There is something not being said here so it's time to get in on this discussion. First MM, I value the testing you did and the results and opinions you shared with the yard, thank you.

Now let me put my two cents in. If you're going to beat on the guard or the handle it does need to be reinforced. I don't beat on res-c handles. Generally speaking a guard is designed to keep your hand from slipping onto the blade and injuring your hand. The res-c Regulator guard does that.

I told a number of Dogs I would post my test results. I'll get that done someday but with 59 pictures I've had problems getting it done. I will tell you this. I soaked the Regulator handle with Deet (Deet eats some handle materials) for two hours before testing. I stabbed the knife into wood, metal and concrete. The guard never failed to protect my hand. I took a one inch dowel rod put the Regulator in a vice and bent the guard flat against the knife. It would not break.

I voted not important....and I'm right.... for the way I'll use the Regulator the guard will do everything I expect it to do. MM is also right....for the way he'll use the Regulator the guard needs to be reinforced.