You really can't beat them. The steal is just right as far as holding a good edge but not being so hard it take forever to sharpen.
I would definitely recommend ordering a couple pieces of micarta for the handle. It cost about $7-$10 and is a huge upgrade.
The old hickorys are fun to and for $10 you can buy one and turn it into about whatever you want. The Green rivers are a little more but are better blades.
The "buffalo skinner", "beef skinner" and "lamb skinner" are 1/8 thick and the rest are thinner.
The "hunter" makes for a great all around blade.