The handle on the SS4 is roomy. It has a palm swell and is textured for a sure grip. The choil is very nice and allows me to choke up on the blade for precise work. The handle works for me in the hammer grip, fencing grip, and reverse grip. For chopping, I use a three finger grip toward the back of the handle. The blade is neither too thick nor too thin, and its width of about 1 1/8" is useful for many tasks. It has a fine point, too. I would be hard pressed to choose between the SS4 and the HRLM. In short, the SS4 is a perfect 4" knife.