The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
I like the older version so much, I bought several extra (since they're being phased out). The newer version has strange looking handles, a different blade shape on the clip point, and the added expense of San Mai III. Still, I'm going to wait until I get my hands on one to say for sure...
I am liking the look of them but I am not understanding to switch to San Mai I thought AUS-8 was fine.
Well, since their San Mai uses VG-1 it's kind of a moot point. Better VG-1 than the AUS-8 that they had been using in San Mai for the past few decades (they still need ZDP-189 on the high end stuff though).
The price increase is only natural considering the upgrades (screw construction, full flat distal taper blade, Triad lock, and aluminum liners).