i figured this was an okay place to ask, and i trust all of your guys opinions so...

how does this steel perfrom?
how would it compare to say sr77,5160,1095,a2. comparing it to any steel would be nice.
hmm...
how does it look... "on paper" so to speak.
is it like swamprats steel?
like INFI is to busse?
or is it just uncommon?
cause i've never seen any other knives made out of it.

I know these questions are probably kind of stupid to you guys.
but swamprats are kind of a mystery to me.

like swap rat? it IS swamp rat. it's 52100 with the transverse wave tempering exclusively practiced by the busse clan. not as tough as sr77, better edge retention. still way more steel than you'll ever need, a signature aspect of busse clan knives.

Ahhh.. Thank you bld522, it has been well over a year sence I read that great story, dose anybody have the picture(s) that Eric Isaacson posted of that faithful Camp tramp after all was said and done, I don't think I have ever seen them.

hey EMF,
Cliff Stamp had a few good write ups/tests/articles on some Swamprats knives that were SR-101. They may help you in you r quest/question. As far as "white papers" and numbers SR-101 is 52-100, but it has the Busse family heat treat, and heaven knows what that will do to the numbers.

Camp Tramp
http://www.cutleryscience.com/reviews/camp_tramp.html

Howling Rat
http://www.cutleryscience.com/reviews/howling_rat.html

Ratwiler
http://www.cutleryscience.com/reviews/ratweiler.html

yeah,im dying to see a pic of that knife.....great story and good to hear that a brand we all love did so well and did it helping someone in a jam

All good questions EatingMF, never worry to ask here, it's why this forum is "Better!" we like to help and teach and learn (I learn all the time!).

I can't add much to what they've posted and the links are good, maybe only that SR-101 is a very good steel that is edge friendly, not difficult to make sharp and it lasts!

Out of the big 3 here (INFI, SR-101 and SR-77), I have noticed and read you need to take a little more care of SR-101, don't leave it in the rain or a damp place to long. It does clean easily enough and should last you a lifetime...

I have read that it behaves like 5160 but with attitude, so that has to be good eh !!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I went out chopping with my Camp Tramp this past weekend and it performed perfectly!

This is what I have picked up from various threads:
Toughness: SR77 > Infi (just barely behind) > SR101... you won't break any of them
Edge Retention: SR101 > Infi (just barely behind) > SR77... but they all stay sharp
Corrosion/Rust Resistance: Infi > SR77 > SR101... Infi is almost Stainless in it's resistance

You won't go wrong with any of them. Personally, I prefer SR101 for smaller/medium, Infi for any size, and SR77 for larger blades. Your milage may vary. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

yeah i really wanted to know how it would compare to 5160.
even though i really dont know how that performs either.
but I know its tough with decent edge holding.

thanks for all the help guys. =]

I have read the various articles about SR101. This is not scientific, but I can tell you that mine really hold an edge well, but will get light rust if you don't care for them. The SR101 knife I really put through it was my Ratweiler. I am very impressed. It is still shaving sharp after some serious abuse and chopping. It's a great steel, emf.

I believe that is a VERY good summary and in a much shorter and more concise way than I could apparently do. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for saving me many hours. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />


I will add a little stress to the part of toughness where stated: "You won't break ANY of them. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />
So, they are all plenty tough enough. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Which one is tougher is actually somewhat moot.

ALSO, They ALL come with a lifetime warranty, so again, toughness is moot. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

.