Chris Reeve Small Sebenza 21 Frame Lock Knife (2.94" Stonewash)

I think it's that much better. And more. But just as I was warned not so long ago when I first became interested in all things sharp 'n shiny, if one continues to buy knives one will want to buy better and better ones, until eventually the thought of picking up a perfectly decent production model from a perfectly decent company seems like a foolish waste of $ that could go towards a GOOD knife. Then one has reached the point where 400 dollars for a small pocket knife seems reasonable--a good deal even, if its custom. What I mean is, this Sabenza is easily the finest knife I've ever owned and I couldnt be happier with it, but that's because I can see how superior the blade's S35VN steel is compared to S35VN blades from a half dozen other companies whose knifes are in my collection. And the Sabenza's Ti frame/handle makes my others look like cheap stainless steel. The Sabenza's is much lighter, yet feels sturdier, and there's no question it has a superior lock. A year ago, I wasn't savvy enough to have noticed these things--I simply didnt have the background knowledge, experience, and standards for comparison that I now have. And if you're like me from a year ago, don't buy a Sabenza model, or any other custom/semi-custom for that matter. You won't see the small superiorities and you'll probably feel that you've wasted your $. Instead, get yourself a Protech or two; a Microtech or two; a ZT; a Reate or Brous; even a top-end Boker, or WE, or Kizer. You'll pay much less and be just as pleased (and they make great knives; if I could only have one knife for the rest of life, my choice would come from one the aforementioned comapnies). However, if you've reached that point of wanting the best, and knowing the best when you see it, well...time for a knife from Mr Reeve.