I'm a big fan of the S6 and have several, but I've been fortunate enough to get them all at retail pricing, some when they were released online, and others at Knob Creek when they made a surprise appearance last Fall. If you go through the secondary market, they'll cost more. If you can, go to Blade or Knob Creek or Blade West or the Indy 1500 shows. Chances are that they won't have S6s (although they might), but they'll have other stuff and it makes a big difference to be able to pick up a knife and see what it feels like in your hand before you decide what to buy.

Now what you asked for:
I don't have my (De)Regulators yet (hopefully today, I'm feeling impatient), so this is based on the reports of others, but Regulators have a thicker blade, so are heavier overall and more blade-heavy than S6s. For me, I doubt that the handle will feel better (in my hand) than an S6 does, but that's simply because an S6 feels so close to perfect. That's the bad stuff, and it's fairly minor.

On the good side, Regulators are available right now in the store, and at a special offering price -- availability is a very big deal when you're looking for these knives. They're both very strong knives that you can feel confident betting your life on, and SR-101 has a reputation for holding an edge better than SR-77. That doesn't mean that SR-77 won't hold an edge better than most steels on the market after Dan heat treats it, but many claim that SR-101 is even better. The Regulator/Deregulator special offering price includes a great deal on a sheath. If you come across an S6 at retail pricing sometime, then I'd say grab it, but if you don't get a Regulator while the Military Overruns are still available, you'll probably regret it.

You guys convinced me! Just put an order in for a (De)Regulator w/ sheath. I so can't wait for this thing! I spent so much time researching different knives, I'm so excited I found one that is exactly what I want!

I researched a ton after the blade I bought from a reputable military supply company chipped after hitting a pebble. I needed a tough, great value knife for my earthquake kit. I found SYKCO and haven't stopped buying.

I never intended to have this many knives...

Welcome Skrunks <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />& congrats on ordering a DeReg.
You won't regret it.
Now the addiction begins... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

SR-101 holds a better edge, but chips more easily. SR-77 is tougher than SR-101, but SR-101 is still very tough, tough enough, in most situations.

I have a S6 but not a Regulator. (I've had plenty of knives in both steels.) The S6 is a great knife. I'm sure the Regulator is, too. You are in a fortunate situation – you win whichever way you decide.

hey SKRUNKS, where you at in canada?

I'm up in northern British Columbia <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I want to start getting into hunting and camping and the like, and I've wanted a good survival knife for a little while now. I so can't wait for me dereg!

You get it yet ?

I would jump on it today if I have not yet. You don't know how long the knife can stay. It can go out today or it can go out tomorrow. but if you want one get it NOW!

One thing i have noticed about Busse,swamprat,and scrapyard knives is that due to their marketing their knives stay in demand. You can almost always get your money back on resale if you fall on hard times.

Flip side is you really regret it later. I have never really looked at big knives. 6in was about the ideal size for my general needs but after seeing this price and knowing their reputation i couldnt' pass it up. I might regret not getting two.

I also have a Ratmandu and A Howler on preorder so i am tapped out.

Congrats on the scores & welcome to the Yard G20.All bussekin knives are a great investment.Even if you use your knife you'll most likely get your money + some back if needed in the future.

+1 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />