A patina over time just shows a well used knife, plus it helps protect the steel underneath (apparently..). My main thought is the actual edge metal that comprises the micro-serrations that actually do the cutting, get attacked rapidly taking the edge off the carbon steel quicker than stainless.. I like big sr77, I prefer my S6 over my SS4 for most things- but the SS4 is much less 'environmentally sensitive' than the S6.

I would never say that sr77 isn't the right steel for the yard or seek to undermine it- hell if I was upside down in a Jeep wreck I'd be glad my DF was within easy reach (bought the DF, one day I get the Jeep to strap it too!), but for a skinner/utility blade I'll take INFI or ATS34 (or even decent 440C) over sr77 every time. Just my 'English currency' 2 cents! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />