ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, this is why you are Captain of this ship!
But the majority of folks have locked into the fishing aspect, forgetting it started out to be all purpose... not saying there is anything wrong with that, just that's what we seem to be pushing towards.

In the very first post of this thread, the Capt. did state that this was a build for the use as a fishing knife.

The Model 7 Fisherman/Hunter does stay true to this idea. The original blade design must have had the fisherman in mind. What can we do with the original blade to make it more Fisherman than Hunter without changing the design????

Being an Engineer, I still think if it isn't broken don't fix it.

I have, let's just say, "more" than a few #7's. I use several and use them for lots of stuff. Either grind will work just fine for an overall great knife...just sayin'! ....&...Did I mention: I don't care what we build?
Capt. Chris

Actually, for a pure small fishing knife, the #8 is the way to go unless you filet. If you have a bream, use the back of the #8 to scale and cut off the head, then use the blade for the cleanup. No telling how many trout I have cleaned with my old #7, not to mention deer and elk, so again, it all comes down to what the group decides and no doubt, whatever that is, will be a dandy.

Pap

Capt,per your request!!
5 inch stainless blade.

5"
#6 grind

(Edit to add) I'm becoming more indifferent on blade material. Pappy makes a good point and there's always the option of pickling if the knife is indeed going to be a working blade.

Great discussion so far. How about a good, old-fashioned, "ROLL CALL VOTE"? Vote for one of the following:
A) 4 1/2" blade
B) 5 " blade
Thanks crew, Capt. Chris

Crew,
The #7's I posted, in no way, were meant to sway your thinking, with regards to a #6 grind...or not. Just a couple of nice #7's (1 with 4 1/2" blade and stag handle & the other with NASA jade G-10 in the 5" version) for you to get a visual and more ideas, as to future voting on a handle.
Thanks, Capt. Chris
PS: Couple of more...CCS

B) 5 inch

That NASA jade is awesome! !!

I vote 5 inch