FYI, YMMV But I have had a BK9 for several years now, (original of course) and never have been impressed with the handle grip retention and therefore have only used it maybe three times. The SOD will be a direct replacement for it and it will get used if the handle is at all like the RES-C Howler I adore. Depending on how the SOD turns out, I may re-handle the BK9, save it for the boys, or just part ways with it. It's a great knife for what it is, but I don't like the grips and have a hard time trusting using it.