Ron Hock blades have a loyal following. they also have a few vocal
critics. the main points go like this: his blades are harder and
thicker than the stock blade. this allows them to hold an edge longer
and have less vibration than a stock blade. they also have a sort of
blacksmithish look to them, a bit less polished and and requiring a bit
more time in the initial setup than some other blades on the market.

or so I gather from what I read. I've never used one.