Johan, the WWIII's are all still in the making--none have been completed yet. The first batch (of 6--I assume serial numbers 01-06) are having their handles put on and shaped now by Robert Couture, who goes by old_engineer on the forums here. Look for previous threads on the GH forum with "WWIII" somewhere in the subject heading. There are two sets of pictures posted on different threads showing the micarta handles. The first set of photos was the prototype, and the second set of photos (with the red background) shows Robert's latest design, which we all loved and agreed upon. That's the design he'll be using.
As for handles, you have some choices here. You can choose a dull, bead blasted micarta handle for a more positive grip and a more 'tactical' (GH Formites dread using that word, and avoid it whenever possible) appearance, or a smooth, probably shiny finish. Most of the WWIIIers are requesting blade finishes to match their handle finishes; ie, most guys who requested smooth finish handles want their blades left polished, and those of us who want bead blasted handles want dull, bead blasted blades to match, although all WWIII blades are to be hot-blued, regardless of finish.
You can also request (unless it's too late--check with Craig to make sure) either black, white, or olive green micarta. If you choose black micarta, and request bead blasted finish, the micarta will turn out looking more gray than black. If you choose olive green micarta, then your only finish option is bead blasted (at least as far as I know--again, check with Craig). The cool thing is, if you order olive green micarta handles, Craig will have Edgeworks make your sheath the same color to match. Craig calls the white handled ones the 'tuxedo' look.
Now for my personal bias: I understand why some prefer all-black; it looks very sleek and stealthy, definitely a sexy look (so to speak). Black is more intimidating; more sinister--why do you think SWAT & FBI HRT teams choose all-black? (They didn't choose it because it 'blends in well'; OD blends in with shadows as well if not better than black, and in someone's lit up yard OD is definitely better.) However, if you are in the service and you plan to carry your WWIII in the field attached to your LBE, or if you're a hunter and intend to carry it on your hunts or camping trips, I think olive green is the only way to go. Remember, nothing in the woods is black. Black is not a natural color to be found in the outdoors (at least not around here). Granted, on a relatively small object such as a knife, it probably won't matter much--I don't think it will 'give you away.' However, all the black colored gear you carry does add up to your overall picture, and if there aren't a lot of REALLY dark shadows around you, you're going to stand out, in my opinion. This can be good or bad, depending on what you want. If you're The Punisher or Mack Bolan, aka The Executioner (anybody remember him?), then black is the only way to go. If you're G.I. Joe, the Hulk, or Jaeger or me, olive is the best color match. And if you're James Bond, then the white handle 'tuxedo' look is the only real choice.
[This message has been edited by X-Head (edited 01-18-2000).]
[This message has been edited by X-Head (edited 01-18-2000).]
