Scrapyard Scrapper 5 INFI Vs SR101

[Ulf Krogstad]

Just bought two Scrapper 5's one made with INFI and one with SR101. What steel do you think is better and why? Paid $215 for INFI and $116 for SR101. Is the INFI worth the extra $100? I've heard that INFI is almost stainless, is stronger, and has as good or better edge retension than SR101, is that true? Are those those descent prices? Please any thoughts would be very appreciated. Thanks.

 

[PatrickKnight]

I prefer SR101 over INFI for the reason of edge retention, SR101 will hold its edge longer. I take care of my tools so INFIs corrosion resistance advantage is not a factor for me. As far as being tougher you would have to so something seriously dumb to ever notice a difference between the two.

A lot of people think of the Swamp Rats as bargain priced Busse knives I think of the Busse knives as higher priced Rats with a needless hole in them.

 

[amflud]

A lot of people think of the Swamp Rats as bargain priced Busse knives I think of the Busse knives as higher priced Rats with a needless hole in them.

I completely agree with this.

For smaller knives I prefer the edge holding of SR101 over the toughness of INFI, and in the Scrapper 5 sized knives the only advantage INFI offers over SR101 is corrosion resistance, and that isn't worth $100. Also, I have no use for talon holes. To me they just take up valuble space on small knives, unless it's a SAR 5 or Hog Muk.

 

[amflud]

Of couse I would still take a comp finish INFI RMD.

 

[Ulf Krogstad]

I prefer SR101 over INFI for the reason of edge retention, SR101 will hold its edge longer. I take care of my tools so INFIs corrosion resistance advantage is not a factor for me. As far as being tougher you would have to so something seriously dumb to ever notice a difference between the two.

A lot of people think of the Swamp Rats as bargain priced Busse knives I think of the Busse knives as higher priced Rats with a needless hole in them.

I completely agree with this.

For smaller knives I prefer the edge holding of SR101 over the toughness of INFI, and in the Scrapper 5 sized knives the only advantage INFI offers over SR101 is corrosion resistance, and that isn't worth $100. Also, I have no use for talon holes. To me they just take up valuble space on small knives, unless it's a SAR 5 or Hog Muk.

How much of a differance is there in the edge retension between the two? Is there alot or not enough between them to where you would barley notice which was losing their edge first over a two month period of using on basic stuff like animals,food prep, and occasional wood? Edge retension is also a big deal to me. But i'm kinda wanting to get something semi or stainless so that's why was thinking INFI might be better choice between the two cause of semi-stainless,toughness, and good edge retension.

 

[chiral.grolim]

Just bought two Scrapper 5's one made with INFI and one with SR101. What steel do you think is better and why? Paid $215 for INFI and $116 for SR101. Is the INFI worth the extra $100? I've heard that INFI is almost stainless and is as strong and has as good or better edge retension than SR101, is that true? Are those those descent prices? Please any thoughts would be very appreciated. Thanks.

I'd guess that your SR101 Scrapper is coated. The price difference includes the added cost of a nice satin-finish on the INFI blade. As to prices for each, those seem quite reasonable at current market value (depending on their condition).

Yes, INFI has good corrosion resistance though is not actually stainless - polished 440A-class steels will certainly show less corrosion if both were subjected to corrosive environments. SR101 is 52100 ball-bearing steel with 2X more carbon than INFI but a lot less chromium and other additives, so it has more carbides for somewhat higher wear-resistance but lower impact toughness and also corrosion resistance so it is usually left coated except in 'custom' or 'limited edition' models. Both steels are fine grained and tend to be HT'd to ~60 Rc by Busse, so apex strength is about the same. Both are suitable for everything from straight-razors to wood-chippers. To tell the two apart in use, one way would be leaving the bare steel exposed to the elements - SR101 will rust faster. The other way would be to thin out the edge of each and then smack it on a rock - keep in mind that both are at the same hardness - the INFI blade will tend to bend/deform more out of alignment before tearing (if it tears/chips) while the SR101 will only deform slightly before taking damage. Keep in mind that both steels will likely resist damage from such treatment better than most others, but they each have limits to their endurance. Personally, I prefer the Rats and Dogs not only for the lower price but also the designs and am happy with the performance of the slightly less tough SR101. But if the same designs were available at near the same price in INFI, I'd have no problem choosing it over SR101 The only INFI I own is a Hog Muk because I liked the design. Would I have taken a Swamp Muk instead? you bet.

 

[chiral.grolim]

How much of a differance is there in the edge retension between the two? Is there alot or not enough between them to where you would barley notice which was losing their edge first over a two month period of using on basic stuff like animals,food prep, and occasional wood? Edge retension is also a big deal to me. But i'm kinda wanting to get something semi or stainless so that's why was thinking INFI might be better choice between the two cause of semi-stainless,toughness, and good edge retension.

"Edge-retention" here means "wear resistance" as in cutting abrasive material (rope, carpet, cardboard, etc.).
Outside of that, i think you'd barely notice the difference unless using a very thin edge where you'd spend more time steeling the INFI back into alignment vs honing a new apex on the SR101.
If you want an uncoated blade, I'd choose INFI, and bring the edge down to ~0.020" at the shoulder, 15-dps. If you don't mind some rust or caring for the blade a bit more, uncoated SR101 is cheaper, or just use a coated blade.

 

[amflud]

How much of a differance is there in the edge retension between the two? Is there alot or not enough between them to where you would barley notice which was losing their edge first over a two month period of using on basic stuff like animals,food prep, and occasional wood? Edge retension is also a big deal to me. But i'm kinda wanting to get something semi or stainless so that's why was thinking INFI might be better choice between the two cause of semi-stainless,toughness, and good edge retension.

I don't think the difference is huge, but to me it's noticeable. Something else to keep in mind is that INFI will be easier to sharpen and it still has good edge rention, just not quite as good as SR101. That's not to say that SR101 is difficult to sharpen, its quite easy. But INFI is incredibly easy to sharpen.

INFI really shines when its used on bigger knives that would be subjected to more abuse.

 

[bld522]

Just bought two Scrapper 5's one made with INFI and one with SR101. Paid $215 for INFI and $116 for SR101. Is the INFI worth the extra $100?

Not in my experience. In a knife the size of the Scrapper 5, you'll get 98% of the performance of INFI at half the cost with SR101 (AKA 52100). If it were me, I'd sell the INFI version and hang onto the SR101.

INFI really shines when its used on bigger knives that would be subjected to more abuse.

True that.

 

[Ulf Krogstad]

I'd guess that your SR101 Scrapper is coated. The price difference includes the added cost of a nice satin-finish on the INFI blade. As to prices for each, those seem quite reasonable at current market value (depending on their condition).

Yes, INFI has good corrosion resistance though is not actually stainless - polished 440A-class steels will certainly show less corrosion if both were subjected to corrosive environments. SR101 is 52100 ball-bearing steel with 2X more carbon than INFI but a lot less chromium and other additives, so it has more carbides for somewhat higher wear-resistance but lower impact toughness and also corrosion resistance so it is usually left coated except in 'custom' or 'limited edition' models. Both steels are fine grained and tend to be HT'd to ~60 Rc by Busse, so apex strength is about the same. Both are suitable for everything from straight-razors to wood-chippers. To tell the two apart in use, one way would be leaving the bare steel exposed to the elements - SR101 will rust faster. The other way would be to thin out the edge of each and then smack it on a rock - keep in mind that both are at the same hardness - the INFI blade will tend to bend/deform more out of alignment before tearing (if it tears/chips) while the SR101 will only deform slightly before taking damage. Keep in mind that both steels will likely resist damage from such treatment better than most others, but they each have limits to their endurance. Personally, I prefer the Rats and Dogs not only for the lower price but also the designs and am happy with the performance of the slightly less tough SR101. But if the same designs were available at near the same price in INFI, I'd have no problem choosing it over SR101 The only INFI I own is a Hog Muk because I liked the design. Would I have taken a Swamp Muk instead? you bet.

Awesome information man. :thumbup: Thank you. Yes the blade is coated on the SR101.

I haven't paid for the INFI one yet but might just still buy and resell. The choil on the INFI has been sanded to make more room for finger and believe the finger ramp on the top was also grinded down. INFI used, SR101 NEw.

 

[amflud]

To be honest with you, since the LE/SE has been modified it would be a better candidate as a user, that's the one I would keep. I doubt you would get back what you spent.

 

[bld522]

Good point!

 

[Ulf Krogstad]

To be honest with you, since the LE/SE has been modified it would be a better candidate as a user, that's the one I would keep. I doubt you would get back what you spent.

Ya I've seen them go for like $250 without a sheath but the fact it's used and modified ain't good though some might prefer it like that. I've never not paid for a won auction on fleabay but might have to tell this seller i can't i don't even have the funds on this day to pay anyways.Would have to wait til friday. Spent over $600 on knives this last week. I think i am just going keep the SR101 and buy a Fallkniven A1 later in months as a stainless big blade. Or get a Team Gemini. Thanks for all your responses. Appreciate it.

 

[amflud]

I think the INFI knife would make a fine user, and you wouldn't have any problem selling that SR101 Scrapper 5. I might know a guy.

 

[cut it out]

I have both and use my sr101 more. No real reason. I dressed out a buck 2 years ago with it and it was awesome at it.