Hey Calder,
Just north of you a bit, Anchorage.
The diff. IMO is that these two patterns are for two diff. things. The CW hilt is basically as the name emplys, to CHOP with, and the M pattern is for everyday, combat, whatever. That's really the only way I see it. The CW can be used for whatever as well, meaning it's all about hand placement. I have both patterns and ENJOY both. My M-6 is the one I reach for when I'm heading out for a walk. It's small enough yet big enough. When I get my dangler ordered, my CW is going to be my belt on for everything general purpose. I might have to get a crossdraw rig for the M-6, due to it getting jealous, when I start taking the new girl out though. HUUMMMM!!!