That's the huge advantage of going to one of the shows -- you can pick knives up, check the balance and see how the handles fit your hand. It's a lot more money if you have to travel and stay at a motel (I'm fortunate that Knob Creek is local, but I've considered going to Blade a couple times), but there are sometimes show special discounts, you'll get knives that aren't in the company stores, and you get to see/touch before pulling the trigger, so there are some offsetting advantages. Oh, and there's also the social aspect, if you're into that sort of thing.

DM handles are a little smaller than S6+ handles (and, of course, mudders), but they're pretty good for most folks.