154CM is a VERY good knife steel. But, it can't take as much as SR-101 or SR-77. I think it takes and holds a GREAT edge. But, honestly it is a B*#H to get sharp. I think CPM154 is still a bit better and what I would call Premium stainless. As far as stainless goes, there are a few other very nice stainless steels out there. But, they are not even as tough as Busse's 154CM. I can't really see Busse using most of the premium stainless steels. While they can get incredibly sharp and hold an edge for very long times, the compromise of toughness is too great for most of the high end stainless steels.

I like some of the "Premium" stainless steels on folders. S30V, S60V, S90V, ZDP, VG10, BG42 and some others are GREAT for folders that I don't torque on too much. But, I don't think I would want any of those steel on this S5. I am certain Busse's 154CM is tougher than "those" premium steels.

While I do think 154CM will be good and fine. I just feel SR-101 would be better.

SR-101 does EVERYTHING I want a knife this size to do and does EVERYTHING I want a knife to do in this size VERY well. And I don't have too many issues with SR-101 corrosion. So, I would be very good with SR-101.

The trade-offs between SR-101 vs. 154CM:

SR-101: tougher, easier to sharpen, but corrodes easier

154CM: not as tough, although tough enough for most any common use on a knife this size and pretty hard to sharpen. But, stainless.

I like INFI even more, but INFI is SO expensive.

I would also LOVE a knife this size in 3V. A2 would be good as well.

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