I've been carrying a Buck 209 (skeletal) for about 5+ years now. I probably own close to 100 knives but for an everyday beater it's been a good knife. I much prefer carbon steel over stainless, but I'm not always in a position where I can keep this knife clean or dry so it will do. I use it for everyday chores and if I get it dirty/bloody, I just rinse it off in the nearest source of water and keep going. I sharpen my own knives and with a diamond steel and a ceramic finishing rod I can get a keen edge back on it quick, it just won't hold an edge like carbon steel. It's also a "spring assisted" opener so I can open it fast with the same hand I draw it from my pocket with. It has a removable clip (which I prefer to use) so it can be made less bulky for the pocket. Another nice feature is that its MADE IN U.S.A. so some good ol' boy out there is still drawing a paycheck and not some foreign entity....BPS