I like both steels, but SR101 definitely gets sharper and stays sharp longer in my experience. As for toughness for big blades, check out the Waki. Tough enough for me. I trust Dan to use the appropriate steel for the knife. Besides, it's the scrap yard. Must have been plenty of SR101 lying around. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />