Scooper

I won't disagree with you when it comes to 953. Many consider it the gold standard for stainless, but the same properties that make it so desirable also make it expensive, hard on tools, and difficult to work with. So far, 953 has been limited to custom frames for the most part because the $600 cost of just the tubes alone and the higher labor costs discourage manufacturers from building stock frames on speculation.

The reason I started this thread is that I think the introduction of 921 will lead more manufacturers to build stock frames with stainless steel.

SOMA already has the stock Smoothie SS in limited production using KVA MS2. Those frames are fillet brazed and retail for $2K (frame only). The fact that 921 costs 2/3 the price of KVA MS2, its ability to be machined without undue wear and tear on tooling, and its suitability for TIG welding will likely lead to more affordable stainless steel frames. I applaud that.