I thank you all for your input. Most of it has been extremely civil, and, as a relative newcomer to this corner of the knife world, I really appreciate that.

I have a YK LE on its way to me at the moment, and when it gets here I'm going to see if I think its worth the dough I spent (a bit more than the original release price, I'm sure).

I already have a Busse BATAC, which I was lucky enough to obtain at the normal selling price, and I like it a hellavu lot. If the SY is anything like it, I'm pretty sure I'll be hanging around to see what pops up in the store next.

I just wish these obviously fine knives were easier to get, direct from the manufacturer. But like you all say, that's just the way it is - like it or lump it.

Mark