Hello there. Here's what I know:

-The first DF's were sterile (I have one and was here for their release). This knife is what started the addiction for me. I always wanted a Battle Mistress, but could never afford it (I'm still in college and discovered them when I was a freshman in high school). When the DF was announced, I knew I had to, and could afford to get one.

-The first ones were "near full height" grind. The key word is "near." They are high saber grinds.

-The DFLE's were full flat ground.

For everything else, like DF's at shows/ganzas etc., it's anyone's guess as to what they all were. Maybe there were some flat ground combat grades, but they were never official releases for the general public here to order.