Hello everyone, first post here. Had to jump in with a few thoughts.
- IMHO, the d-guard allows for a more aggressive approach to chopping/cutting whatever may be targeted. The variable of overall "grip" and it being an secure/protected extension of your arm is enabled by the d-guard to a tangible degree. Of course, how well it fits an individuals hand is the risk. The guard is bigger than previous models, so the risk of not fitting is reduced.
- A note on balance. From my view previous versions of the mistress are (purposely) blade heavy to facilitate the chopping force multiplier, in this case things may balance a little more. May not benefit chopping, but could lend itself to other attributes not previously offered by the historic mistress. An example would be while using it for a finer task, choked up on the choil. Even saying "using for finer tasks" sounds odd with this blade, but that may be why it becomes a real gem. And if chopping is really an individuals focus, a hatchet will eventually make its way into their pack.
- And this not being in INFI does not bother me much. I use an INFI SARGE7 and a SR101 RMDLE, both are rock solid. I bet this well balanced devastating mega-beast will fit right in!
- Being this is my first post, I'll risk going out on a limb. Just having a large steel ring attached to a knife presents some interesting thoughts. This is one solid piece of forged steel, that ring is likely very strong. There are many uses for a steel ring in the world of belaying, creating a pulley, etc. Not saying its made for that, just thoughts given its strength and putting on my "if I had to pick one knife" MacGyver hat. Ok, I'll stop now, getting too close to my zombie apocalypse crazy town thoughts.
And, now I'm thinking about a sheath...I'm sure that won't cost much
