I've fondled one - and pondered it's purchase - even at 2/3 the MSRP in a store. The balance felt odd - and the scales a tad thin. I left with a Buck 650 Nightguard for <$50 OTD. It's about as 'tactical' as I get, save the old KaBar. I've since seen the Simonich/Buck collaboration for barely half MSRP on evil-bay - even bookmarked the site - but just cannot pull the trigger on that buy. I just cannot imagine a use for it. And - the Molle-like sheath is nothing to write home about.
You can likely get a Micarta handled/Molle sheathed Bark River 'Bravo-1' for the same price - or my choice, a Bark River North Star, Fox River, or Gameskeeper - with a great leather sheath - for a few bucks less delivered. I love my Bucks - and hope Mrs. Simonich does well preserving her late husband's name and work - he was great - but I just cannot find a use for one. I love my convex blades, however, and those Bark Rivers are really great values - and American made, like the Simonich/Buck. Their handles are well thought out - and feel great. Their true bargains are the least expensive handled variants in Micarta or G10 - the pretty ones are too pretty. My useful bocote-wooded Boone is 'too pretty' to use - but a great knife - should have bought Micarta there!
Stainz
