Hi thanks I have been looking at the pal, I have a question. I noticed that the several I saved in ebay have an area directly ahead of the guard that is narrower than the blade but it isn't on the knife you pictured, is that typical of a certain run of knives or some other quirk. If it was different brand I get that but I have read about some strange think happening when knives are made especially when the government is involved. Thank I appreciate you help Mike