JamesA,

>>>> I'm holding a Schrade Simon, which seems to me to be a better design <<
I knew someone would present an alternative that I'd never seen before, doh! That definately looks like a viable contender. I have a Schrade Outback that has been very good to me, especially for the price.

>>>> especially the edge guard, which may not DO anything <<
The Gerber also has a little ridge (hence the name) for a guard that's hard to see in pictures.

>>>> However, the materials are worse <<
That's a consideration, but for around the same price as the Gerber it has the added function of a built-in carabiner clip. Does it have a slim profile?

>>>> I live next to a brackish river <<
I hope you live on a hill, or move out before you watch your refrigerator float through the kitchen window from a canoe(don't ask). <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Run
ps- the Schrade is made in the US, my Gerber is made in Taiwan <img src="images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />