With apologies to both RAT subforums and Jaguar Paw, the designer, for "swiping" this (Mods, if you think inappropriate, please remove, again with apologies all around) but I do feel that this design perfectly captures my ideal as well. It reminds me of the Trace Rinaldi/TOPS D.A.R.T. blade which I happen to love WITHOUT the large finger choil and a diminished recurve on the edge

thumbup: for me!)
Strictly personal preference though:
- Blade = 10" length, 1/8" thickness and 1.75" on height. A2 or 5160 steel
- Give it a hint of a point
- Remove the top guard (though it's not really that pronounced to begin with)
- Reduce the lengths of the guard and the bird's beak pommel (might get in the way and to give the grip some wiggle room for chopping)
- Relates with the above; straighten the handle ever so slightly (juuussstttt a tad)