corrosion is a definite problem if you are in certain conditions, like extended salt water exposure as in sea kayaking or even canoeing. But in conditions like that even stainless have trouble.
I really want to try the Fehrmans too. But I can tell you that the Busses are suprisingly good with corrosion.
 
Thanks HJK.
Looks like INFI might be a better chioce when it comes to corrosion resistance.

Now, to get more specific on the 2 different finishes Fehrman offers, why would you choose one over the other? What are the pros / cons of each one?

George
 
I have both brands of knives, and I would choose the a coated blade over an uncoated for a using knife. If it's going to spend it's life indoors, then no difference. Please note that I live in dry Colorado. But for a high carbon steel that I use, I prefer coated blades. Those are my choices, if you want to do a search you can find many people who are perfectly happy with uncoated high carbon steel knives.

They are both good knives. I have had Busse's for several years, and they are very tough, and hold a great edge for a long, long time. I have had to thin most of the edges out on the coated blades, and on some of the satin finished ones (I do have a couple) they had thinner edges. There was more attention to detail on the uncoated blades, and the fit and finish was definitely higher. I'm talking grind lines and how well the handle lines up with the tang.

I also have a Fehrman Peacesmaker and have been very impressed with the edge holding and fit and finish. Very nice knife, and the ergonomics are fantastic, many thoughtful touches that make the knife a joy to use. I haven't used it enough to compare edge holding or toughness to Infi, but the edge holding so far is excellent.

Which is better? Can't really say. It's hard to explain, but they are not at all alike when you hold them, no matter how they look in the pictures. I think they are both high quality, and I seriously doubt you could go wrong with either one.

Buy one of each!
 
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