I bought a Southard and didn't really like it all that much. Every time I looked at it I kept thinking how nasty that brown was. I did a black RIT dye job on the scale and stop and now I'm really liking the appearance of this thing. I always liked the blade, just not the looks. I might have to get some carbon fiber for it though. I'm supposed to be getting a new clip which will also be a huge improvement.