Well it appears that the idea of ultimate is as diversified as each of the Dogs in the yard. This is as it should be because we all have our own set of ideas, circumstances, uses and environmental settings in which we use our blades. I have collected and carried the SHBM and SHBA in the field for years, but with the performance: cost ratio of the SYK line, I've used my DF almost exclusively for my heavier use needs without any regret and it has met the challenge without a hitch. The SS4s blade profile is just enough different from my SHBA that I haven't switched but I love the mudder handle. I look forward to the smaller SYK blade releases. The reasonable cost and high performance of the SYK future line is bound to change the USER status for a lot of collectors and users. Based on my use and abuse pattern my vote for the ultimate SYK has got to go to the BIG DOG - the CG Dogfather.