Stuart, you were right about having multiple hang-on options. The handle was designed to facilitate traction whether you're at the front of the handle, in the middle, or at the end.
I didn't design this knife based around any hard numbers. I started by tracing the profile of this Goo BMG knife that I have, which is an amazing knife, and then making arcs and refining and refining some more. I used my eraser almost as much as I used my pencil.
Truth be told, I made the handle the length that I did, because it looked good on paper

No bull!
I have never been a very big fan of 1095, but this knife is hardened just right. It's not too hard to sharpen, and not to soft to be getting dull too easy. It ain't magic metal, but it performs at a VERY high level, given my experience with it so far, and compared to some other kick ass knives I have and use. She was still plenty sharp after yesterday's 5 or 6 hour trail building session, but after some licks on my fine Spyderco ceramic profile rod, she's back to a hair shaving keen edge.