Both companies have used both steels. They are both "SR" or Swamp Rat steels. Even if SRKW and SYKCO both use SR101, there will be a difference in price because of the handles. I really like Swamp Rats a lot, and in some sizes I prefer them to Scrap Yards. I don't see SYKCO using SR101 as any threat to SRKW, because some folks prefer micarta and G-10 to Res C. And some prefer Res C, especially in choppers. I just see SR101 as a little better steel for most uses than SR77. But not in Crash Axes.

ok.... so let me get this straight....

SR77 is STRONGER because it can take more abuse before breaking but SR101 is tougher because it can hold an edge better?

if this is the case, then it makes sense for Vic to want the crash axe in SR77 bc SR77 is better for blunt for trauma... not specifically cutting. So in essence, SR77 is better for "smashing/bashing/blunt force" and sr101 is better at "cutting."


so in conclusion, it makes sense for SR to use SR77 for the crash axe and for SY to use it in knives like the DMCG because in the crash axe's case, the focus is on NOT breaking as opposed to cutting, etc.. and in the DMCG's case, the focus is on cutting to some degree but bc of the steel, it excels more as a prybar/ice pick/stabbing utensil, etc, bc of the SR77.

am i tracking men?

Hey RS, I think you have them reversed. SR-77 is tougher and SR-101 is stronger.
Tougher means softer steel which equates to being able to take more bending, prying, etc. Stronger means more or less harder steel which equates to better edge holding but more brittle (hence, not as tough). Make sense? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

It makes sense if you think about what their parent steels are used for...S7 is a spring steel used for making coil springs, etc. and I believe 52100 is a steel used for making ball bearings. Hope this helps. I'm sure someone will correct me if I have gotten anything wrong. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Not exactly RS, because you're understanding of Strength and Toughness is off.

I've actually mentioned that there is a difference in A LOT of your threads.

sr77 is not stronger (well, I'm pretty sure bld is mixing them up, but feel free to correct me if I'm wrong or post some info etc.) which is why the edge will dent/roll easily (or more easily then a stronger edge)... especially with a thinner edge.
sr77 doesn't take too much force to deform (as far as knives go) however it can deform a lot (this is especially noticed laterally) without breaking.

sr101 is stronger and will not bend as easily or dent/roll easily...
It's edge will stay more stable...
however it CAN with enough abuse get some small chips in the edge (though sr77 would probably have chips too, because after so much deformation it will begin to chip or blowout) and will not bend as far as sr77. (laterally)

strength is basically how much force it takes for deformation and toughness is how much deformation something can take before fracturing.

If that helps any.

knotslip: s7 is a tool steel used in jackhammer bits, not a spring steel.
It will take a set after too much bending. (though I think Dan has proved that it can bend at least 30-35 degrees without taking a set?)

OK, thanks for verifying that bld.
I looked up a few definitions, but most were too confusing for me.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I would think that you could tell which possesses great lateral strength by the amount of bend.

I do agree with you though... applying these definitions to knives in general is quite difficult.

but you have start with the basics I guess.

I believe toughness and strength as they refer to blade steels are inversely proportional...As steel gets tougher (softer) it gets weaker and as you make steel stronger (harder) it gets more brittle (less tough). I posted right before EMF and tried to explain the difference to RS. (not sure if you read it or not)
Not sure I understand what you are getting at in the previous post...? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

wouldn't having less give just be... more strength?
IDK though, that's just the way I see it...
there may be many more factors involved... It would just make sense if it were so. (to me)