Cobalt and Blueoak, you both offer words of wisdom, and IMHO, are both correct despite perhaps perceived contradictory positions. I have been collecting - and almost always using - custom and semi-custom blades since the late '70's. Cobalt, I am totally hip to your perspective. If there was indeed one true "Grail" for me, than I would have stopped my quest probably 30-some years ago! No, you are of course correct, one has many grails over time. It really is a game of whack-a-mole if one is bitten by the steel bug. The wisdom is truly in understanding this so one does not commit financial suicide in order to obtain one's "Grail," only to find that one ends up with yet another . . . and another . . . and another ad infinitum. So, I should have said at the outset of this thread, "my current grail!"
All that said, I have my NMSFNO in hand courtesy of the other Ken. I must say that I get the never-ending raves for this blade. It is tip heavy just enough to be a great chopper without sacrificing overall general purpose balance and "hand feel." The SF handle is excellent in the saber grip position. The blade shape is timeless. The Shop's Meltdown tx is fantastic! First I have had, and I must admit, a wee bit better than my own efforts to mod my blades in that direction! Really loving it and believe I shall continue to do so. Cannot wait to get her into the wilderness for some proper bonding time! Not sure that she shall replace my beloved ASH-1s as GOAT, but perhaps a close second at that, and that says a LOT. Right, Andy?!
I know, I know - pictures or it did not happen! HaHa! In an act of profound understatement, I shall say that I am not that good with tech. I have posted photos online before but it has been a while, so I will figure it out again and do so! Another big thank you to Ken!
Cheers!