for me it is easy, I have owned several knives in both steels and I have not had all that good of luck with the edge holding ability of S7, 52100 holds a much better edge and for me is more than tough enough. I can't forsee a situation where I would ever break one, it really is a terrific steel. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> I want to edit to add that I can't sharpen a knife at all, maybe if I had more ability in that department the S7 wouldn't bother me but I am really green in that department. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />