INFI vs SR101 Under the 30x Microscope

E

Evolute

Joined
Mar 19, 2001
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I just took a look at the edges of my INFI Busse knives under a 30x microscope, compared to my SR101 Swamp Rat knives. The results aren't very rigorous, but still worth reporting.

The INFI blades have probably received 5-10 times as much heavy use as the SR101 blades. Both kinds of knives have received the same basic maintainence: wash the gunk off when I'm finished, then dry it, strop a few times with Veritas paste on leather, a few strokes on the prototype knife sharpener (I reviewed previously) if absolutely necessary.

The difference under the pocket microscope was dramatic. All of the INFI blades look basically like new. Perfectly straight edges--no scratches or dents of chips. Remarkable, after the things I've done to them. All of the SR101 blades have numerous tiny scratches and dents and chips all along the edges.

To be clear about this, I am talking about dents and chips and scratches which are too small to be seen with the naked eye, and too small to be felt with the finger nail. The SR101 Swamp Rat knives are razor sharp; and I have no complaints whatsoever. In fact, I love 'em.

But the INFI really looks pristine. I'd think those edges were new, if I didn't know better. The view through the microscope gave me a new appreciation for just how good INFI is.

It appears that INFI still reigns supreme, by a longshot.
 
very interesting. I'm going to have to try that, that sounds cool, and kinda surprising. woops, did I just say I was surprised by the performance of INFI :footinmou I officially retract that previous statement :D
 
And there are still naysayers...

Would be cool if you can get some pics somehow.

'Tis an amazing brew....
 
"Good piece of reporting. How does MINFI compare?"

Give me some, and I'll be happy to let you know!
 
And, for what you get, both are very fairly priced. INFI (Busse) is a little expensive, but it lasts forever! SR101, (Swamp Rat) if you can beat the h@ll out of it enough to destroy, it's easily replaced, due to its low cost. Seems to me that they are both right on the money, so to speak... I enjoy owning and using each of them.
 
Originally posted by JohnnyO
SR101, (Swamp Rat) if you can beat the h@ll out of it enough to destroy, it's easily replaced, due to its low cost
Click to expand...

It's actually easily replaced due to its lifetime warranty :D:D
 
I hope the guys that really know what they are talking about will chime in and correct what I have to say.

INFI, a nitrided steel, was developed into a knife steel by our venerated Krishna, Jerry because one of it's attributes was to roll, rather than chip when subjected to impacts upon the edge. This type of edge deformation is easy to "reallign" with ceramics and strops, resulting in very little removal of material.

Sr 101, (a proprietary heat treated steel similar to 52100 and, a high carbon steel) is highly regarded as a knife steel because while it may chip and ding as described, a microfine grain structure allows for any minor,expected damage to be easily repaired through normal sharpening methods; however, it will require more effort than INFI to restore because steel has to be removed rather than realligned . I believe, "powdered off" is a phrase that has been used to describe the repair of 52100 edges in reference to the grain structure of the steel.

So, the revelation discovered under the scope is a testimony to the favorable aspects of either steel.

How close am I?

P.S. Evolute, can you possibly post pics of your findings?
 
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