Hey Brian
...welcome to the Forum!! Either Chuck or Clay would probably be able to give you some solid advice about what to get next, but since I think you said you are just moving to the Intermediate stuff on Clay's site, it may be a good idea not to spend a pile of money until you've tried a bunch of different pieces? <Of course this depends on your budget>...so if you have a few K laying around
...buy me that "Golden Wee-Hawk of Dawkind's and I'll fly over and teach you myself.
If you're determined to spend some cash and get a good one now, I guess I'd suggest the BM 42 or one of the new models (43 or 47). There is also lots more neat accessory stuff coming out for the BM's
than for other swingers, although I'm sure Clay can make you whatever you want for a SWAT if you just love 'em.
I do have a few of the SWAT Balis...including the brass handled version..., and I just don't like the way they handle. They are smooth and well made, which seems like a contradiction, but as you will soon see,...some just won't "feel" right to you..., and they don't feel comfotable to me compared to models I prefer.
I also don't like the blade profile and think they needed to lengthen the swedge significantly to make the blade have more aesthetic appeal given it's length. To my eye it looks unbalanced....which is also a big... "So What" ...if you really like the knife
Have fun with it!! See ya!
"Hunters seek what they [WANT]..., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
