I have been using a White Wing that Bailey Bradshaw made for me . It has had more then five years of being an EDC . It has a 2.75" blade of .80 on the back. It will cut outsized items for the blade size and still remain sharp. The profile is still pretty much the same . I have several others that Bailey made in folders. I have a couple of Fermans. I would guess 8-9 in all.
I have cut up some wild boars with them , and also with a Cook 90V 3.625" blade hunter.
Bailey knows quit a bit about 3V and would be a source for information. I believe he uses diamond belts to get the blade to a reasonable finish.
As far as field use 3V will just keep going, as will 90V . I believe 3V is tougher in thinner blades which makes cutting seem easier. I am not sure that I have seen any blade of similar geometry cut and work really hard in thin sections. This would include some forged blades.
I have seen 5160 forged blades do extreme work if the heat treatment was very good . j. Neilson does a very good job on 5160 as well as Tai Goo .
I still love forged blades , but 3V on a good design will do all that can be asked of a knife. Forging does not limit design . For example socket handles , those would have to be machined.
Floyd