I do not own a Special, but my largest knife is a Buck Personal (Mod #105) which I have carried, when appropriate, for thirty years. It has worked quite well for me, and I have done a fair amount of hacking around with it on archeological projects.

I personally favor smaller knives for outdoors carry, and I am sure I am in the minority, but I would carry something tough, but smaller, and use the weight saved for other critical items. As always, a lot depends on the situations you are preparing for, and the other tools you are carrying.

I have no connection with Buck other than as a satisfied customer.