Hacksaw,

Ka-Bar's are great knives, however this model is more difficult to sharpen (due to the recurve shape and low level knife skills of a first time buyer) unless you use one of the "V" type pull through sharpeners.

If you get him the Mora tell him the money he saved could be better spent buying, Mors Kochanski's book "Bushcraft" and reading the chapter on knife use (or the entire book). I think the book and knife retail in the U.S.A. for around $15.00 and $9.00 respectivly. And if he does not like the book he has expensive toilet paper or tinder.

If he needs to chop through wood a folding pruning saw would work better with minimal ax experience.

Just a few thoughts on new people going into the field for the first time, and possibly being left by themselves.

Best wishes for your friend finding what works for him!
-Joe