Scrapper 5 LE: Crossing the $200 Line

I don't think that there is any doubt that the new S5LE is the finest midsized knife SYKCO has ever made. And the dogs in the yard asked for it. But it cost more than a Ratmandu. What will it do that the CG version won't do? Once SYKCO knives start going for over $200 delivered, they are in Swamp Rat price range. Granted, the S5LE is a special knife. INFI is a great steel, but it costs a lot more for that little extra in performance over SR101. I would have been quite happy with the LE in 154CM if it costs closer to $100 than $200. But the knives sold out and Dan's gamble paid off. The mystique of INFI is a powerful thing. I just hope that future Scrappers are back down in the more affordable range. I am reeling from the sticker shock of some of the recent Busses like the SAR4 and the SAR8. Just my two cents.

I agree wholeheartedly. If the S5LE didn't present the rare opportunity to get INFI married to Mudders, there's no way I would have bought it. At the price I paid, though, it would have made more sense to have this release be a Swamp Rat knife and not Scrap Yard.

The mantra around here is superior price to performance ratio, and I'm not convinced the extra performance of satin INFI justifies the price for a Scrap Yard knife.


I think future INFI knives from the Yard should use the SS4 model - keep them coated to lower the cost. Satin INFI just doesn't improve performance enough to belong in the Yard IMHO, unless you can lower the price more. Even if you do a numbered, coated limited edition, that's fine, too.


I dig the knife, and am glad I got it, but I hope this doesn't become a trend. It's a whole lot of money for a 5 inch scrap yard knife. The HOGS went nuts for this one, but a lot of the Scrap Yard faithful had to sit it out because it was so expensive.

I got one because a 5" satin finished INFI knife for $200 is half of what a SAR4 costs. But when I thought about it, I realized that for that price, I'd rather have a satin finished Ratmandu. INFI is great, but SR101 is plenty good enough for this old man.

I understand what your saying, and I don't disagree.

I think 2 INFI blades in 3 years isn't a trend and we have been asking for it, and the boss delivered, thanks to Dan and Jerry's good graces (and long nights).

We asked for satin, especially you Vic, we all really wanted it and we've had lots of it since you've been here, the boss really seems to listen/hear us! (bows).

I also would like to see a return to the SY motto, "Superior Performance to Price Ratio" in these times, this economy and in this Yard.

You've spoiled us enough Dan, and we thank you, now let the Scrapyards roll <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

It was more the satin finish than the INFI that I asked for. Busse's 154Cm is fine with me. As I said, the S5LE is probably the finest midsized knife SYKCO has ever made, and it is a special limited edition knife. But SR101 and 154CM with Busse's heat treat are great performers at more affordable prices.

Well said - folks have been asking for this one, and I'm glad Dan listened and delivered, and now I hope he'll return to his roots and give us lots of inexpensive knives with amazing performance <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Yep. That's what I was trying to say. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I hear ya Vic, and agree.

Remember when the Mutt first came out for 69.95! omg what a deal that was, I was floored and it's still one of my favs and if I had to pic one blade only, it would be that for me, one tuff doggie! yet easy to carry.

Be very nice to see prices around that range again (more or less) in SR 77 and 154CM. I feel very lucky to have what I have from SY and hope others can share and enjoy it too <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I too hope and feel that the S5 LE is the exception and not the rule.

I'm a firm believer in the SYKCO motto "Superior Performance to Price Ratio"and am completely content with SR77, SR101, and 154cm. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Well said Vic and others. I love my new S5LE but I definitely felt this one in the wallet.

I suspect most of us enjoy having a variety of different styles of high performance yet low cost knives and that is the unique contribution of Scrapyard. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

BIG +1

But, unfortunately for me and as you said, the Dogs and Hogs were ALL OVER IT, so it seems to have sold very well.

So, while I don't see the value and think $200 for a mudder handled satin knife is WAY high priced, demand probably justified the pricew on this one.


.

+1

I love the S5, but I couldn't justify the INFI SATIN price, so I missed out on "MY" preference for SATIN.

I would have WAY preferred Satin SR-101 for $110 - $115.
IMO - $10 - $15 is PLENTY for a satin finish over CG on a 5" blade.

$110 - $115, satin and VERY WORTHY performance of SR-101 would have fit WAY more inline with my take on the Scrap Yard Price/Performance mantra. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />


Maybe Dan will release an "SE" in SR-101 SATIN without LE numbers for closer to $110 - $115. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

.

HUGE +1 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I love mudders, but I still prefer a well shaped micarta handle.
And bottom line is that mudders SHOULD be WAY cheaper than micarta!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

The S5's blade in SR-101 on the RMD's handles (skeletonized)!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

And satin SR-101 Swamp Rat RMD with micarta should cost LESS than the S5LE did. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

.

Sorry guys,
I think a $200 INFI with mudder handle is right on. I passed on the SAR4 and 8 because of price and general "what's it fore". I just got my Okiden sheath
bringthe knife and sheath to over $250. But that puts it right in with my cpm154 Bravo1 and my Okiden Sharp Thingy II, D2 Dog Skinner. Those are three of my favorite hunting knives and the INFI SC5 will be right in that group. And Satin INFI beats anything coated.
Ron Athay

+1

Regardless of how I felt the S5LE was priced, people wanted it and people paid for it. I got left out..... end of story.

I just hope it isn't a trend either. And we get back to "Superior" performance to value and all. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

.

I remember that the "First" DMLE going for "Twice" the price of the CG on that one too. .... and being dissappointed than as well that getting "SATIN" was WAY too expensive. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Luckily, satin hasn't always been so rediculously priced. Must be some confusion created when seeing Jerry charge $200 - $330 more for satin. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

.

Just to set the record straight, I am not saying that the S5LE was overpriced. Satin INFI is never cheap no matter the handle. I am just saying that I would be as happy with it in Busse's 154CM at a lower price and that I hope more future scrappers are made in SR101 and 154CM and priced closer to $100 than $200. As wonderful as INFI is, I probably don't really need it anyway. I have several Busses, but I like my Swamp Rats and Scrap Yards as much.

Sorry Ron. I disagree. I don't need INFI level toughness in a knife that size and I don't feel a mudder handled (Res-C rubber stuff - SHOULD be cheap even if I like it) should cost $200.

I can buy custom $200 knives with finer quality handle materials, satin finish, VERY worthy quality steel AND that come with a sheath for $200!!!!!!

My Bravo1 in A2 and my Dog Skinner cost WAY less!... and my Bravo1 came with a sheath.


I don't care to "compare" the S5LE to the SAR4 or SAR8 just because they are all INFI. The SAR4 and SAR8 were FREAKIN WAY HIGH priced!... IMO.

I look at the S5LE and see a Res-C handled satin knife. If it had been satin SR-101, I feel it should have only been about $10 - $20 more than the $99 for the CG. INFI just doesn't offer much over SR-101 on the S5 other than corrosion resistance.

As Vic says, that could have been offered in 154CM for under $100.

So, any way I slice it, $200 for INFI was unjustified IMO.

I was willing to pay up to $150 or so - "Maybe" $160 for the S5LE in INFI..... But, obviously others were willing to pay more. Personally, I think it was the Kool Aid that drove the S5LE prices.

Some people might need some "Kool Aid" therapy.

If Scrap Yard pricing starts to mirror or somehow start to reflect Busse/INFI pricing, my days here probably need to become more limited. - For now, I am holding on to the belief that maybe the S5LE was just priced to reflect INFI.

But, speaking for myself, if that is how INFI pricing is going to be, OTHER people can have INFI. I will PASS!

Swamp Rat used to be a value, but prices have gone up with micarta scales.

My finances are tight. So, speaking for myself, I am going to have to keep my eye on what is "Really" a value. And pass on Kool Aid inspired deals.

.

I wish they would cater to the demographic that likes $140 DFs and actually sell them to the people on this site instead of lumping them in with busse ganzas. I cried when I got out of the hospital and found out that the DDF was ganzed and gone before I even heard about them. To have to pay an extra $100 to some jerk who is profiteering because he can afford the upfront cost of buying them out is a shame.

As for the S5 LE, I would have rather seen a coated and non-numbered version of INFI for ~$50 less so more of us can afford it and those who wanted to can satin finish it themselves. Maybe this will happen in a SE version but I think I am just dreaming. I probably still would have ordered one if it had been a full flat grind instead of saber, I know its personal preference but for ~$200 at my income level I better get exactly what I want.

My Busse Combat benchmark is the FBM; I bought them at release from the Company Store and paid from $367.00 (for black/black std Micarta FFFBMs) to $452.00 (for urban gray/blue & red mag G10 FFFBMs). I know it's been a little over two years ago, but whenever I see a knife that approaches those prices, I have to ask myself, "Is this really as much knife as one of my FBMs?" If the price is more like $500 ($509.50 being the average [pre-shipping] price I paid for two NMFBMs last year) I compare whatever I'm looking at to a NMFBM.

At Scrap Yard, I've had two benchmarks: the Dog Father and the SS4. While its true that the S5LE was more expensive than the SS4, it's both a more substantial knife, and it has a much higher level of finish. Based on those factors, I considered it a good value, even though it did push the pricing envelope. While SR-101 may be comparable to INFI in a mid-size blade under a purely "practical use" criteria, even "scrap" INFI will carry a premium. I considered it worthy of buying five, although I also recognize that the price was high for much of Scrap Yard's primary customer base (younger folks who have not yet built up their income, middle aged folks with family commitments, or older folks who may be retired -- customers who want quality knives, but are also price conscious). Bang for the buck, there's little doubt that the S5CG was a better value -- the LE won't outperform the CG by as much as the ratio of their prices, but it'll look prettier doing it.

I was happy to see the S5LE, although I debated whether to buy any because I already had several S5CGs. However, compared to other INFI blades having similar specs of lengths, thickness, and finish, it's an exceptional value. I'm sure that Dan is knows his customers and that he'll return to his "bread and butter" price-to-performance oriented releases, but it was nice to have a "premium" release that even grabbed the attention and respect of Hogs. The Scrap Yard Mission Statement remains unchanged.

i can see what vic is trying to say and i agree.

but like bruce said i do believe the S5LE was the exception to the rule.

business aspect, if dan sold out of S5LEs than im happy! hopefully he made a good profit and hopefully some goes back into SYKCO

Well I sure started a mess. On a brighter note, I absolutely love my S5CG. I have put it through some really tough use on some very hard wood, and it is still as sharp as it was before. My S5LE is still in its cardboard and at this rate, it will likely stay there. It's not like I'm going to wear the CG out. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I am thrilled to have purchased my first (and final) INFI blade. Price/performance ratio is a paramount consideration for me too (I'm one of those presently living on retirement), so like a lot of you guys, I will limit future purchases to SR-77, SR-101, and 154 CM.

While reading this thread I've been fondling the S5LE in one hand and my RMD in the other. I sure see the what Horn Dog and KnifeGuy and others are alluding to.

I am going to put one of my two S5CGs on BF to help cover some of that 'premium' cost for the INFI S5.

Well, it is a Limited Edition and, generally speaking, limited editions are just that and in just about every market a limited edition is going to have a premium attached to it that many will not be willing to pay the extra for. I really have no issue with the LE S5 being a numbered and satin version if it works and is worth the price to those who can afford it. But not being one of them I still wish there was a less expensive coated version in INFI (and a full flat grind, lol).

I looked at the LE like i do cars..... its a type R/S etc..... sure you get the same set up but theres a little bit more fit and finish and a little more under the hood... its up to you if your willing to drive it....

I think for what it is ... its is great value. Dan i think brokered a very good deal with a good finish... my cg will get done any thing i want , but i had the money and i wanted it so i got it.... theres lots of things out there i want but i cant get my hands on.... also outta most all the infi blades i have seen as of late i think the s5le is a heck of a performer for its price....

I hope its the high bar mind you... cause paying over 200 for any knife makes me iffy... it fell right in where i was comfy. of course there are other things out there that could of made it better or worse ..... dan did a good job. and i dont think he did any thing "wrong" with a limited edition. Now if it was a standard line... i would worry...

i just gotta remeber that "your never going to please every one" ..... i hate that i might never get my paws on an ss4... look at how high it is... or a muk ... i missed out and now most of those blades are out of reach for me at the moment...

i dont think any one else would of stepped up and helped this dog out getting a chunk of infi so easy. theres a whole lotta cool aid. and im sure there are many more reasons why it happend and its price. but given the LE status... its not for every one...

Dan thank you very much. keep up the good work

yea me neather.... bruce i just cant cut it like that all the time... i have picked up stuff in the exchange for that much.... but my time for thats passing.... its always a trade off isnt it....

You know i believe in the yard ... i posted pics lol

I personally was very happy to see INFI offered at such a low price compared to other INFI blades. But I don't have as much use for fixed blades, so I'm not going to be buying a lot of fixed blades. The S5LE will be my main fixed blade carry, so I just need one solid knife that will last me years. My focus is going back to folders and flashlights in the short term. If I was planning on continuing to buy more fixed blades in the short run, I'd definitely want some cheaper options from the Yard. So I guess I'm not disagreeing anyway, since price won't affect me either way.

I think Dan did exactly the right thing in offering the the two steel options !

I'll never be able to afford the INFI blades but if there is a market for them and Dan is able to offer an option in cheaper steel as well then everyone gets what they want !!!!

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

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

Absolutesly. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
I can't see the INFI S5 outworking the S5CG overall. That's the only reason I didn't order one.
I still would've bought one as colletion piece but probably not as a user. My CG is doing just great.
I know the INFI isn't cheap material to work with but I'd be happy with the steels quoted above.
Price to performance ratio. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I actually thought it was priced ok at 190.00 before shipping. I mean it is INFI afterall. Dan probably won't offer INFI again for a long time!

I wouldn't mind something around that $100.00 mark. It will balance the Busse Company offers.

Whoever passed on the LE version and just stayed with the CG, be happy , you have a great blade, I only bought into the infi LE for the toughness in a corrosion resistance blade that I WILL be using outdoors constantly, I have used the heck out of the CG and I just don't see the LE version outdoing it one bit,

I equally would have been happy had it been made in 154, probably actually more, due to the price, the reality of the S5LE is, INFI's price really isn't justifiable in this model, the price to performance version is really the better value.

Since I really like the Res -c I think that coupled with the corrosion resistance and some toughness sold it for me, if this model had say micarta, I more than likely would have passed, I thought about this purchase quite a bit before I committed to it, As far as the Yard goes I hope this offer was just a 1 time between another long time offer, and it go back to the performance everyone can enjoy at a good price.

It seems to me that Dan has the advantage of using three steels. SR77 is great for large high stress choppers. SR101 has really good edge retention and is plenty tough, as the Waki has shown. 154CM is ideal for smaller blades, especially those used in food preparation and skinning animals or cleaning fish. It seems to hold an edge about as well as SR101 with superior corrosion resistance. His abuse tests show that it is much tougher than 154CM has a right to be. In my mind, an SS4 in 154CM would be as useful as the INFI one, at lower cost. It was a special thing for Dan to get some INFI for the S5LE, and I appreciate it. The dogs howled for it. But for me, the S5LE would have been just fine in 154CM at a lower price. Let Busse Combat have all the INFI. I am happy with the Scrap Yard steels. More knife for less money! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Some of you already know, I skipped on the LE as well, but I have no regrets because I love my CG.

I read this thread with interest due to the fact that the S5LE is what brought me to the yard. My son has joined the Marines and I was looking into getting him a decent knife. I began looking at Busse and realized the expense would be hard when there is a very realistic possibility that the knife could be misplaced or stolen (sad fact). I then discovered the Busse family with Scrap Yard and Swamp Rat. A 5" blade seemed just right. Not too big or small. Looking at the SY website I discovered the S5LE and went on too learn more about the CG models. As far as price goes, I didn't know much history of SY pricing. So $190 for exactly what I was looking for with INFI (like a Busse) seemed just right. Now, dear old dad decided that a Marine needs the CG version and Dad needed that shiny INFI! He and I will compare experiences later. Now, if the mailman would just bring them to my mailbox...

I guess the moral to my story is that $190 seemed about right to an "outsider" and I'm sure that I'm not the only newbie. That said, I do look forward to other offerings in the other steels.

I am glad that the Boss listened to the Yard, and others, on the S5LE. If it were not for me liking the satin finish of the LE here I might have passed but seeing how the S5LE is Infi how could I pass on it and regret it later. Better to get and then decide to let go of it then to pass on it then decide I want it later.

after passing on the s5cg when it was offered, and then holding and playing with my brothers s5, i knew i had to get the le, when offered.

i think overall we are a little spoiled with what we get from dan for the price we pay for it. any of these knives that he's made for us are easy $200 knives, in terms of quality. we are get custom knife work quality at wholesale prices.

to get a great knife made by a great knife maker, with the added bonus of getting it in infi made this call a no brainer.

Well said PB52! I was as anxious for Dan to make an Infi S5LE as anyone, and I really appreciate the fact that Dan heard our yelps for one. I also GREATLY appreciate the mantra of Superior Performance to Price Ratio!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> We should thank Dan for his variance in knives instead of trying to tell him how to run his business. I trust Dan to stay with the idea of Superior Performance to Price Ratio - after all, HE was the one to "coin" the phrase! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I'm glad that the S5LE was Infi! Obviously, I think that the price should be as low as possible for Dan to still make a good profit on the exchange. I don't mind paying a bit more for Scrapper Infi, it is still a bargain compared to regular Busse offerings.

If it wasn't for SY I wouldn't have any INFI at all! I couldn't afford it.
Even my GW I got because a great Dawg here (trade) so because of SY
and the Yard I am able to "Taste" it! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />



I feel lucky and fortunate to have scored it. Thank you Dan & Patti.

As I see it, the Scrapper 5 was win/win. Everyone who wanted a $100 coated SR101 version got one and anyone who wanted to pay more for a satin INFI version got one as well.

How can you go wrong??

If people had missed out on an awesome knife because it was ONLY available in high priced INFI that might be a different story, but everyone had the option of an amazing SR101 Scrapper 5 for $100.

From what I've seen, the S5CGs can still be had for reasonable prices in the secondary market too.

The best part is, now most everyone has a little bit of both, the cheaper version SR101 and the quite a bit more expensive INFI, now get out there and use em, side by side.......without saying a whole lot more, I'd like to hear the results of everyone's side by side test...............

Infi, Infi, Infi...........................we have been fed!

I have got to say that I really like my s5le. My other knives came with a good working edge, but this one will shave hair. I think that I kinda agree with horndog. I did want to own at least one piece of infi, but now that I have one I think that I would be happy with more of the sr77. And the price is unbeatable.

My S5LE also came shaving sharp. I think somebody has been paying attention. It is nice to get a new knife that is ready to use. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Yes, it is nice to have the blades come out of the box ready to go. I know that since I started ordering my blades from the Yard starting with the SOD, the edges have been great compared to what some of the older releases had.

Some real hard uses side by side tests would be very interesting. I rarely go outdoors to use fixed blades, so I'm not going to be one of those testers, but I'd love to see something like this.

Big Plus 1 on that from me! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Some folks are never satisfied...even after getting what they want!

Assuming that the Regulator will be released!

I was hoping the S5LE would have been $140-160, but if you really look at it, why would Jerry allow Dan to sell INFI at those prices? People would start questioning Busse prices and he would have to drop them. That is probably the largest factor in the price. This way you get INFI, Jerry probably get business from you in the future because you want more, and Dan made a nice profit.

You even won, because you can still buy the knife and if you don't like it, you won't lose money. Just sell it at cost, it will be gone within minutes. Hell, you could even make enough money to go have a nice dinner somewhere.

I'm a newcomer to the Busse-Swamp-Yard, but as far as I can tell, part of the attraction is getting something you can't get anywhere else. Secret steels, limited availability, a great warranty, a sense of community, and the ability to offset your costs by selling it again all fits that bill.

$200 may be too much for some people, other people's limits may be $500 or $50. You get what you pay for, even if what you're paying for is hype, kool aid or a solid, well designed knife.

Bottomline: I will happily buy any reasonably priced blade from the Scrap Yard in the future, and considering the fact that INFI cannot be had any other way, the S5LE was just that, reasonably priced. If you don't care about the supersecretsquirrel steel, don't buy it and be happy with your fantastic S5CG.

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

+1

Monsterdog, you are largely correct. But, what you and a few others seem to miss is that I and a few others wanted a "SATI"N option at a "reasonable" price.

Clearly, "reasonable price" is subjective. To each their own.

My "personal" limit for justifying a satin INFI S5 was around $150 - maybe $160. The bottom line is I really just wanted a SATIN S5 at a price that was reasonable.

Yes, some feel the S5LE was reasonably price. And yes, compared to Busse/INFI, the S5LE was a bargain. And you are right again, MANY obviously feel Busse/INFI prices are Great prices and even bargains. I am not one of those. I LOVE INFI. I wish I could justify and afford it.... and I do "sometimes". But, only on VERY key knives - But, honestly, if I could replace the pieces of INFI I have with satin SR-101 options for the $100 - $200 LESS the SR-101 should cost, I would do it - easily. From my perspective, especially on a relatively smaller knife like the S5 is that I don't need INFI toughness. SR-101 is PLENTY tough enough for my needs. And so the only benifit "to me" of INFI over SR-101 is corrosion resistance - which is not worth twice the cost of the S5LE over the S5CG "to me". To me, "Satin" is expected. "Satin" is the "standard" finish on knives in the industry for 99.9% of the knives made in the world including "CHEAP" knives through expensive knives.




For me, it is a loose/loose and it is a bit frustrating. Sorry if that sounds negative. But, it is a negative to me as well.
IMO, the INFI satin S5LE was just too expensive for a rubber handled knife without a sheath. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE Res-C and mudders. But, Res-C should be inexpensive. And I LOVE INFI. But, for my uses it doesn't offer me much more than SR-101. Mostly INFI just offers much better corrosion resistance for my uses. And I just don't see the value in the WAY higher prices for INFI over SR-101... or even 154CM on certain knives.

I like SR-101, but I DON'T like coated blades, so I had to strip and satin finish my CG myself ..... AGAIN - which is a PITA. I am tired of "Paying" for what to me is an unfinished knife and having to go through the process of RE-making my knives.

So, one option is way too expensive and the other involves my doing a LOT of work to get the knife like I want it = loose / loose.

From my perspective, if I am going to have to spend so much time and effort, stripping coatings and grinding on blades to remove pits, machine marks and similar issues, I would we be better off with a cheaper "KIT" type option. Where Dan/Jerry would just provide heat-treated blades with primary grinds pre-shaped - And sell pre-shaped handle parts as options.

.... But, even "Kit" blade blanks have been given the decency of a satin finish without pits and machine marks..... just sayin'.


IMO, to make a Win/win/win scenario, Dan needs to offer a S5SE or something which offers either satin SR-101 or satin 154CM at about $115 or so. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

Personally, while I think the 154CM is quite good for this type of knife, I still slightly prefer SR-101 in satin. I know it will rust, but I would rather maintain it. It is VERY good stuff. IMO. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> - Of course the 154CM is pretty darn corrosion proof and holds a great edge. Arguably, 154CM is more logical. But, I just like SR-101.


Anyway, back to releasing S5SE. If Dan would release the S5SE in satin SR-101 or 154CM at around $115, we have:

Win: Those who want "Satin" finished S5 at a reasonable price with a worthy steel for it's size (in SR-101 or 154CM) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Win: Those who wanted INFI and were able to pay for it got it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Win: Those who wanted a "coated" CG in a VERY good steel got it at a good price.

.

That pretty well sums it up actually Bruce.

Scrap Yard with SR-101 or 154CM blades rule.
And if needing EXTREME toughness where "slightly" compromised lower edge qualities aren't as big a factor (say a Kukri, or other blades over 12"), then SR-77. ... But, the Waki shows that SR-101 does quite well there too, so I have to question my desire for SR-77.

Once you use INFI, the prices are so much higher that you can really only compare to higher priced INFI knives at that point.

INFI "IS" the best. And for those willing and able to PAY for the best, INFI is the way to go. But, for me, INFI "IS" on the high to VERY high end of the price spectrum..... and it just ultimately doesn't qualify for "Superior Performance to Price Ratio" - IMO.
To me, INFI is Ultimate performance at HIGH price. And I feel for my uses, INFI has achieved a level that surpases my needs in many ways. Obviously, others will disagree. Subjective opinions will vary. And some people just want the best even if they don't need it and can't utilize it's advantages and are willing to pay for it.
For most people, INFI is sort of like having a drag-car in your driveway or as a daily driver.



But, I do NOT like to own and use coated blades.

So, given my options, I really prefer "satin" SR-101.

But, I am just frustrated and tired of having to strip and satin finish them myself. It really is a PITA and frustrating to pay for a knife and have to do so much more work to a "new" knife that would have been VERY easy for a knife-maker with production equipment to do "PRIOR" to attaching the handle.

Reprofiling edges isn't so bad. I wish they came with nicer convex edges. But, that is reasonably easy compared to grinding out pits and machine marks.
And working around a handle = not getting a satisfactory end result - which again could have "EASILY" been achieved at the factory prior to attaching the handle. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

.

Never lost the roots, For an INFI knife we rocked the Performance to Price Ratio.

I do understand all of your points and it has not fallen on deaf ears...you Dogs are so demanding...cool <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Dan

The price point is basically what I expected, and I for one was excited that my first piece of INFI came from the yard. Thanks again Dan.

Trust Dan to know what he is doing and that he WILL take care of the Yard! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Dan's customers will do that! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> When I was at Blade 08' in Atlanta, Jim Crowell - Master Bladesmith and knife designer - stopped at the Scrap Yard booth. While looking at some of the knives, he was asking Dan a lot of questions concerning his production of the knives. Crowell just couldn't get over the fact that these are AMERICAN MADE KNIVES, unlike his designs that are made in CHINA! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Busse products are proud to be AMERICAN - be proud to be a Busse customer! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

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

Amen to both of my Brothers. Tough pill to swallow for many JYD's who had to watch a $200.00 Scrapper go by and never join their collection of the finest price to performance ratio knives in the world. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Peace.

No doubt it was a heck of a price for an INFI knife, and INFI + Mudders is a plain beautiful thing.

But frankly, in a knife this size, INFI contributes very little to the performance. SR-101 and 154cm, with your magic heat treat, are amazing performers - so much so that they completely dominate INFI in terms of price to performance ratio. INFI is awesome stuff, and I fondle my INFI S5LE on a regular basis (have I mentioned how SHARP it is???), but the S5CG is, IMO, a much better price to performance ratio.

A hundred bucks for custom color combos on a 5 inch SR-101 blade with the best small knife handles on the market? THAT is what I call price to performance ratio! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />


I'm just glad you BROUGHT IT with both versions, giving the dogs a great set of choices...


Now about that 154cm necker.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Yes I totally missed that, sorry <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I hope you find a way to satin your own S5CG easily and cheaply, or that Dan finds it in his heart to offer the S5 in this configuration later.


There is no doubt that the S5CG is much better price to performance ratio, but I still feel the S5LE was reasonably priced if you want INFI. At least considering that you cannot get it anywhere else. As long as people are willing to spend $300+ on a similar knife made from this steel, $200 will be a reasonable price.

Would I have liked to get it for $150? Hell yeah! I shamelessly admit that I bought a second one in the hopes of flipping it for enough money to get the first one down into that price range.

A lot of people asked for a knife like this, myself included. I don't think it will be offered again anytime soon. Personally I hope the next offering will be a hard use knife that I can buy for a pack of twizzlers <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

i did.... and a s5cg too to help off set the cost... i wanted a chunk of infi for a long time.... but this was the most cost effective/useful ways to pick a little up for me....that or i was going to try and use one to off set the cost of picking up an ss4....

Oh Yeah!

"I see my light come shining
From the west unto the east.
Any day now, any day now,
I shall be released ~~Bob Dylan

Not to mention the probable overwhelming positive feedback and reinforcement that Dan is receiving from the test team will play into the decision to release!

I certainly have to agree with you! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I will withhold my opinion, as I'm not yet at the end of the test team period, but I MAY or may not agree with Bruce on the regulator's sheer awesomeness.

It may or may not be my favorite scrap yard knife to date.






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

I couldn't agree with you less! or do I mean more?

LOL you Dogs are killing me. I never thought that the regulator would have its own language or code or does it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Dan

We talking about the Reg as we know it or the possibly evolving Reg of the future? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Well, we have four more months before we can talk about it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

I seem to remember there being some sort of hint that test team members could get a discount on the production version, if any changes were made... so I'm hoping they make a production version with some changes <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />