I was in a pinch out of town, a while back and bought its brother, a CUTBACK. I think they are similar but for the Cutback (174) being 440 and the Northshore being 420 steel. Among with whatever other differences.
I abused the Cutback pretty severly as far as the stuff I was cutting. Got home and a few strokes on the 17 degree angle on the lansky and it was seriously sharp. I was very surprised at how fast it sharpened up. 17 angle seemed almost a perfect match for the factory edge. It also fits real well in my hand and is among the ones I EDC.
Am sure others will be along with info on the 173.