Me too, love the XII though but I consider it more of a short sword than a knife. Nice to have both if you can, that XII is wicked.
For me, the II is a bit too blade light and the XII is a bit too blade heavy. Obviously the shorter blade will be faster, but the IX's the perfect balance IMO
I agree with Hermit Dave, there is something magical about the way the Tanto with 9" blade feels in the hand. Just about perfect in every regard!