After reading your post I got that old jeep saying stuck in my head. But different.
“It’s a sebenza thing. You wouldn’t understand”. Lol. I see that on jeeps here all the time. I agree with you on the steel. I don’t own a CR knife. I guess that is why I do not understand.
Nice analogy!
S35VN is a great steel – certainly the level of HRc plays an important factor. RHK’s choose above 60’ish HRc on its XM-18 for example. On the other hand, CRK’s strategy is focus on certain market segment appeal, they have done a fine job and gained many loyalist. There is a significant shift with RHK price and policy for MSRP and direct sale. Having similiar price range, as well as offers on other than S35VN, recommend reserve judgement on craftsmanship and such until having an indepth first hand feel on a RHK.
Each brand has their merits. Its like a candy store right!?
Back to OP’s, one is a normal CRK and the other, more of a collector, both at great price – Go for both and no more dilemma.
Sleep in a car is not so bad for a while! 😆