SR101 vs Infi

Shotgun

Shotgun

Joined
Feb 3, 2006
Messages
8,250
I'm interested in getting a busse-kin in the 4-6 inch range for use in the summer months. Was thinking infi but I need edge holding over toughness so I'm thinking maybe I'm better off saving some pennies and buying a Rat or a Dog. Infi vs SR101, which holds it's edge longer?
 
the Scrapivores were harder than usual, like the BADs, about 2 points above the normal heat treat
 
If edge holding is your main concern do yourself a favor and get an RMD. SR101 will hold its edge longer than INFI will and the RMD might be the most comfortable knife in the hand for a lot of people.
 
RMD or Rodent 4 will either suit your size range very well. The RMD is a fantastic blade. I convexed the edge on mine and it takes an unbelievable edge and holds it like crazy. The RMD is a very comfortable knife in use, in a good general size range.

The Rodent Solution is a bit handier. I like mine so much I ordered another.
 
Took a scan of a Scrapivore of mine. Factory fresh...

SCN_0001-1.jpg


How does this compare to the INFI alternative? Im surprised by the lack of info in this thread. Not that I can contribute much, but I was just hoping for more.

Kevin

To the OP, I know this isn't 4-6", I hope you don't mind.
 
the original post is very general. If I was in the Pacific NW I think I'd rather have INFI because it would require less care and sharpens faster.

I'm at the edge of the dismal swamp though, and I don't have trouble with SR101 edge corrosion.

I did let my 10yo put up his RMD wet when he was tired just to make a point, and it will definitely corrode if you let it. It is easy enough to fix, but if its wet and you don't take care of it, INFI will hold an edge much longer.
 
I have to agree with the points already made . Between SR-101 and INFI , the SR-101 will hold it's edge longer . Because of this it will be a little harder to sharpen when it's does need it . INFI doesn't rust as easily though and needs a little less care . The Swamp Rat Ratmandu is a wildly popular knife and for good reason . It's has a great ergonomic feel to it and is just the right size for many chorse .
To the OP , you said you are looking for a knife that's 4 to 6 inches . Maybe letting us knofe weather you lean more towards the 4 inch or 6 inch end would get some different choises .


............................................
HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS !
 
My favorite knife at the moment is a rodent solution. The edge was a little thick when I got it but I thinned it down quite a bit and it's all good. Feels good in the hand and is just the right size.
 
As far as edge holding goes, i think the type of use/material being cut makes a difference.
I have not heard of any knife in any steel that has come close to Jerry's 2000 (give or take, the info is around here somewhere (o: ) cuts through 1 inch hemp rope with an original basic 9 in mod INFI.
That being said, if hard use / toughness were not an issue i would go for some ELMAX from the yard.

porkacious
 
When I am not 100% sure of which item to buy, whatever it may be. I try and buy the best I can afford. To me Busse is the benchmark to which all outdoor type knives are or should be compared to. Nothing wrong with SW or SYKCO, they offer fantastic knives at great prices. If you ever go to resale Busse needs no explanation.
I think one of the underrated/ best value Busses is the SJTAC. It can be had for under 300. It might be 6 1/4" long, I am not sure. I have big hands and I find the SJTACs long hand very comfortable.
Good luck with you hunt. You can't go wrong with either SR101 or INFI.
 
darkaether said:
the original post is very general. If I was in the Pacific NW I think I'd rather have INFI because it would require less care and sharpens faster.

I'm at the edge of the dismal swamp though, and I don't have trouble with SR101 edge corrosion.

I did let my 10yo put up his RMD wet when he was tired just to make a point, and it will definitely corrode if you let it. It is easy enough to fix, but if its wet and you don't take care of it, INFI will hold an edge much longer.
Click to expand...

Thanks bud. Im not worried about corrosion. I have lots of INFI and I have plenty of carbon steel knives. I guess the point I was getting at is SYKCO should be proud of the SR101 at 60-62 RC. It will hold an edge better than INFI. I love my INFI, but its just a plain old fact that you can find better alternatives for specific needs and wants. I was hoping to hear from some guys that know the compositions how the heat treat really effects the steel. I myself am not at that level, but I know there are guys that frequent BF's that are.

Buying the best you can afford is not necessarily buying the best for your needs and wants.

I remember back when I was more active in this forum reading Jerry state if he wanted to make a real slicer he would use D2. I don't know how long ago that was but I know both 52100 and INFI were both around at the time.

Kevin
 
richstag said:
Thanks bud. Im not worried about corrosion. I have lots of INFI and I have plenty of carbon steel knives. I guess the point I was getting at is SYKCO should be proud of the SR101 at 60-62 RC. It will hold an edge better than INFI. I love my INFI, but its just a plain old fact that you can find better alternatives for specific needs and wants. I was hoping to hear from some guys that know the compositions how the heat treat really effects the steel. I myself am not at that level, but I know there are guys that frequent BF's that are.

Buying the best you can afford is not necessarily buying the best for your needs and wants.

I remember back when I was more active in this forum reading Jerry state if he wanted to make a real slicer he would use D2. I don't know how long ago that was but I know both 52100 and INFI were both around at the time.

Kevin
Click to expand...

As far as D2 goes look at the Vex, that little bugger is a slicing machine. Might not be quiet as good as the Yards ELMAX blades but I would be willing to bet you would be hard pressed to see a difference in the two.
 
Jerry was quoted quite a few times as saying that INFI is not the best choice for smaller knives. If you are not concerned about corrosion go with SR-101.

D2 is supposedly not very suitable for abusive work, that why there are almost no choppers in that steel. For slicing it it great.
Maxes from Yard are great slicers, but not that much more. If you need a do it all knife then you'll need something thicker than .09"...
 
Thanks for the info on the Vex. Another reason I went with SR101 is because it is a low alloy steel that is easily sharpened on natural stones. I have been on a natural stone kick for a while now. I have some D2 knives but I keep them up with diamond or my beltgrinder. I sharpen INFI with a belt grinder but I also do not have INFI under 6 inch blade length.

D2 I go with a micro serrated edge. Here is a 400x shot I took. You can see a piece of hair I pushed into the edge twice with a pair of tweezers. Split right into it both times.

L1020705.jpg


To show how fine that hair is here is a photo I took at 400x of normal fine hair from my scalp

L1020690.jpg


4-6" is slicer territory in my mind. What can you tell me about ELMAX? I have no experience with it.
 
Pretty much all of the SR101 vs INFI stuff has been covered already, rust resistance vs edge retention etc.

Elmax is very, very thin (by Bussekin standards) and stainless, excellent for slicing foods and the like, but not very sturdy if you try to do much more with it as the entire blade only weighs about 3-4 oz.
Ours are for the kitchen only, I won't even let the wife take it outside as that is what her Cupidvore and Boss Jack are for.
If I was going to take one with me outdoors, I would keep it to the short wide Scrapmax 340 which is the bottom one in this pic of the three (I call mine the Scrap Warden)
2ir7zgw.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top