I don't have a SarsQuatch but with it's thinner profile and convex edge I figured it must be better at slicing stuff !!!

pitman, thanks for the info.
vox hog, what is an sfno?

horn dog, how does the edge retention of infi compare to sr101 or bark river A2? I have never used infi and have no idea. I have used carbon V enough to know I like it, I also like the 5160 on ranger knives. I haven't used sr101 enough to know how it performs but so far it seems as good as the others. is there anyone here who thinks infi and sr101 have about the same edge retention? I ask because I would like to get a better camp knife.

I have never done a measured scientific test comparing them. I can tell you that all three steels have very good edge retention in my own experience. I have used SR101 quite a bit in my Chopweiler and Ratmandu, and it takes and holds a very sharp edge. My Barkies in A2 seem to do very well, too. My most used knife in INFI is my SS4, and it is scary sharp and seems to hold its edge very well. I know this isn't a precise or technical answer, but I have been pleased with all three steels.

I don't know about the JackHammer. But, I can speculate based on owning the SJTAC.

I didn't like the M6. It is INDEED a beast. It is very heavy. But, I felt it was TOO handle heavy and I didn't like the feel and balance in my hand.

Some people want a SUPER stout heavy duty mid-sized knife - there it is in SPADES! ... Just wasn't for me.
The is Nothing wrong with the blade design. I felt the handle could have a better shape and much lighter in the handle.

The S6 was MUCH better IMO than the M6. But, I sold (then regretted selling....) my S6LE. I sold it because I have the SJTAC and have modified it by removing the thumb ramp and a few handle mods. I LOVE my modified SJTAC and just felt the modified SJTAC made the S6 a little un-needed. ????? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Mistakes happen in life. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />



As far as steel goes, yes, I have to prefer INFI. But, I LOVE SR-101 and don't find any problems with it except that its coated with nasty gunk. Otherwise, I honestly feel that in most every way, SR-101 is about as good for my uses as INFI and at a much more reasonable price!!!!

[color:"yellow"] I WISH Swamp Rat would release more SR-101 designs and SATIN blades!!!! [/color] <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

I have the Chopweiler and Sarsquatch as well. To me, the Chopweiler is heavier and a better chopper. But, the Sarsquatch is a very "Good" chopper with better balance, better feel and more all-around potential. I think it is hard to choose a favorite as I feel they are both great, just a little different. But, I would likely choose the SARSquatch as I like versatility in most anything when I can get it.



I have never had the SFNO. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

**** However, Interestingly, there is an indication that Jerry is about to bring it back (?????). (I wonder if it will be a HIGH priced semi/not really custom shop HACK job??? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> )

From what I can tell, the SFNO seems a lot like a micarta handled version of the Camp Tramp - which would inevitably be an AWESOME knife, but a little heavier than the Camp Tramp.

The Camp Tramp is a favorite by many including myself for good reason. Excellent all-round ability, excellent feel and balance, etc.

Ironically, the SARSquatch is thinner than the Camp Tramp, but very similar in size and shape. It has micarta scales, so you would think it is more handle heavy. But, the SARSquath also has a little taller blade than the Camp Tramp. I find the Sarsquatch balances just as favorably to me as the Camp Tramp. Just very slightly different.

The Camp Tramp weighs about 14.5 ounces and balances at about the middl of the choil.

The Sarsquatch weighs about 17.0 ounces and balances at the rear of the choil by the front of the scales.


I have never been able to figure the weight of the SFNO. I have looked and can't find it anywere. I would like to know. If anyone knows, please post.

Since the SFNO is similar in thickness to the Camp Tramp and with a full tang and micarta (or similar) scales, I have to assume the SFNO weighs considerably more than the Camp Tramp. I would assume 18 - 19 ounces (????)

But, the SFNO is a constant favorite by Hogs. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> And since it is so similar to the Camp Tramp, I am very confident the SFNO is a VERY worthy design.


I don't know if the Dogs will be getting any mid-sized SR-77 any time soon. But, Jerry keeps bringing High dollar / High profit INFI... probably for a reason.

Still, if the SFNO is coming, and "IF" at a "Reasonable" price, I might have to start selling off appliances and cars and stuff (????).

But, I am NOT interested in paying "HIGH" prices (higher than CG) for "HACKS".



How about a Satin finished SFNO with a CE and Black linen micarta for $267.00??? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

.

Special Forces Natural Outlaw



SFNO with SARSquatch:




SFNO with SJTAC:




SFNO with ASH1:




SarSquatch with Chopweiler:




<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />



.

So many camp knives, so little money left. There is always room for a good one at a good price, though. I think it is Dan's turn at making one. I like the look of the SFNO a lot. Even Nepal has gotten on the camp knife bandwagon. Check these out. They are from the real Third World Grind Shop. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

+1 My similarly "Unscientific" approach would pretty much support what Vic said.

INFI, SR-101 and A2 "ALL" have excellent edge retention, are reasonable to sharpen and just generally all have good all-round edge properties for knives.

INFI is "Nuclear" tough.

However, with the exception of once skinny slim Rat Pick, I haven't seen a SR-101 blade significantly damaged. They are SUPER tough and plenty tough for me.

Similar, A2 is VERY tougha and PLENTY tough for me. One advantage A2 has over SR-101 is A2 is less prone to rust. A2 patinas easily, but doesn't rust easily. There is a difference. A patina can actually be cool looking with blueish swirl tones, but sometimes gray, orange and other. SR-101 rust is deep bronw and much quicker. Jerry used to use A2 and "Grew" Busse knives on A2 prior to INFI. Mike Stewart uses A2 on many of his Bark River knives. It is VERY good stuff.

These are 3 of my VERY FAVORITE steels. *** But, I find A2 and SR-101 do all I need them to do for my uses at a better price than INFI. I still "desire" INFI. But, at the price for (so far in life) never needing the extra toughness, I have to honestly feel for my needs that SR-101 and A2 are VERY GOOD and better values for me.


I am interested in seeing more 3V, M2 and M4 blades in the future to see how I like them. I have only scratched the surface on using some 3V and M2 and I am VERY impressed so far. I am not sure about M4 yet, but it is supposed to be tougher than M2.

3V is basically supposed to be similar to A2 on steroids. But, 3V is harder to sharpen/grind and costs a lot more. So, I don't know if the cost is worth it (????)

.

Mike Stewart of Bark River is doing some "experimental" knives in S3V, but he hasn;t decided whether to use it in production knives yet. He said that it would add $100 to the price of the knives on average. I think A2 and 12C27 are good enough for me.

Vic do you mean S30V or CPM 3V ?

Correction. It is called CPM 3V. There was a post about it on BR forum that called it S3V, but CPM 3V is the correct nomenclature.

"They are Actually Called CPM3V and CPM S30V.

The 3V is not Stainless and has more Vanadiaum.

Both are Powder Metal Steels to try to keep the size of the Carbides Smaller.

3V is rated as the Toughest of all of the High Carbon Tool steels.

The one we have been testing that I made with My Heat Treat is still sharp even though Reid and I have been Beating the Crap out of it."

Mike................

I have used a few knives for camp use, and have yet to find the "perfect" one...I don't know that there is a knife that can handle every camp chore by its self. I have even tried knives that have claimed to be the ultimate camp/survival knife, like the Tops Tracker...it is an interesting design and has it's uses, but isn't really great at anything.


I still think old Nessmuk had it right for camping with the triad of small hatchet...thin mid size knife...and a pocket knife, but I would love one knife that can do it all while being rugged...I would love to be proved wrong.

How many of you go to the field with only one knife?