Wow! It looks like Benchmade copied the SRK in just about every detail, except blade material. My preference is for carbon steel over stainless steel blades. But I also prefer originals over copies (even though I think Benchmade is a little higher end than Cold Steel, Cold Steel did design this knife first!) However, when you think about it, NOBODY has really designed a "new" knife for centuries. They are all only minor variations on items from the Middle Ages (they didn't have folders in the Middle Ages, so I guess that part is "new").

I have never had any knife rust or have problems due to blade material, so for me, I don't see much advantage to stainless. But then I don't run my knives through water and then put them away wet either. If you were in a survival situation you might not be able to take perfect care of your knife, so stainless might be of benefit there. I like the carbon steel knives for use as strikers for ferro rods. Stainless does not work well for that. And I like carbon steel for its ease in sharpening.

I have an SRK, years old. From back when they used "Carbon V" steel, that non-descript who-knows-what-it-really-is steel. It is a fine knife. I seldom use it. I find a 3-1/2 to 4" blade more generally useful. But the bigger knives certainly have their uses too. Just not so much for me.

If the ethical issues of buying a knife that was apparently copied extensively from someone else don't bother you, I'd go with the Benchmade.