Some interesting posts here which are food for thought. As to the original poster's query...getting a S5 LE is a definate solid idea. One of the best shaped and balanced Infi knives made...yet also one of the cheapest...so you cannot go wrong there.

As to Infi being able to chip...I am sure that is right...I have done it myself...it is not a magical steel...but it is a very good one...when considered as an all-rounder...such as ease of sharpening...edge retention...corrosion resistance...and more than most knives...the warranty for life...it is a good package...and the designs are good too.

There is one thing I am curious over though...and that is the Rc hardness of the Busse knives...I think they are not as high as Rc 60-62...from experience of other steels I have which are on knives individually tested and from hearing from makers who own Busse's which they have tested themselves...they feel like they are around Rc 56...I might get some of mine tested as some are different to others.

( Wow...finally managed to post this reply! Been trying for two days!!)