I no not profess to know the answer but can surmise as follows:
Becker knives seem to me to be the epitome of utilitarian brilliance - so good at what they are designed for that they achieve art form status IMHO. They excel at their intended tasks (model by model) and are affordable, reliable, rugged, capable of becoming very sharp, staying that way and easy to keep that way - even in the field. My thoughts are that Ethan intended all of the foregoing with his his handle design, blade shapes and grinds; 1095, albeit with a little extra Chromium and Vanadium rounded out the overall package and design philosophy perfectly. Some special care in the heat treat brought this combined brilliance to art.
Please allow me to re-state for the purpose of emphasis that I do not profess insider knowledge or claim to actually know the answer to your question - but that would not prevent me from sharing my two-cents, for whatever it's worth.
As an aside, even before getting into Becker knives, I preferred the carbon steels for my fixed blade field knives - for much, if not all, of the properties referenced above. I get that carbon steel knives need to be kept clean and oiled to protect from surface oxidation and ought not be left in (or touching or very near) leather, especially tanned leather, but those are very small prices to pay for what carbon steels provide in return. I am not calling 1095 "cheap" but I have enjoyed very good service over the years with inexpensive carbon steel fixed blade field knives. The Becker line brings this to a higher level - hence my passionate reference to Ethan's knives as art.
