First, let me say, good choice. They are excellent knives. The only thing I ever noticed is that if you have to grab it quick there is really no way to index which way the blade is facing since it is a round handle. Also, it will get cold (being you are holding bare metal) and if left out in the sun it will get hot. Other then those little things it is excellent. Now, as to the knife choice. First, I would go with one that has a half guard for two reasons, being it tells you which way the blade is facing without looking and the second is it allows you to choke up on the blade with your thumb. As to spear v clip, I prefer the spear because it keeps more metal towards the tip, so less of a chance of breakage. So, with all that in mind I say get the Shadow IV in the half guard version.