I have both. I like the LHB; I *love* the BK9. Plus I broke a LHB (KA-BAR replaced it), so I may not be all that objective. But I'll try.
- I consider the LHB handles designed by Paul Tsujimoto to be comfortable, but less comfortable than Becker's handles. I get hotspots with the Toooj handles, and they can pass along ugly shocks to my hand that I never seem to get with Beckers.
- BK9 allows replacement scales, which is a big plus in my book. For example, I wanted to fill my hand so I took off the KA-BAR scales and added liners and older (thicker) Camillus plastic scales. That, along with a section of inner tube, allowed me to create a bigass fat handle that works great for me.
- I consider the LHB design to be geared toward stabbing, something I never do in the woods. The shorter clip point on the BK9, along with the longer spine, leaves more surface for batoning... which I do a lot of.
- Bk9 chops better and bites deeper imo. Can't explain why, just does for me.
- The LHB design for the area at the guard is better for choking up real close to the blade for detail work.
- BK9 has a hammerable pommel. This is a BIG PLUS for me.
- A lot of people complain about the BK9 sheath; I kinda like it. I keep firemaking supplies in the little pocket. I frickin HATE the LHB sheath, plus there's no pocket.
- Beckers are 1095 CV steel, LHB is 1085. Slightly better steel on the BK9.
- BK9 costs a fair bit more.
- BK9 has a full skeletonized tang, LHB has a full stick tang. BK9 advantage there.
- BK9 has a thumb ramp, which I like for control (but A LOT of Beckerheads grind off immediately).
I think you should get the BK9.