Once you step over $100 for a knife you should expect to see and feel distinct differences. And... this knife will not disappoint. And I would say this is the perfect large size EDC/Tactical use knife on the market. The grip is very grippy, but comfortable. It's a coarse, but fine finish which feels very nice, and tacky in the bare hand (almost like your wearing gloves, but you're not). Also with a 4 inch S30V blade and a titanium liner lock, one can note that this knife was made to satisfy avid knife users/collectors. .... A serious cutting tool this thing is. I've got another S30V blade and feel like it's among the sharpest out of the box knife in my collection. This knife is the same and is just that sharp. S30V is a more durable Sandvick-like steel (which I love Sandvick). You can hone S30V to a fine razor edge. This knife has great jimping top/bottom, and a great thumb ramp and jimped finger choil for more delicate slicing, or tasks.. The handle long and made for gloved hands (if needed), so if you have big mits, no worries, this handle will work with George Forman's hands. But, even if you hands are small it's still a very comfortable handle (any way you hold it).The knife is surprisingly light, but, feels solid in your hand - great balance too. I disagree with a previous review about the weight on this. If you are a policeman, or soldier, and have other gear to carry, the light weight makes a difference. Also, and more so, if you are a tradesman using this knife for repetitive cutting, the light weight will make a big difference on your wrists etc. This knife was made to function in every way. If you must defend yourself, I would be ultra-confident here too. A long blade, and thick too, which is Sypderco-sharp (extremely sharp). I think if you had to, you could filet fish with this thing out of the box (the blade is not flexible though). This would also make a very nice MAN'S kitchen, or camp knife too. Ok, before you knock that comment, I like to use very sharp knives for dicing and food prep. Sharp is safe and this won't dull easy. Overall, a very apt piece for home, camp, defense, collection, or work.There are simply no misses on this thing. Very solid; very sharp; very light for it's size, and carries nicely in the pocket (for a big knife). Note: the checkering on the G-10 will mar your dress pants pocket (if using the clip). It's also a long knife, but when closed, fits nice in a pair of jeans, or slacks pockets. Lastly, it needed no break in to flick open (which is common in $50 and under knives). If had to pick out anything at all which some might dislike... it would be the blade style. The Spyerco Native, albeit small, but in appearance comes to mind when thinking tactical looking "military" knives. This knife blade looks like a pelican's head (at side view) - long-ish (and I love it either way). The blade is plenty beefy though, 4 mm thick. So, the look of this thing is not really military IMHO. However, if you were to combine all your favorite knife uses for camp, hunting, fishing, work, or professional/military use. This is this one. Oh, and I find myself admiring this knife more and more as I've owned it. All my other knives seem like they are for boys, or gentlemen, or guys who like tricks.. .. This is a man's knife, and it's the alpha male in your collection of folders. It says: Yeah.. that's right, get out of my way..If you want to go all out on one knife - this is it, at this price point nothing will compare (performance/utility/function/comfort/durability/quality/value). Or, if you collect, or are a daily user, this is also one for you too. Value is defined and justified by comparing other knives I've got and there are very expensive knives out there which this knife blows away. Lastly, this is a big knife and I should warn that if you are caught with it, I doubt a cop would believe this is a regular pocket knife and the laws in my state say, that a normal pocket knife, or hunting knife are excluded from conceal and carry laws. Unless returning from afield, or your law enforcement job, prepare for the real possibilty to get cited/fined for carrying this knife. The fact that it doesn't look real tactical, is on your side, but size.. not so much. Enjoy - anyway! You will love this knife; it's the .44 Magnum of pocket folding knives and after owning it, I'd pay a lot more for it. If the size spooks you don't worry, you can get the Spyderco Para-Military 2 which is a little brother, and .357 magnum, compared to this knife (same steel, checkered G-10, razor sharp S30V).