horn dog, how does the edge retention of infi compare to sr101 or bark river A2? I have never used infi and have no idea. I have used carbon V enough to know I like it, I also like the 5160 on ranger knives. I haven't used sr101 enough to know how it performs but so far it seems as good as the others. is there anyone here who thinks infi and sr101 have about the same edge retention? I ask because I would like to get a better camp knife.
I have never done a measured scientific test comparing them. I can tell you that all three steels have very good edge retention in my own experience. I have used SR101 quite a bit in my Chopweiler and Ratmandu, and it takes and holds a very sharp edge. My Barkies in A2 seem to do very well, too. My most used knife in INFI is my SS4, and it is scary sharp and seems to hold its edge very well. I know this isn't a precise or technical answer, but I have been pleased with all three steels.
+1 My similarly "Unscientific" approach would pretty much support what Vic said.
INFI, SR-101 and A2 "ALL" have excellent edge retention, are reasonable to sharpen and just generally all have good all-round edge properties for knives.
INFI is "Nuclear" tough.
However, with the exception of once skinny slim Rat Pick, I haven't seen a SR-101 blade significantly damaged. They are SUPER tough and plenty tough for me.
Similar, A2 is VERY tougha and PLENTY tough for me. One advantage A2 has over SR-101 is A2 is less prone to rust. A2 patinas easily, but doesn't rust easily. There is a difference. A patina can actually be cool looking with blueish swirl tones, but sometimes gray, orange and other. SR-101 rust is deep bronw and much quicker. Jerry used to use A2 and "Grew" Busse knives on A2 prior to INFI. Mike Stewart uses A2 on many of his Bark River knives. It is VERY good stuff.
These are 3 of my VERY FAVORITE steels. *** But, I find A2 and SR-101 do all I need them to do for my uses at a better price than INFI. I still "desire" INFI. But, at the price for (so far in life) never needing the extra toughness, I have to honestly feel for my needs that SR-101 and A2 are VERY GOOD and better values for me.
I am interested in seeing more 3V, M2 and M4 blades in the future to see how I like them. I have only scratched the surface on using some 3V and M2 and I am VERY impressed so far. I am not sure about M4 yet, but it is supposed to be tougher than M2.
3V is basically supposed to be similar to A2 on steroids. But, 3V is harder to sharpen/grind and costs a lot more. So, I don't know if the cost is worth it (????)
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