San Mai VG-10 v. INFI

[he who say]

Thanks.

So, it seems that, practically speaking, both Lam. VG-10 and INFI perform at levels of toughness beyond the necessary rigors of outdoor work, yet INFI is a step still further (in toughness) toward the "abusive" realm of use. Right?

Both knives will go well beyond what is required to be concidered bomb proof. The only question is basically the price.

 

[nozh2002]

Both knives will go well beyond what is required to be concidered bomb proof. The only question is basically the price.

Not quite. We talk about blade only, but there is sings like full tang versus hidden tang, leather vs G10 or Micarta, guard on no guard, thick or thin edge, blade polish or coating - there is many things affects price.

Thanks, Vassili.

 

[hotrodKelley]

INFI has a great following. I have to admit that I'm into Busse Combat knives. I've owned several custom knives(mostly Brend) before I got addicted to INFI. I know this isn't what you wanted to hear as I've never had a fallkniven before, I'm just too addicted to INFI/BUSSE to care about any others.

 

[nozh2002]

Laminated steel is pretty standard for Japanese knives (I think it is Hattory who making knives for Fallkniven).

As I understand Fallkniven A1 showed pretty good toughness on Noss4 tests. INFI may be doing better but it is already beyond real needs, So in terms of practical use or let say practical abuse it will stay as good as INFI, but if you are going to intentionally destroy it - INFI will stay longer (top toughness on Noss4 tests).

With this toughness, INFI is not stainless and does not hold edge as other top steels, however I did not test yet VG-10, but think it will performs better.

Also normal 30 degree angle is not recommended by Busse for INFI - considered as paper thin edge, should be over 40 degree (like for axe), otherwise it is too easy to bend.

Thanks, Vassili.

More about INFI angle here:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=615798

Thanks, Vassili.

 

[shunsui]

Thanks.

So, it seems that, practically speaking, both Lam. VG-10 and INFI perform at levels of toughness beyond the necessary rigors of outdoor work, yet INFI is a step still further (in toughness) toward the "abusive" realm of use. Right?

Sounds reasonable. Here's a direct comparison review of an A2 and a Skinny ASH1 (forgot about this one).

http://www.knifetest.com/forum/showthread.php?t=455

 

[Haze]

This ASH-1 had the edge angle reduced a little bit from where it was when I got it. I have no idea what the actual angle is its just sharper than before.
This knife easily shaves hair and I use it to chop mostly bamboo but have used it on other wood, green and dead. Iv not had any issues with the edge so far.

There is one small ding in the edge near the tip from hitting a stone.
Other than that the edge is perfect.

All the Fallkniven knives I own have a shave sharp but pretty robust convex edge and dont weigh
as much as the ASH so its hard to give a fair comparison between the two.

Both companies make great knives IMO, I just like the Busses more. :thumbup:

 

[MORIMOTOM]

Thanks.

So, it seems that, practically speaking, both Lam. VG-10 and INFI perform at levels of toughness beyond the necessary rigors of outdoor work, yet INFI is a step still further (in toughness) toward the "abusive" realm of use. Right?

as mentioned, there are certainly other variables.

but by themselves, both steels will perform well. each has its individual attributes, and in some areas one will outperform the other.

 

[TheFighter88]

Shunsui, thanks for the link! I haven't had time to go through all of it yet, but I think it's, more or less, what I was looking for.

I received a reply from Fallkniven on their steels, and, yes, I was wrong... go fig... For the record, all their knives listed as laminated VG-10 steel are clad with 420J2 - hopefully someone else won't do the same dumb thing I did and assume it was layers of VG-10 only.

Furthermore for the record, their knives listed as VG-10 are solid VG-10, not laminated (WM1 & G1)... again, hopefully someone else who had my misconceptions won't have to feel like a newb for starting a post with such a dumb statement...

As a side note, I had no intention of starting up the previously "heated" discussion. Thanks to both sides of the issue, I have gained some more of that which I seek... to become less newb-like.

So, now I ask myself, "Self, why the heck did you spend $100 more on the NL2 Odin, and not just buy the A1?"

 

[Jerry Busse]

Vasilli,

Please return your GW to the Busse Combat Shop at your earliest convenience. We will be more than happy to inspect it, and will be able, at that time, to determine the actual angle of the edge at the point where you had trouble. If there is a problem with the heat treat, we will gladly replace your blade. If not, we will regrind it to fit your needs. :thumbup:


All is well. . . . Let's Drink!!!

Jerry

 

[akadave2]

For the price of a Fallkniven Thor you can buy a gently used Busse Battle Mistress...so the price thing is not that big an issue.

Oh and god I hate Kraton handles! Fallkniven needs to eliminate those altogether!

 

[Matteo Escobar]

Vasilli,

Please return your GW to the Busse Combat Shop at your earliest convenience. We will be more than happy to inspect it, and will be able, at that time, to determine the actual angle of the edge at the point where you had trouble. If there is a problem with the heat treat, we will gladly replace your blade. If not, we will regrind it to fit your needs. :thumbup:


All is well. . . . Let's Drink!!!

Jerry

Sounds reasonable to me.

What do you say Vasilli? If you are unhappy with the knife, give the man a chance to make it right.

 

[razorsdescent]

Vasilli,

Please return your GW to the Busse Combat Shop at your earliest convenience. We will be more than happy to inspect it, and will be able, at that time, to determine the actual angle of the edge at the point where you had trouble. If there is a problem with the heat treat, we will gladly replace your blade. If not, we will regrind it to fit your needs. :thumbup:


All is well. . . . Let's Drink!!!

Jerry

Doesnt get any better than that does it?:thumbup:

 

[nozh2002]

Vasilli,

Please return your GW to the Busse Combat Shop at your earliest convenience. We will be more than happy to inspect it, and will be able, at that time, to determine the actual angle of the edge at the point where you had trouble. If there is a problem with the heat treat, we will gladly replace your blade. If not, we will regrind it to fit your needs. :thumbup:


All is well. . . . Let's Drink!!!

Jerry

This is answer I was hoping for from the beginning. I will send it to Busse. And I hope it is HT to blame. Actual edge is about 30+ degree and I think I made enough effort to make it absolutely clear.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=607437

I offer you in return to do my testing on the knife I'll get back (again I am pretty sure that this is HT to blame).

Thanks, Vassili.

 

[Gravelface]

I have a Fallkniven Thor and while a great blade.......the last 3/4" is so incredibly THIN I would be AFRAID to stick it in anything beyond foam and flex it! Seriously.....I have folders with tips thicker than this 9+" knife!

Edge holding......Busse...flex test....Busse....leather handle VS Micarta/G10...personal preference..but I prefer Busse....the leather just isn't grippy enough and without any sort of Pommel.....the knife feels as though you can lose grip of it. Price ........NO HOLDS BARD warranty of Busse vs Fallkniven's "we will decide upon examination within 2 years with original receipt and original owner only..........CHIT PLEASE!!! BUSSE!!!!!

You want a Bombproof knife for more than 2 years...Busse.....or take your chances after that with Fallkniven.

Don't get me wrong....I really like it.....cuts like the devil....mean looking, but as rugged as a Busse....NO!

Sorry I don't have any "scientific" test other than ACTUAL outdoors work...no equipment to measure pressure to cut a single strand of horse hair...or whatever.....only sweat and blisters and a judgment call at the end of the day.


BUSSE

 

[donny bee]

I have a Fallkniven Thor and while a great blade.......the last 3/4" is so incredibly THIN I would be AFRAID to stick it in anything beyond foam and flex it! Seriously.....I have folders with tips thicker than this 9+" knife!

Edge holding......Busse...flex test....Busse....leather handle VS Micarta/G10...personal preference..but I prefer Busse....the leather just isn't grippy enough and without any sort of Pommel.....the knife feels as though you can lose grip of it. Price ........NO HOLDS BARD warranty of Busse vs Fallkniven's "we will decide upon examination within 2 years with original receipt and original owner only..........CHIT PLEASE!!! BUSSE!!!!!

You want a Bombproof knife for more than 2 years...Busse.....or take your chances after that with Fallkniven.

Don't get me wrong....I really like it.....cuts like the devil....mean looking, but as rugged as a Busse....NO!

Sorry I don't have any "scientific" test other than ACTUAL outdoors work...no equipment to measure pressure to cut a single strand of horse hair...or whatever.....only sweat and blisters and a judgment call at the end of the day.


BUSSE

I think the a-1, and the s-1 would be allmost as tough, for all practical purposes.

 

[Gravelface]

I think the a-1, and the s-1 would be allmost as tough, for all practical purposes.

No doubt for "practical purposes" but how many times has a knife failed under "practical purposes"?

It is those times that you need to push your knife that REALLY test it and I would want the one that takes their blade to an IMPRACTICAL level.

And besides.....the LIFETIME, ANY OWNER warranty certainly has its benefits over the 2 year, original receipt, original owner warranty.:thumbup::thumbup:

 

[MVF]

I think the linked test will answer your questions very well, but just wanted to add that the thing that sold me on INFI (besides the warranty) was that even at high hardness (good for edge holding) INFI is still easy to sharpen and not prone to chipping. There's usually a trade-off there that Busse seems to have found a way around.

Also, the Micarta handles are just as indestructable as the blades. The only real problem with Busse is picking the right one- I now have way too many and still can't decide which to part with!

 

[Bastid]

nozh2002 - Do not hijack any more thread in General over this issue.
I strongly suggest you listen to me, if not you will hear no further suggestions from me, but will see action rather than suggestion.

This thread was never intended to be about you and your antics.

 

[Lycosa]

The choice is obvious---INFI. Performance speaks louder than words.
INFI!!

 

[Ankar Sheng]

If money is no issue, than INFI. When it comes down to specifics VG10 in my experience holds an edge longer when abrasion is the cause of dulling, but INFI is much superior when it comes to holding an edge through impacts, VG10 will suffer chipping where the INFI will only blunt.

When it comes to designs, IMO fallknivens are more practical, compare the F1 with an Active Duty. Both have about the same overall length, but the F1 has a whole 1" more blade. Plus the F1 comes with a very decent sheath and is less than 1/2 the cost.

I dont think its a fair comparison. INFI is a superior steel, but you pay for that extra performance.