Yeah, I think the cost is the big factor here. You can get a good 1095 knife like the Swedish Mora for $10, which is one heck of a knife for the money. A good D2 (like a Bob Dozier) will easily set you back $100+. If you can afford the difference, great. If not, don't have any regrets. If you take care of the 1095 steel and keep it dry, it'll last a long, long time. (Probably longer than you will <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />)