KnifeGuy,
noticed in your top pic your handle has that "shiny forehead" too!
SS4 is my first Res-C, so not sure if it's just mudders that do this.
When handled.. finger oils/grease must make it Shiny like that? whereas micarta just soaks it up.
but after washing w/ soap it becomes flat black again.

JYD #5 "If you don't buy one now, you'll just kick yourself later.." -Karnack