The blade is VG-10 steel, which is a well regarded steel made by Hitachi in Japan. VG-10 has a reputation for being relatively easy to sharpen to an amazing edge. I enjoy having a variety of knives made with different steels, and this is my opportunity to have what looks like a classic blade made with this steel.
The handle is a tan micarta, which appeals to me. The knife is made in Seki City, Japan, which nicely complements the Japanese VG-10 steel.
List for this knife is $360. I was discontinued near the end of 2017, but plenty of dealers still have stock and they sell for about $140. This is quite a reduction from the original list (and some reviews get worked up about a high price, which must reflect the original list). I think it is a phenomenal fixed blade knife for the money. I think it was underappreciated, and perhaps still is.
Another knife that turned up when I was researching the Temperance 2 is the Bravo-1 knife made by Bark River knives. It is made from A2 tool steel and has a micarta handle. Runs about $180 or so. Leather sheath. It was developed with the assistance of the training unit of the Force Recon of the U.S. Marine Corps. A number of versions are available with different handle materials. I favor the "Antique Ivory Micarta". But this is entirely off topic.
The Temperance 2 used to ship with a Boltaron sheath, but now ships with a nice leather sheath. There are rumors that this is the exact sheath being offered for the mule team blades, but this is utter nonsense and completely in error now that I have the two side by side. You can only believe about half of what you read online.
This is an attitude that I prefer and try to teach. Each steel has advantages and disadvantages. I have thought about starting a "steel club" making "mules" ("test knives") of the many steels so it would be possible to see the beauty in all steels, but it is a large undertaking for one with little spare time.
Some people have said that this knife does not fit well into the new leather sheath. We shall see. As it turns out, the leather sheath is just fine. There are plenty of options for getting custom sheaths made, and as one fellow advised me, there is no reason to let concern over a sheath stop you from buying a knife you like.
One recommendation is a fellow by the name of Mike Sastre on the Spyderco forums.
If you want a kydex sheath, you could try these folks:
Christina Gere SheathPro, Inc. 753 Yank Street Lakewood, CO 80401 303-886-0834 sheathpro@aol.com
Tom's Knife Info / tom@mmto.org