I never was into the cult following the DMCG has, but I have a DMDC, 2 DMLEs, and an Urban Mutt. In all its versions, it's got to be one of the toughest knives ever made. You can't say pitman didn't get a lot of good use out of his DM. It is compact and easy carrying. I still think the Ratmandu is the best 5" blade knife ever made. But who knows, that new Scrapper 5 might be as good.