There is no 'best' steel, just the 'best' steel for a given job. It's doubtful they came into this formula because s35vn was failing, they had a specific goal in mind. That being SIMILAR performance with better corrosion resistance. The fact that they've started producing it is evidence of their satisfaction in achieving that goal. You're under no obligation to even try it, much less buy it.
Blackie Collins once told me that there's no such thing as a bad knife steel. If it can be hardened above about 55RC, it will make a perfectly serviceable knife, provided the heat treat and edge geometry are appropriate for the intended task. After that, it's all details. For someone who needs an easily machined super-steel that has good corrosion resistance, at a reasonable price, this might be a dream come true...
Edit: BTW, i would only be interested in this steel for a folder, there are better steels for fixed blades, imo...
Blackie Collins once told me that there's no such thing as a bad knife steel. If it can be hardened above about 55RC, it will make a perfectly serviceable knife, provided the heat treat and edge geometry are appropriate for the intended task. After that, it's all details. For someone who needs an easily machined super-steel that has good corrosion resistance, at a reasonable price, this might be a dream come true...
Edit: BTW, i would only be interested in this steel for a folder, there are better steels for fixed blades, imo...