David,
Not being too technically knife literate I will offer impressions instead of specs. I have the full size blade in ATS-34. I was considering the M2 but decided against it based on my needs. I was looking for a mid-sized fixed blade for last ditch personal defense (in the unlikely event of a .40 failure) and did not want to fumble a folder in such a situation. This being the case I chose improved rust resistance over edge holding because I don't anticipate having to use it on a daily basis (obviously). All that being said, I love this knife. It has enough heft to instill me with confidence but is not big enough to be cumbersome or get me in trouble with state laws. It feels good gripping it blade up or down and the handles have a nice texture. The blade dimensions seems well suited to cut fast and deep (in other non-technical words it's not too thick from side to side or front to back). The only suggestion I would make is trying to find the original Kydex-only holster for it. Some time ago BM changed to a Carbon-Fiber/Kydex, which rides lower outside the waistband and has a snap closure on it. This has a tendency to make it slower, more bulky, and harder to conceal, none of which appealed to me. I hope all this helps but always check you state code regarding carrying such a knife. Fixed blades are usually tightly regulated regarding length and how they can be carried. Good Luck.
Dave
