It's a different knife, the balance is more forward for better chopping and the blade is thicker for better batoning, yet they have to ground more aggressively on the convex so the cutting performance is not diminished by the thicker blade.
They had guard issues on the first batch but now they soldier the guards so they don't come loose and they honored their lifetime warranty and even paid for shipping both ways with quick turn around and full replacement.
The new sheath is bulkier but it has belt loops for other carry options, the handle has better ergos and is made of the firmer thermorun like they use on the f1 versus the kraton the use on the larger knives, The handle shape supports carving better with a forward swell and a swell at the end for choking back and chopping.
The Steel is better since it losses nothing to VG-10 its just more expensive. I don't think the average dude would poop his pants because its the best steelz everz!111! but if you are in tune with your knives through sharpening then you will notice that its an intenisfied vg-10 with out an increase in the brittleness, its one of the best edge taking to edge holding stainless knives ive ever used, Just wants to take a crisp, screamin' apex without having to force it.
I really enjoy the steel.
As far as if its worth it? At that price its really only for A1 fanboys and people that want the best stainless survival knife and money is no object.
$350 is alot of money and I don't use the drybox it came with, but I do like the addition of the DC4 and its my EDC stone of choice now.
No one needs this knife but it seems enhance the time and enjoyment I have when I go outdoors. In the end, isn't that what counts in our short lives?
