SR-77 is more flexible than SR-101 at similar hardness levels.

"Better" steel is a personal opinion and a subjective statement.

I think SR-77 is amazingly tough. But, for my purposes, I honestly prefer SR-101.

If you need a prybar, SR-77 is probably "Better".

If you want a knife that cuts and holds a great edge well and while not as tough as SR-77 is still significantly tough and tougher than most other knife steels in the industry, I would argue and believe SR-101 to be "Better".

The larger SR-101 blades are differentially heat treated giving the bottom (edge) third or so of the knife a harder and stiffer edge to hold it's sharpness better while having a softer spine for more toughness. This process is no doubt more expensive.

SR-77 is generally considered tougher. SR-77 is one of the toughest steels on the market right up close and behind INFI. Both are EXTREMELY tough.
Sr-77 has decent edge holding qualities. However, SR-77 doesn't hold an edge as well as INFI or SR-101.

SR-101 is still considered VERY tough, but also with GREAT edge properties. It holds an awesome edge and is easy to sharpen.

If you compare older Swamp Rat blades with Res-C handles and original release prices to current Scrap Yard prices on comparable knives, the prices are not too much different. SR-101 seems to have typically been about $10 - $15 more per comparable blade. Some types of steel cost more than others.


The difference in prices with Swamp Rat with micarta handles is the cost of the micarta handles...... and probably a little more profit as Swamp Rat was bumped from Busse's lower end line to mid-range line when they introduced Scrap Yard and gave all Res-C handles to Scrap Yard.

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