INFI and corrsosion?

jstn

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Jun 27, 2012
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Just got my first Busse last week (TGLB) and I already need another. I"m looking at getting a SAR 3 for my EDC knife, but was wondering how INFI is in terms of corrosion. I'm outside in the heat and humity and I sweat a lot, and from what I understand INFI is not technically a stainless but is pretty close. I take care of all my knives and clean and oil them after every use, but I just wanted to make sure it wouldn't be something that could corrode sitting all day in sweat etc.

Thanks for any input, and if any of you guys have a SAR 3 you want to sell let me know!
 
It's not stainless, but it's a Lot more stain/corrosion resistant than something like 1095. I wouldn't be concerned.

Ride it hard, just don't put it away wet...
 
It wont rust like a spyderco endura VG 10 or even S30V - I've had Very hard stains on both. Mothers metal polish and a tooth brush or paper towel rubbed on and comes right off! I wouldn't call it full on rust. Sometimes if you get or leave blood on the blade for a while and don't clean it, the acids can stain it, not always but it can. If you clean it and don't neglect it then it will be perfect. It really really is a non issue. Nothing to worry about. I'm always going deep sea fishing with my busses and never a problem. I've even left a salty bloody and fishy on purpose and with soap and water the little red spots if any came right off like they were never there. INFI is the most corrosion resistant of all the steels I have ever used. Except for H1, that really is a lazy mans saltwater steel, but it sucks at everything else! So I would say when it comes to INFI, NO WORRIES!!!
 
the only time i had issues with very light surface corrosion is when i was living 1/2 mile from a constantly foggy california coast. i would see tiny tiny spots. when i moved inland more, i havent had a problem since
 
Thanks guys, sounds like it's a go. Anyone want to donate one to me?:)
 
I take infi wade and kayak fishing in saltwater often. No rust.


EDC is no problem.


.
 
Hey, thanks Alex, and all the others who posted. I have a feeling my wallet will wish you guys had told me it would definitely corrode...
 
Naked infi is fine.

Satin is better than Double Cut. Less surface crags for the moisture to hide in.

I have taken naked satin and stripped Infi swimming, canoeing, etc where it was wet all day.

I finally got my BAD to "rust" right at the laser logo. As soon as I touched it with my thumb, it was gone. new and shiny as before.


Very salty environments, have caused surface discoloration and rust. As long as you don't have a Comp finish with decarb, you should be ok.
 
I live in Clearwater Beach Florida and its humid as a mug. All my Busse's are satin finish and I have never had any problems with corrosion even though I never oil them up. Short of getting them wet and not wiping them off you will be fine.
 
Not all INFI reacts quite the same, some rusts Red, some turns black or a very deep gray.

Decarb finish rusts red very quickly.

Older INFI seems more likely to Darken getting darker Gray.

Rust on the newer stuff seems more likely to be rust red in color.

I have only seen rust pitting on Decarb finishes.

I once bought an old Mean Street that was used as a Dive knife rust had bubbled up part of the Coating but given its time in the water and then just sheathed rather than cleaned I thought it did remarkably well.

take even moderate care and rust should not be an issue on a coated knife and may be no issue on an uncoated knife with a little Renwax and cleaning/oiling after use.
 
Andre, I have had the same experiences that I have. I thought I was alone in my confusion about the differing ways my INFI has shown oxidation.


I have found that a good rub down with Flitz will keep even my nekkid SR101 knives rust free, good stuff.
 
...
Older INFI seems more likely to Darken getting darker Gray.
...

Older & gray, that sounds like me. :D
Seriously, thank you for the info!

In my experience, INFI has been pretty rust resistant. I would be careful around salt water or sweat - see how it does for you, and wipe it dry when you can.

Gene
 
I have a satin SAR 3 I bought about 3 years ago. It was my first Busse. The profile was a bad one, but after Garth fixed it up, it ended up being my primary fixed blade and it has received some abuse in gutting fish. You won't go wrong with the SAR 3. Its still small enough to carry in your front pocket. A kydex sheath is best and just wash it and apply some oil after each use.
 
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