The only knives the Coast Guard generously issued during my career were the A/F survival knife and the stainless Camillus utility folder. These were augmented by a carbon puukko received from a greatfull fishing skipper and later a german Linder sailor's knife in 440 stainless. We pretty much had free rein in those days : don't upset the local constable wearing some sword around town off duty, keep it SHARP and remember the UCMJ warning about dirks and daggers. I ever did figure out who that Dirk fella was <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. My pig sticker Linder passed because It came with a marlinspike and nobody else had one after the chief accidentaly float tested the unit's issued supply in the bay one afternoon. All of these knives were used . Very simply, a tool used daily is cared for daily and either wears out with honest use or gets hierloomed. I guarantee, any tool, stainless, wonder steel of the month or leaf spring metalshop project will be found wanting if unused. <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

That goes equally well for knees backs legs bellies and brains!