As posted by 2holer:

"What's the need for the wood being inletted into the pierced bridle anyway?"

The answer is that a properly inletted pierced bridle serves as an "anchor" to stabilize the lock and prevent movement of the lock within the inlet.

It also helps to strengthen the stock by the removal of no more wood than is necessary for the lock to function.

I don't see that pointing out the obvious differences between the Thorn & the LC Smith is any more than a comparison of quality levels. It is what it is and it's not intended to offend anyone!