Thanks, guys. I, too, would prefer a plain edged version (easier to sharpen, cuts straight), but none seems to be forthcoming(?). As it is, the blade to handle ratio fascinates me, as does the "positive included angle" (downward rake) of the blade, and I remember somebody saying that the egg-shaped handle does offer a surprisingly good grip. The blade shape ("Nogales") is familiar to me from my Vaguero Grande, and I would sharpen the clip ("hook") immediately.
The sheath might be a problem, like Squid hinted. I have bad experiences from the VG Kydex sheath and the molded plastic clip. Then there is the positioning issue. For right-hand reverse grip draw, the sheath should be located very near the right hipbone (like the Gryphon M10 in Keating's Reverse Grip video). But then it couldn't be IWB, because the clip seems to be located on the right side (as seen from above the spine). Of course, I'm assuming here an edge out RG, and please, correct me if I misinterpret the few pictures I've seen. On the other hand, the handle seems to be very easy for grip transitions, and I might prefer the front grip anyhow, so maybe the position Bob Kasper recommends for his fine fighters, like the KFK (canted appendix, or, as he puts it, "handle rear cant position with the sheath laying in the crease of the body where the upper leg meets the lower abdomen"), could be optimal (would work for left-hand RG, too). But then the clip should be "angled to provide full positive contact with the bottom of the belt", which it surely isn't on the Desperado. "Cross-draw", you say, Squid. Well, maybe, maybe not. Could think of the sheath/knife poking my left thigh when I'm sitting down, at least. And then there is the position-independent issue of whether the sheath really stays firmly in its place in an aggressive quick-draw (cf., e.g., the VG sheath above)? No room for guessing here, obviously (the opponent might not even laugh at my sheathed knife pointing at him, not to mention the difficulty of cutting with a sheath). So maybe a custom Kydex sheath, then? Oh yeah, and considerable additional cost, plus the arduousness of sending the knife to some skilled sheather out there from Finland (Northern Europe). Perhaps this would be the right place of trying to mold a sheath of my own? Gosh!
So, an interesting knife, but still some reservations with respect to carry/sheath (I have already too many decent knives which I won't carry due to some "minor" lapses).
Any more experiences about the carry positions? Brian? And Squid, could you elaborate on your SOB carry? If the clip is on the right side of the sheath, it cannot be IWB in the SOB position, can it? And you'll draw to front grip, surely?
Anything about the potential problem Generallobster raised? How about some glue, perhaps, if needed? And what shape might the tang inside the handle have?
Markku
PS. I'm able to get knife magazines only occasionally here. Haven't seen Bob Kasper's review of the Desperado. But if it indeed was favorable, that may tell a lot. Thanks.
