SR101 vs INFI vs M-INFI?

Will York

Will York

Joined
Jan 21, 2000
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Jerry--

Can you tell us what your testing has shown about the comparative performance of SR101 against M-INFI and INFI? How SR101 compares relative to the other two in edge holding, strength, toughness, corrosion resistance, etc.? In other words, I'm interested in where the steels rate on whatever gauges you use to measure steel performance.

Just trying to make some educated judgements about what to expect from SR101 as compared with INFI/M-INFI, and I'm not having much luck finding specifics. I see guesses by some on the forums about whether SR101 is "better" than M-INFI, for example, but I've found nothing on what your testing has shown.

Thanks,
Will
 
By now I think we all realize Cliff and Jerry are one and the same person, if indeed one might call such a magnificent mutant merely human.

Actually, now that I'm fresh and thinking clearly after my first morning cup of java, I see that my original question is a little tedious. Obviously, we already know that INFI is better on all counts than either SR101 or M-INFI, and trying to get some kind of "ratio of performance" figures is probably a moot exercise, because any such numbers still wouldn't translate into a comparison of SR101 against other blade steels--especially anything in its current price range.

Further, I'm assuming we already know that SR101 rusts more readily than M-INFI, and that strength and toughness issues are not directly comparable because one steel is differentially tempered and the other was put at a uniform Rc hardness throughout. So which is "stronger" or "tougher" are probably questions that must be qualified depending on the specific task (or abuse :)) at hand. And then, of course, edge performance and wear resistance always depend on what you're cutting and what the geometry and finish of the edge is, so more variables there.

I think the Basic line was one of the all-time great lines of working knives ever built by anybody at any price. I think I'm also feeling some trepidation about buying an unknown, untested steel in "Basic clothing". I know what M-INFI could do, and I know SR101 is not as rust-resistant as M-INFI. So I guess what I'm looking for is some reassurance that I can buy one of these swamp things and really expect to get performance comparable to that of the Basic line.

Probably I should ask something like,

"If I go out and beat a Swamp thing against the south Texas brush for a few hours, hitting a few nails and ingrained pebbles in the process, should I expect to be able to steel out the edge and bring it back with about the same effort and results as M-INFI?

"And if I do wipe the sap off the edge with my work glove, but forget to do any further maintenance on it for a day or two, what kind of a rust problem am I likely to encounter?"

I know how M-INFI performs under these conditions, so that's probably a better yardstick, and this kind of performance testing is about as "real life" as it gets in my world.

-Will
 
Will,

Jerry and Cliff aren't the same person...merely an anomalous case of "twin sons of different mothers".

I have yet to see any direct performance testing between M'INFI and SR101...but there has been enough indicators to suggest that it will perform as well, some suggesting a bit more, that M'INFI. I examined them at the blade show, and will say you will be hard pressed to find a more comfortable handle. As for the performance, M'INFI would eventually break after flexing beyond a certain point, while SR101 can be bent beyond 90 degrees with no breaking.

With the exception of Busse Combat Knives, knives with a level of performance nearing Swamp Rat Knives cost thousands of dollars...I saw them at Blade.

SR101 will rust easier than M'INF. That being said, I have yet to rust a knife. I have some with spots of corrosion and stains, but these do not effect the performance of the knife. Most spots come off easily, those that don't...well...just don't. Swamp Rat knives are coated and shouldn't give you any problem.

SR101 will resharpen at least as easy as 52100, steeling would restore a moderatly deformed edge.

Jennifer would not make a knife that could not be thoroughly and routinely abused, I'm certain a Swamp Rat knife would live up to your expectations. I'd check out their forum and post the same questions.
 
I keep hearing how it's supposed to be better than Modified INFI, but not as good as INFI.
Whatever:rolleyes:
I can hardly tell a difference, if any, between M-INFI and INFI in actual use.
 
You know, I think I'll back up and end this, as far as I'm concerned. I'm editing out my response to US, which had to do with asking what personal experience he's had with SR101 corrosion, and will just say I agree with Owen that I can't tell the difference between INFI and M-INFI, either. I guess that's why I feel a little skeptical at people throwing around comments about how SR101 is better than M-INFI but not as good as INFI.

As I said in the beginning, I would like very much to hear any comments Jerry would have to make, personally, on these points.

I will say that I have managed to rust M-INFI edges. The clean-up was nominal and with CrO the edge comes back bright with no discoloration--surface or otherwise.

As far as what kind of knives Jennifer Busse would make, I'd be willing to bet they would be the very best she possibly could, given what she had to work with. :)

-Will
 
There have been those who have disagreed with me, but I have not found a difference between INFI and Modified INFI in real-world use. Maybe a metalurgist or chemist can tell you the difference, but as a mere knife user, I could not tell them apart. With that said, if SR101 is not as good as INFI, my guess would be that it is not as good as modified INFI. What not as good means is a very subjective benchmark as knife steels have many characteristics.

Being somewhat familiar with the line, I can telk you that if you like 52100, you will love SR101. This a very tough steel that takes and edge and cuts like nobody's business. Then, with the heat treat applied the way it is, you get a very practical tough-use knife. When you factor in the price and don't ask-don't tell warranty, it is a no-brainer.

I am a Basics fan all the way. The Basic #5 and #7 are about two of the best knifes ever made, IMO. With that said, I can say this: the handles are an improvement and the knives share a common lineage.
 
I do not currently own a SwampRat knife.
It is my intent to acquire a BattleRat. It is then my intent to do a direct comparision with a variety of INFI and modified-INFI knives of similiar size.
I intend to compare symmetrical and asymmetrical straight handled Battle Mistresses, symmetrical and asymmetrical Battle Mistress E's. Right now, I'm not sure I have a symmetrically ground Basic #9, but I certainly have an asymmetrically ground Basic #9 to throw into the mix. I have a variety of wood - green, and seasoned. It appears I'm going to need to buy some new rope, and some concrete blocks, and break out a notebook and a camera.
It has been my experience that the difference between modified-INFI and INFI is too small to be noticed in the field, but using side by side it would appear that modified-INFI in somewhat more malleable.

I will consider a gathering of Southern California Busse
enthusiasts to help and/or witness the testing.
I think I may wait until the weather cools downm so it may wait until
October(that gives me a chance to acquire a symmetrically ground Basic#9 and a big Rat.:)
 
Maybe I should just do the Basic and the Rat??
But where is the fun in that??:yawn:
 
I am up for testing & or watching:eek:
 
Originally posted by David Brown
I am up for testing & or watching:eek:
Click to expand...
Hey, for an invitation to Andre's shindig, I'd carry water, cook, pay the bar tab, string rope, set up 2x4's--hell, I'd even bring a suitcase full of knives, though I doubt I have anything Papa doesn't already have two of! Straight BM's in asymmetrical and V grind, SHII INFI asymmetrical, SH-E asymmetrical, Basic 9's, 7's, 5's--but all my Basics are asymmetrical. As you can tell, I kinda like those AS's!
 
I'd love to see some testing done comparing the three steels. From what I've read, I don't think there will be a huge difference between SR-101, M-INFI, and INFI in anything but corrosion resistance.

One thing I really love about SR-101 is its sharpening characteristics. It sharpens quickly and takes an extremely sharp edge quite easily.
 
Man, that sounds like a great time:D
It would be great if a BM, Basic 9, and Battle Rat, all with identically ground edge bevels could be tested. That would be about as good a way to compare them as I can think of, for anyone who really wants to see what is what. Sure it would be skewed against the BM with its greater weight and impact velocity (if we're just talking steel properties, not chopping ability), but it would take a real nitpicker to argue with the results of that kind of testing.

Reason I say identical edge bevels is that I'm constantly trying different edges on my Basic 9 ('bout 7 or 8 different angles/types so far-man I should've kept some notes...), and the cutting ability/penetration while chopping varies to some degree, while the edge's resistance to damage varies quite a bit.

Obsession:confused:
:p
 
Will York,
It would be a long drive, rope is the good ticket, do you know what
a roll of one inch hemp or sisal rope costs(I think I will need four rolls):eek: :eek: :D
 
When you think of all the tough-use functions that these knives could be anticipated to see, I think you will have some worn out testers before the "study" is completed.:rolleyes:
 
Originally posted by papathud
Will York,
It would be a long drive, rope is the good ticket, do you know what
a roll of one inch hemp or sisal rope costs(I think I will need four rolls):eek: :eek: :D
Click to expand...
Let's see...the last 300' spool of 1/2" sisal I bought was $60, so ballpark about $350 for four spools of 1". Sounds about right--at least 1200' to get started--not even a quarter mile. Glad you've already begun logistical planning, and please keep me posted on your needs. :D

Drive? It takes me a day just to get out of Texas, but that's a given no matter where I go--over 500 miles in any direction except into Mexico (which takes about 20 minutes). But by the end of the second day I can be anywhere on the coast south of LA. with four spools of 1" sisal in the bed of my pickup. No problem!

-w
 
Will,
Sounds like somewhere between Del Rio, and Harlingen:eek:
Which is maybe an easier place to live than Terlingua;)
I lived in Cleburne,in Johnson County,Texas, up in West-Central
for seven years.
 
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