I was lucky enough to get a couple knives this week. Well, actualy more than a couple but shhhh. Anyway, I haven't had a chance to use any of them yet but my initial impression of the Reg/DeReg is that they both feel good in the hand - weight and balance-wize, but I already like the DeReg more. Not only for its looks but I like the ability to put my thumb right there above the blade. When I choke up and use the choil my hand naturally covers the spot where the upper guard would be. Batoning discussion aside, I think it (the DeReg) will be easier to use and have more utility. I have no immediate plan to modify it by smoothing the cut-out, I like it just as it was delivered. Thanks Dan, Renee and everyone else at Scrap Yard!