Interesting. It might appeal to the folks who have been looking for a slipjoint with higher end steel.
As far as whether or not it qualifies as a traditional, to me it seems to blend modern and traditional elements, but here are some things to consider:
Cold Steel's Ranch Boss uses S35VN, Case uses some 154CM, and A.G. Russell has a trapper with VG10. Then there are the custom makers who do traditional patterns, but with higher-end steels. The modified sheepfoot blade shape has been used before and, on the few knives I have had with it, has worked very well.
The nail nick is different, but the placement looks like it is good
Micarta and other synthetic materials have been used for handles for quite some time now, so although it isn't a natural material like a lot of traditionals, it is nothing new. Case has their yellow delrin and also uses black G-10, and their kirinite is also a synthetic material. A.G. Russell has used rucarta, which I think is essentially the same thing as micarta, for a long time.
The fasteners are different from the common riveted approach, but have been used on other traditionals and are something that some folks have been hoping would happen. They should do a good job of holding the knife together.
The blade grind is not different than that used on my Camillus Stockman and my Queen Folding Hunter. I prefer a full flat grind, but that isn't a requirement for a traditional folder.
Regardless, it is an interesting concept, kind of like the round-head barlow that seems to be drawing a lot of positive attention.
