I think somewhere I saw they were looking at the cleaver type finish for some knives. I could be making that totally up though. Sometimes i do that.
Couple months after was the word. Its difficult for them to predict an actual date for release as Mike said. So, its an ish thing.
IIRC, they were going to start taking dealer orders after SHOT - with an eye towards delivery in the April/May timeframe.
I've got myself all talked into a 6. Trying to wait till the hm comes out but I dunno if I can wait. Just not so patiently waiting for an email from Dale or some word to pop up on the forums...
I'm backing out on the 6hm. Has nothing to do with the wait. It has to do with the fact that the original 6 is perfect as is. It is my favorite fixed blade knife EVER. I cannot see how the different handle design will make it any better for what I like. There has never been one thing I disliked about the 6. It is perfection.