I was hoping that this thread would garner more attention. Primarily this was because I didn't want to admit that I don't know the proper nomenclature for the type of guard on the Hudson Bowie.
Because of this shortcoming I generally just refer to it as a fighter-style guard, though I'm sure that is inaccurate. I believe that some of the modern tactical styled knives that are classified as fighters are guardless -- right? I've also heard it referred to as a double guard and use that term on occasion as well. However, that term can be sometimes confused with sub hilt depending on who you are talking to.
For the duration of this post I'll refer to it as a double guard. Perhaps someone will slip in and set us straight on the correct terminology. As far as which one I like best, the answer is "it depends".
From a construction standpoint
The double guard style is generally easier and less time consuming to make. You can rough out the guard and handle, then finish the two together after assembly. That is, if at the time of assembly, the handle material is wider than the guard or vice versa it's no big deal. You can sand the two flush in the finishing stage. Multi-piece double guards are a bit more complex and time consuming, so understand that I am just speaking in general terms here.
In contrast, with the oval guard and ferrule, each piece needs to be pretty much completely finished before the final assembly. It involves numerous dry fits and for most, the use of indexing pins for the ferrule, and so on.
I would be remiss if I failed to mention that in the case of the Hudson Bowie pictured, there is nothing easy about it. That's a complex execution that Rob has performed, and he does it so well. Thats' why I said the double guard style is "generally" easier.
From the aesthetics standpoint
My personal preference with respect to "the look" leans toward the oval guard and ferrule. I like the old style "traditional" look. Also, since I know who time consuming this type of construction can be, I can really appreciate it. An exception would be in the Hudson Bowie. Rob does this so well that that anything he does is true art.
From the practicality standpoint
As much as I love the oval guard and ferrule look, there's one thing that bugs the heck out of me. That would be dealing with the sheath. Since the sides of the guard protrude beyond the handle it can dig into and scar up the leather on the loop if If the loop extends above the top of the sheath. It can also be difficult to quickly remove and replace the knife from this type of sheath. Conversely, if the loop is below the top of the sheath then the knife tends to ride too high on the hip. In the case of short guys like me, the handle tends to dig into my ribs.
Another type of sheath that is often employed with this type of setup is one with either a frog button or a Sam Brown stud like the one with Bailey Bradshaw's beautiful Bowie. Again, this type rides too high on my hip, but I'm a short guy. Others might not experience the same problem. I think that the type that uses a frog button and a frog would work best for me on this style of knife.
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[ Edited to add ... ]
My last comments on Bailey's sheath is not criticism. The knife and sheath pair are just beautiful. Wearing big Bowies can be problematiic for us short folks no matter what sheath is used.
[ Edited again to plug in some missing words ] *sheesh*
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And if I can remember, I'll get a citation or two that might be of interest if y'all haven't come across those particular books...