Rust resistance -- Satin vs. BIG vs. Competition

[JohnM]

I suspect that there's nothing like a coated Busse if rust protection is the objective but remember reading that the Competition finish was more vulnerable than either Satin or Coated. Anyone know how BIG compares to Competition or Satin in this regard?

 

[mach 5]

I would not let that be a deciding factor. INFI is not quite stainless, but it is very close and certainly one of the top among the tool steels for rust resistance. The more surface area the blade has, the more susceptible it is to rust, and all the tiny micro pits and scratches increase the surface area of the blade and also create pockets for corrosive substances like moisture or salt from seawater or sweat to accumulate (in theory). In practice if you take care of your stuff and oil it every now and then, there is very little difference. In theory satin is the least susceptible, then probably BIG, with competition being slightly more vulnerable (in theory). I personally don't like coated blades, but I have never had problems with satin or comp finishes. Get a coated blade if you like the look or the price, not for rust resistance.

 

[resinguy]

I think it was only the 1st Gen CF blades that had a problem. AFAIK, there were little or no complaints on the CF TGLB. Moot point anyway, as you can't get CF now. The BIG blades look to have some degree of grinding and/or machine tool work that is likely to have taken off all the decarb and left only clean INFI exposed. I would get the BIG ASHBM tonight if I could afford it.