INFI vs A2 comparison?

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Whiteshield

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Feb 25, 2016
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What are the advantages of the A2 over INFI? Seriously thinking about getting a TGA2 but don't know if it will be better than INFI.
 
"Better" is a subjective term...

There's usually a give and take with steels. If they excel in one area, they usually don't do well somewhere else.

A2 is likely more wear resistant than INFI, but probably not quite as tough. I'm speaking in generalities because I don't have hard numbers to back this up, but it's a safe bet. HTH.
 
Have really been enjoying reading all the comments and comparisons of the A2 w 101 and infi esp from the guys that have been around long enough to use all three so thank you all for that! :thumbsup::thumbsup: I don't own an original TG. Have LB and M and P and 14 but no original TG so this will be a great chance to pick one up at cost.:) Or 2 :D
 
Jul 21, 2007#3

BanModeratorModerator
4,941
Oct 14, 1998
A2 is very good stuff :thumbup: One of the better tool steels out there IMO. And as with most good steel... the most critical factor is proper heat treatment.

I'd rather have ATS-34 heat treated by Busse than INFI heat treated by your average joe.

Since the A2 is heat treated by Busse I would not worry about using it hard. I am sure it can take whatever you can dish out.

INFI has more impact toughness and is more corrosion resistant than A2. Edge holding is about the same on softer material. But since INFI has more impact toughness to resist chipping.... it will also win the edge holding contest against hard objects.


BanModeratorModerator
4,941
Oct 14, 1998
A2 is somewhat rust resistant because of the 5 % Chromium. It is less rust resistant than D2 and INFI. But its corrosion resistance is better than the carbon steels such 01, 1095, W2, 5160, 52100, and SR101 (Modified 52100).

A2 is very good stuff :thumbup:
Ban knows his $#!+
 
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The two main features of A2 as a "Tool Steel" are Wear Resistance and Toughness. A2 is used in industry for Punches and dies where wear resistance on abrasive materials such as silicon, stainless steel, Monel and other abrasives are present. Heat treating this steel is tricky and Busse's protocol seems to knock it out of the park. This is one of those steels that perform well at High Hardness 62RC....Watch the specs on this one in comparison to INFI at 58-60RC. Again Two Completely Different Alloys make up these Blade steels.
 
Based on a little experience with A2 from at least two lesser manufacturers, I'd be tempted to say that A2 is going to be very, VERY close to INFI in performance. All the A2 I've messed with has been uncoated, and I've never had a bit of problem with rust. BArely will take a patina. Shame the TGA2 will be coated. But maybe Jerry's heat-treat protocol brings out more performance at the expense of corrosion resistance. But for me, the TGA2 is going to be very difficult to say no to, unless the price is just completely out of my reach.
 
hydeinmind said:
Have really been enjoying reading all the comments and comparisons of the A2 w 101 and infi esp from the guys that have been around long enough to use all three so thank you all for that! :thumbsup::thumbsup: I don't own an original TG. Have LB and M and P and 14 but no original TG so this will be a great chance to pick one up at cost.:) Or 2 :D
Click to expand...
To be clear, this is NOT an original TG. The original was INFI. It was also convex ground.
 
I've still got two original A2 Busse's and wouldn't trade them for anything. That said, I've put INFI through some major abuse and it keeps asking for more,

It is exciting to see A2 from Busse again! Wish I could afford this one! Hopefully lots of pictures get posted so I can live vicariously. :D
 
Blade Runner 7 said:
To be clear, this is NOT an original TG. The original was INFI. It was also convex ground.
Click to expand...

Yes thank you I am aware! I'm just saying this is close enough for who its for:D especially at half price the secondary market for an original. ;) and who knows this could be convex edged instead or ground :eek: but I really don't think so either from pics :oops:
 
I think it "flat ground" until the relatively high shoulders, which make up the saber part. Alternatively, one can imagine a hollow (or shallow hollow) saber grind. I think that's what it is...
 
So it looks like infi is still the best and a2 is more comparable to sr101. In my head I figured sr101 is better than the a2 since Busse switched to that steel along with infi. Can anyone chime in? I have a BG already and wanted to see if this will somehow split the difference between the sr101 and infi versions.
 
Twiztids4 said:
So it looks like infi is still the best and a2 is more comparable to sr101. In my head I figured sr101 is better than the a2 since Busse switched to that steel along with infi. Can anyone chime in? I have a BG already and wanted to see if this will somehow split the difference between the sr101 and infi versions.
Click to expand...

Yes please I'd like to hear/read more opinions also from anyone w A2 experience?!
 
TG vs TGLB comparisons, concerns, complaints, etc, ect, would all be cool too maybe....
 
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