Micarta Properties, INFI Temperature Tolerance

[SteelDriver]

Hello, I'm what you might call a 'thermonuclear newbie' (just got my first Busse, a Satin Jack CG last weekend!) and I have a few questions about micarta and INFI (that I don't think have been covered before).

I know that micarta is phenolic resin and paper/cloth composite, but why has Busse Combat chosen it specifically for its knife handles? What about micarta's...
Impact and wear resistance?
Expansion/contraction properties?
Tolerance to chemicals; porosity?
Resistance to flame/extreme cold?
Physical strength (shear, tension, compression)?
Stability with respect to age/time? Does it weaken, loosen, or soften after years and years?
How does it compare with other popular handle materials (G10, Zytel, Kraton, etc.)?

I was also wondering how extreme temperatures affect INFI. At roughly what temperature will the steel be permanently altered? For instance, if an INFI blade were left in a fire (God forbid!). Will heat affect how stainless INFI is? Does extreme cold lessen the toughness of INFI? (I've never heard of INFI being tested at low temperatures) Any thoughts on these topics would be appreciated!

~SteelDriver

 

[Burke]

Here is a link to Cliff Stamp's review of an older Battle Mistress; if you haven't seen it, I believe he covers many of the points you raise, plus it's a fun read.


http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sstamp/knives/busse_bm.html

 

[Eric Isaacson]

Steeldriver,
Good Questions, Jerry has spoke about both these points in previous posts. I can't find the thread about the Micarta at this time but will keep looking.

Here is what he had to say about heat extremes, in reference to a question regarding using a dremel to remove the coating of a Busse. Some of the information applies.

As for INFI and temperature extremes, it is amazing. INFI is tempered at nearly 950 degrees. It does not begin to lose any significant hardness until it is held above 1050 degrees for a considerable amount of time. I have to believe that it would need to be extremely mishandled in order to do any noticeable damage.

Most of the simpler high carbon steels (of which INFI is NOT a member) can be drawn down in temper in a matter of seconds if the temperature hits above 500 - 800 degrees. Along the thin edge of a knife, a buffer or dremel can produce this level of heat and can cause serious damage if not executed by a professional. Always check the grade of steel and heat-treat specs. before assassinating it with the dremel tool Uncle Leo gave you for Christmas. Always keep the steel cool to the touch and you should be fine.

As far as INFI is concerned, care for and feed it like a friend. If the blade does get warm pour beer over it to cool it down. Stories out of Africa indicate that “Beer Tempering” only increases the performance of the steel. Is this true? I question nothing I hear from our friends in Africa.

Jerry Busse



I hope this helps.

 

[Andrew Lynch]

I didn't know INFI had such a tolerance to heat. Thanks for the infinfo .