Knifescout, the first pattern FS balances on the handle side of the guard, 7/8" behind it. Comparable Randall model 2s ( 7" blades) balance as follows: leather, brass butt cap, 3/4" on the handle side of the guard, stag, no butt cap, and stag, duralumin butt cap, both balance on the handle side, 1/4" from the guard. As you probably already know, a first pattern FS, properly held, is just an extension of your arm, and feels virtually weightless.

Hope this helps......Fairbairn