hey guys thanks for the responses. i am really hoping to get good one day at taking these set up pics. as for the comfort, this knife feels really great in hand. as for the ergonomics of it, the wavy shape of the handle actually mirrors the palm of the hand gripping. there is absolutely no issue with comfort when holding it. as for lack of scales, im a big fan of the police recruits and shakers an this is about the same thickness as the police recruit series so it works out well and it is very well balanced.
as for the flashlight comparison, this was a tormenting issue for me for quite some time. i was a bit hesitant at first to try out a new company that is obviously taking on the surefire market, but i'm really glad that i did. when compared with the surefire equivalent (the U2) i think that they are both equally as bright, however the radius of the circle of light that is emitted from the U2 is slightly larger, and i do mean slightly. on the flipside though, the center of the light from the Blackhawk Gladius is more intense. the strobe effect is definitely irritating to the eyes and everyone that i have tested it on is seeing spots for quite some time afterwards. the flashlight feels very rugged and the finish is extremely durable. the U2 didnt really impress me much, it doesnt feel or look like a tactical light and the controls require two hands which is a bit akward. i also found the pocket clip to be a bit weak and wrong with a tip down carry. if i had to choose between the gladius and U2 again, i would definitely stick with the gladius. :barf: too much typing