I should have learned by now. Last year, I looked at the Benchmade 171 BladeSport Chopper at a local store and exclaimed, "Just what I need!" - in front of my wife. Below is my Christmas 2010 bounty... including the chopper:
It's pricey - MSRP $350 - but not a fast mover, so expect a good discount. It's 5/16" thick CPM-M4 blade is healthy - and, oddly for me, it's recycled horse stall matt handle is comfortable - and somewhat shock absorbing. I, like others, would have thought 5160 - but M4 is a super tool steel - and pricey. Still looking for a decent neck knife sheath for it...
Stainz