Infi bushcraft using new higher rc hardness

rega25

rega25

Joined
Jul 9, 2010
Messages
823
I am not sure if this has been discussed in here since the cabs came out but was wondering what you all think about a cabs style bushcraft that utilizes Jerry's new heat treat that is used in the mbc. From my research people want an edge that will stay sharp longer and are willing to sacrifice lateral flex for these craft chores.
I forgot whoever posted their handle mod that the shop did to make their cabs have a beefier handle, but it seemed perfect for all day use and think it would sell well. Also I noticed that people don't really mind a nuke treatment as long as there is a small area on the spine with 90 degrees for fire steel(maybe where the thumb jimping usually is in a one inch section?) infi would definitely have more rust resistance than most competitors bushcraft blades.
Also I noticed people usually prefer 4-6 inch blades so it might be cool to be able to order a specific blade length if your choice (4,5,6) or something like that. I also noticed that some people did not want a talon hole for all day use and was curious if it could be taken off as an option. The battle pappy had vertical lashing holes and was not sure if they are considered talon holes. If they are not, then maybe that would solve that aspect of an ideal bushcraft to some.
Taking the rc hardness to 60+ would seem to make a perfect knife for normal use IMO, but don't get me wrong, I love my cabs and other busses that can pry all day. Maybe the talon hole could somehow be drilled into the thumb area and not protrude much if that trademark is a must, I dunno. Would anyone besides me want to see if Jerry and the crew would be down for setting the new standard for this unique niche of bushcraft blades that seem to have very specific requirements from what I have read?
 
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I asked garth if he would do a 5-5.5" 62-64rc CABS for me, and he said not yet. 6" might be out of the question, depending on how long jerry is willing to make something thats going to be more break-prone than the standard thick spined, thick edged 58rc INFI blades. A 5-5.5 62-64rc CABS (with a slightly pointier tip) would be the perfect EDC for me.
 
i think i'd like to see a 62-64 RC skinner in INFI... it would probably be comparably brittle to a 60rc d2 knife, but with MUCH better edge holding.
 
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This is a stock CABS next to a 1/8" CS BJLE. It was a cool knife, but the CS BJLE had a thick edge compared to the cabs, .035" vs. 0.020". It was also on the long side for an EDC slicer. For some reason the heavy BOSS Jack proto I have feels fine, but cut it in half and it feels long by about an inch.

I want something roughly in this range, but with the geometry of the cabs (this was a sar5 I had custom shopped)
IMG_5366.jpg

and then put on my own scales after cutting off the pommel
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It was a good length, but just a hair short, 3/16" thick and with a comparably thick edge (to the CABS).

What I really want, having experienced various lengths and thicknesses in the basic format is this:
JoshMullercustomrequestjpg-12.jpg

or with a pointier tip:
JoshMullercustomrequestjpg-1-1.jpg



In 62-64rc, it would be perfect. absolutely perfect. Especially in sandstorm g10.
 
Yeah, that Sar5 custom sort of has that RMD shape to the handle, which everyone has liked the feel and shape of from what I have seen. That talon being set back in your knife would seem to solve some of the needs that some have for a bushcraft
 
BePrepared said:
i think i'd like to see a 62-64 RC skinner in INFI... it would probably be comparably brittle to a 60rc d2 knife, but with MUCH better edge holding.
Click to expand...

Keep in mind that your starting from a highly malleable steel at 58-60rc. Also keep in mind that when Busse kin uses d2 and they want it to be tough, they produce a d2 that manages to be tough and hard.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/322561-D2-Torture-testing-cool-pics!

This is the edge after having been beaten on with a hammer (the edge, and the spine, note that the edge is fairly thin compared to the various combat grade knives like the BOSS jack.)
skinner_beating2.jpg



Theres no reason to expect INFI, when heat treated by jerry, to be brittle at 62-64rc. The original run of WASP battle mistresses were at 62rc with thin edges, and they did just fine. What you'll likely end up with is something that can snapped by hand, but under considerable force given it's geometry. INFI is maleable at high hardness where other steels are prone to chipping, it experiences tearouts rather than surface fractures. This quality shouldn't go away at 62-64rc, it will more likely be scaled back as the edge holding and edge stability increases, leaving it still ahead of it's competitors for toughness in that rc range. Though it may not have the same edge retention as a higher abrasion resistant (and less malleable) steels like the various 3rd gen cpm's.
 
I am now wishing that i had thought to ask i they could harden my MUK up to 62 for me. It didn't occur to me while ordering it, and it's way too late at this point
 
Does anyone have a photo of that handle mod that was done to that cabs? (Orange I think?) It looked like it would be very comfortable
 
I have the custom orange CABS and I have to find the link to the photos. I am with LVC on a thicker slightly longer CABS. As it sits this one is almost perfect for me.
IMG_0330.jpg

IMG_0333.jpg

IMG_0327.jpg

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IMG_0322.jpg

IMG_0331.jpg


Positive on this mod is a comfortable handle you can use all day. I have terrible arthritis and my hands cramp quickly while cleaning an animal. This is a vast improvement over the original IMO.

Cons on this mod- blade is very handle heavy now with the G10. Micarta may have been lighter but not available in orange. The G10 gets dirty quickly. I can't find the perfect sheath... but that is a good thing as now I need a custom.
 
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