They are great blades Bubba. I think CPM-3v is a great steel. It is quite a bit harder for ME to sharpen one once it gets almost dull, but the sharp edge holds up well with normal field use. All of the Busse steels are easier for ME to sharpen though once they get almost dull. I think the Busse steels are tougher and the edges tend to flatten or roll with heavy use/abuse in my experience. I have dinged an edge (tiny fractures and chips to the edge of my big Fehrman with heavy use/abuse. Under these cicumbstances, it took ME about the same amount of time to resharpen/profile the edges on both knives <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />(SHBM and Final Judgement). If I HAD to pick just one to carry in the field it would be the SHBM or Dogfather for a chopper because they are easier for me to sharpen. Please understand that these comments are based on just my experience, use and observations over the years, not science. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I love the Thru Hiker. It is a fantastic little blade in CPM-3v and has been a little wonder. I have used it for many EDC jobs and still have not had to sharpen it yet. The kydex sheath that came with it is excellent in quality, fit, and finish and (did I already say it?), I love it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Last, I will be getting a K9 too! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />