Hi there!
I admire the B. Southard for it's handle to blade ratio but the blade tip has poked my thumb (drew a little blood) when i hurriedly took it out from my RFP. Instead of reaching for the handles scales, I accidentally pushed my thumb in between the handle straight to the blade tip! And for some reason, you can even open the knife by sticking your fingernail & pulling the tip out! Not so safe IMO.
So I decided to re-profile the tip about 2mm shorter, but still keeping the original form. Now it is about 3-3/8" or 86mm (from 3.46" / 89mm) over-all blade length.
I hope this would also give you guys an idea if you have the same problem.
Cris