My HOGB8 woke up this morning and begged me to strip her....I couldn't say no. Pics another day - too much work happening at the moment. Very smooth, clean finish...but not machined like usual, almost looks DC (don't think it's decarb, but not sure exactly what it is). A couple initial observations:
The DS8 & Basic 8 are comparable in handling. I like the Basic 8's blade profile for outdoor work, but the DS8 is much more comfortable to choke up on. Haven't used the HOGB8 yet, but it's a beast! I am confident in the thickness (in combination of the FFG) excelling at outdoor work...but IMHO, the Choil is actually "worse" than the Basic 8. The thickness, combined with the offset of the choil, makes it awkward in hand and less controllable / quick.
I can't wait to get out in the woods and use the HOG. Seems it will make a great camp knife.