"Knives with guards are often used by Scouts and other children in Scandinavia..."

Don't get to concerned about dribble like this unless you are into carving. If your fundamental reason for having the knife is for a "Wilderness Survival Situation" then you want a Knife that will help you Survive. If the guard helps you or does not hinder you in anyway then leave it on. Silly quotes about the likes and dislikes of Scandinavian Scouts are particularly irrelevant when concerned with what makes a good usable survival knife to the average person.