Well, a lot to catch up on there. But as for fixed blades (for the heavier use category), they are out of the question for me. Just a personal thing at the moment, and i'm in the market for a folder not a fixed blade. As for the folders mentioned, i think the ZTs are too heavy (~8 oz i believe). I haven't looked into the Zaan yet, which i should. As for the SMF vs SNG, i think the SMF is a little too large for my needs, so i think i'd be better off goin for the SNG, and when circumstances change and call for a larger blade, make a trade for an SMF. And the XM-18 i think would be too hard for me to get ahold of (but hey anything is possible eh

).
Now for the legendary Sebenza Vs Strider, the reason i chose the SnG (without any personal exp with either) is due to the ruggedness. The brute strength and heavy duty quality of the knife. I am young, i am reckless, forgetful, you name it. Not that i wouldnt care for my knife (i sure as hell would! especially for $400), it just seems the Strider would be more forgiving. This outlook is subject to change, however, and I am just telling you guys how it is for me.
Now, the custom knives, that's a different story. I am really really new to the knife industry as compared to about anyone out there. But you have to start somewhere. So I am definitely going to take that advice to heart about being patient in finding the right knife for the right price, etc. So for those custom knives, and also the Al Mars you suggested, I have no idea how they are or what to think about them.
But as far as i've seen, anyone who has gotten a strider hasn't regretted it, which is very reassuring. As for which one(s) they got, and if they traded for a different one (eg SnG to SMF, or SnG to DDG/CC SnG) that's different.
And also, the Sebenza isnt regretted either, however, as i said earlier, i think it's a little more fragile (for lack of a better word, because i know it's a workhorse) than the Strider. But hey, who knows, it may be what i need, more of a gentlemans look than the rugged outdoor look, that wouldn't put people off as much in a non-hostile environment.
But keep the feedback coming, i'm loving it. And thanks for the help.
Masterbunny5