One of the problems I run into is in how I apply the Scrap Yard "Superior Performance to Price Ratio" motto. The question I forget to ask myself sometimes is, superior performance to price ratio COMPARED TO WHAT? If the answer is, "compared to other hard use knives", non-INFI Scrap Yard knives absolutely kick butt and the motto stands on its own merits. But the only way that the superior performance to price ratio motto works when applied to Scrap Yard INFI knives is when you compare them to BUSSE COMBAT INFI KNIVES. Otherwise, as you've pointed out, there are plenty of non-INFI knives that give Scrap Yard INFI knives a serious run for their money at the prices Scrap Yard charges for them.
That pretty well sums it up actually Bruce.
Scrap Yard with SR-101 or 154CM blades rule.
And if needing EXTREME toughness where "slightly" compromised lower edge qualities aren't as big a factor (say a Kukri, or other blades over 12"), then SR-77. ... But, the Waki shows that SR-101 does quite well there too, so I have to question my desire for SR-77.
Once you use INFI, the prices are so much higher that you can really only compare to higher priced INFI knives at that point.
INFI "IS" the best. And for those willing and able to PAY for the best, INFI is the way to go. But, for me, INFI "IS" on the high to VERY high end of the price spectrum..... and it just ultimately doesn't qualify for "Superior Performance to Price Ratio" - IMO.
To me, INFI is Ultimate performance at HIGH price. And I feel for my uses, INFI has achieved a level that surpases my needs in many ways. Obviously, others will disagree. Subjective opinions will vary. And some people just want the best even if they don't need it and can't utilize it's advantages and are willing to pay for it.
For most people, INFI is sort of like having a drag-car in your driveway or as a daily driver.
But, I do NOT like to own and use coated blades.
So, given my options, I really prefer "satin" SR-101.
But, I am just frustrated and tired of having to strip and satin finish them myself. It really is a PITA and frustrating to pay for a knife and have to do so much more work to a "new" knife that would have been VERY easy for a knife-maker with production equipment to do "PRIOR" to attaching the handle.
Reprofiling edges isn't so bad. I wish they came with nicer convex edges. But, that is reasonably easy compared to grinding out pits and machine marks.
And working around a handle = not getting a satisfactory end result - which again could have "EASILY" been achieved at the factory prior to attaching the handle. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />
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