Bob Dozier is a legend in the business of actually hand building and making knives from the raw materials. His heat treatment of D2 is the standard other custom makers attempt to reach. The Canoe Knife and Semi-Skinner are superb knives. I have had all sorts of knives from many, many, custom knife makers, and while many of them are excellent - the Dozier's are my keepers and the knives I grab to actually work on something. I've got a bundle of them and do not regret one single purchase. If Lord forbid I needed to raise some cash quickly I wouldn't lose a penny on any of them because of the reputaion Dozier Knives has.