I thought I read recently where 5 Shot mentioned that the blades are being sharpened differently and are better and expects them to get better as time goes on. I just got some ST's and they are sharp, but don't feel as sharp as my RM Turbos, GT Centurions, etc. They feel about like my older Wac'ems and current Innerloc EXP blades. (Wac'ems have made their's sharper as of late as well) If I recall correctly, Gary gave an explaination on another board that made some sense. I can't find it so I'm going off of memory, but I think what he said was is that the blades are much thicker than the average blades -0.030 to 0.035. and are honed at a steeper angle for longevety and toughness of the edge. He maintained that they are just as sharp as the sharper blades, but don't feel like it due to this angle and each will cut the same, but not shave the same,which is what we are really after. He also gave a link to some sharpening sight, but I can't find it. It makes some sense, but just doesn't seem right when you feel them side by side.

I hope I'm getting this right, but take it with a grain of salt because I can't get the exact words or who said it, I just remember reading it - I think it was over on AT if someone else is better at searching.