comparing an old a new southard? any changes, or fake?

[curlyhairedboy]

Hi all!

So i picked up this Southard from a fellow collector, and I was happy to do so since getting an even primary grind was difficult for me to find.

Getting it in hand, it feels like a Southard should, and it has the correct indexing pin in the scale, and the same ball bearing rings. Stonewashing finish matches, and is evenly applied inside and out.

However, when side by side with my old southard, I do notice some differences.

1. The shine or polish on the new one's blade is not as reflective as the old one. Hopefully the pics show this.

2. The peel ply texture on the new one has a slightly tighter pattern. Coloration isn't a concern, my southard is my EDC and the g10 has darkened.

3. The depth of the hollow grind is higher up on the blade on the new one. Plenty of room for the logo, of course, and i think i recall hearing that these are ground by hand. Not sure how important that is.

My old southard is on the left. New one on the right.

http://imgur.com/7LPOGhN
http://imgur.com/kvyrSKr
http://imgur.com/bOybJkM

Any thoughts regarding these differences? Do I have a fake on my hands?

[curlyhairedboy]

picture of the new one's logo:

http://imgur.com/iqwuHm5