Is the only main difference between INFI in SR-77 the edge retention, being that the INFI will stay sharper longer? I know INFI and SR-77 are about as tough as each other when it comes to abuse/use, or so I have heard. I was sitting here thinking, what makes INFI the "wonder steel" then??? If the only thing it has up on SR77 is edge retention, Im thinking I may be splitting my funds equally between the 2; INFI and Sr77!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

S7 in INFI would be for me!

the edge on infi knives rolls less than s7 from what I have seen.

well stated bld. In terms of lateral strength, I thought they were virtually the same or very near it. Thanks. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

There are lots of good knife steels out there. INFI is truly amazing stuff, though. And it is not too hard to work. It grinds easily yet takes a very sharp edge. It doesn't throw a lot of sparks like S7 and 1095 do. It is expensive. I think a lot of collectors could just get the Busses in 420J2 and be just as happy, since they never sharpen or use them. But I have used and abused them. I can tell you from experience that it is very fine steel. It holds a great edge, yet sharpens easily. And it can take a lot of shock and force, too. It does not rust easily, either.

Well stated HD. INFI is worth it IMO. But in terms of lateral toughness, I dont see it surpassing SR77. Have your tests shown this too?

My "tests" never put the knives under that much stress. On rare occasion I break a knife. But in prying and batonning and chopping very hard wood, INFI has been strong, as has SR77. It holds an edge better, too. Not that I am fanatical about edge retention. SR77 is good enough for me. The SR101 has outstanding edge retention, maybe as good as INFI. My tests are just user reviews and impressions. It works well or it doesn't.

Good deal Vic. Thanks for the responses man. I can always count on you when I want to know something technical about the steels we all love.

some steels excel at edge retention,some excel and lateral strength or high impact.other excel at corrosion resistance.

it is INFI that excels at all of the above.

also,like vic said,INFI is a really easy to work with,doesnt throw a lot of spark and i've heard that it would have to get extremely hot to effect its temper.

the temp number i heard was very high but i dont remember exactly what it was.higher than your going to get it while grinding and using the normal precautions one uses to keep a blade cool while grinding.

i just love the stuff.

i took the edge on my ASH-1 and FFFBM down really thin because i know they can handle it.as far as corrosion is concerned their is really zero maintenance.i've heard that INFI can rust but i've left'em out all night,stuck in the tree next to the tent and in the rain with no problems at all.the issue with the decarb on the CE's was a fluke.

usually from my experience a steel that takes an edge as well as INFI doesnt hold it as long.S30V holds an edge forever because it takes forever to give it one.

INFI is my all time favorite steel and insiders like mike stewart have said they believe INFI to be A8 tool steel with jerry's proprietary heat treat.

while mike is extremely knowledgeable we have no way of knowing if he is correct or not.from what i've heard the busse crew vehemently deny that INFI is A8.

other than this topic i've never even heard of A8.i wonder why you dont see others using it.

i personally believe that the secret of INFI was passed onto jerry from the ancient egyptians who themselves first learned of it when they where visited by the aliens.

Interesting read nortern1, thanks for posting. The whole egyptian and alien conspiracy is the best I've heard thus far. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />