Really like both SS and CS blades. I recently upgraded to a Champion with the 0.125" thick blade and I'm ruined. I think it is the best balance. It just feels right. Looks like you agree. I probably won't buy any of the regular ones from now on unless they are dirt cheep $4-7.
I did buy some blanks thinking I could make some stacked leather handles but the blade shanks are really only made for injection molding or gluing into wood/horn.
Tried out some cold bluing. Champion (top with only the back blued), a regular (fully cold blued) light just seems to disappear in it, and an older CS blade I've had for awhile.