Here is a question to help pass some time

[alphamaniv]

As a relative newcomer to Busse Land, I am taking an interest in the Basic line from times past. My question is: What is the difference between Regular INFI and the Modified INFI used in the Basics? Is it a heat treat thing or are some of the metal mixtures different? Thanks for any info.

 

[mark23]

Hi!

I think there is a difference in the metal composition. I have read an article in a German knife magazine recently. There they did some thorough metallurgical analysis on a Basic No. 5's M-INFI. I have to look it up again and post the analysis. On BF there is somewhere "hidden" an analysis of INFI, that was never challenged by Jerry, as far as I know.

There might also be a difference in heat treatment, but this is very hard to find out (at least without a suitable laboratory ...)

Regards

Mark23

 

[SALTY]

One BIG difference is that the Baics line, made of Modified INFI has been discontinued while knives of INFI are still in production.

 

[mark23]

This is what I found ...

INFI:
C: 0.5
Cr: 8.25
Co: 0.95
Mn: 0.4
Mo: 1.3
V: 0.36
N: 0.11
Si:?
Ni: 0.74
Fe: Balance

Mod. INFI:
C: 0.58
Cr: 7.94
Co: 0.026
Mn: 0.37
Mo: 1.34
V: 0.48
N: 0.01
Si: 0.98
Ni: 0.29
Fe: Balance

Looks like two different steels. Using good laboratory equipment it is rather easy to make an analysis like that. The most important step in making a Busse knive is the special heat treatment, IMHO. And this, of course, is Jerry's best kept secret, I would say

Regards

Mark23