There is no significant difference in weight between the carbon & stainless blades but a butt cap on "any" 6, 7 or 8" blade will aid in overall balance..."BUT"...this will (mostly) apply to a solid nickel silver butt cap or a brass butt cap.
Duralumin carries a lot less weight, therefore is not as noticeable, when speaking of offsetting an 8" blade. For purposes of "our" conversation and to directly speak to my friend, Dennis' question..."YES"...a brass butt cap (to match the hilt and spacers) "will" make a difference in the overall feel and make for a more equally balanced camp knife.
What this Crew needs to decide is:
* Are we makin' this thing "pretty"?
* Are we makin' this thing "useful" (to it's fullest extent)?
* Are we harbouring a Safe Queen?
* Are we makin' a "compromise knife"?
Let me hear your thoughts. I agree that this amboyna is superb in looks, figure, etc., etc... Does that mean to sacrifice something? Is there a way to have it all? You guys tell me.
Hope this helps, Capt. Chris