Scandinavian knives are my favourites. They are a design response to a specific environment, the sub arctic tundra and northern forests. The canadian instructor,Mors Kochanski also carries them. You must remember that in other climes people may have need for a shovel,saw or axe etc. The thicker,more robust knives are a design reaction to this multi purpose need. Pilots and other military and emergency service personel cannot carry all these tools all the time. A robust knife is a compromise tool. I carry a Fallkniven as my core blade for emergencies. I also pack several Moras distributed in my kits, much like spare matches. There are other, regional blades usefull in specific regions. My favourite source in the USA for scandinavian kinives is www.ragweedforge.com You may want to try one of the inexpensive knives first. The Ericsson Mora 2000 is a interesting take on a survival knife. There are several available on EBAY currently at low bidding prices.