1. One of the posts gave an answer citing wikipedia.
2. I do not know the specific answer. I own the 499, the current version, the f1 and the Esee 4 and provide this information.
Current version - better than the original 499. You can cut off the top part of the blade guard easily and it makes the knife more functional. Forget the ignorant b.s. comments about the knife not being sharp, the top serrations not being a firestarter. Those comments come from people who do not understand how and why the 499 was designed. And don't worry about it not being full tang. The knife will last longer than you.
F1 - my choice. Forget the ignorant comment that the handle is too small. The knife was designed to be held in a gloved hand. If you wear a Brooks Brothers suit, the knife can be carried in its ugly factory sheath in a suit pants pocket. I have done this.
Esee 4 - Great knife to be carried horizontally behind the back. Cannot be carried in a sheath in a Brooks Brother suit pocket.
2. I do not know the specific answer. I own the 499, the current version, the f1 and the Esee 4 and provide this information.
Current version - better than the original 499. You can cut off the top part of the blade guard easily and it makes the knife more functional. Forget the ignorant b.s. comments about the knife not being sharp, the top serrations not being a firestarter. Those comments come from people who do not understand how and why the 499 was designed. And don't worry about it not being full tang. The knife will last longer than you.
F1 - my choice. Forget the ignorant comment that the handle is too small. The knife was designed to be held in a gloved hand. If you wear a Brooks Brothers suit, the knife can be carried in its ugly factory sheath in a suit pants pocket. I have done this.
Esee 4 - Great knife to be carried horizontally behind the back. Cannot be carried in a sheath in a Brooks Brother suit pocket.