You may want to take a look at the Randall mod.#18. I've had one since 1976 and has served me well. I've yet to find a knife that holds an edge and is also easy to sharpen. It can take all the knocks you can give it short of out and out abuse. the serrations are quite sharp and chew through rope like no tomorrow. Not always needed, but real useful when you do. Not cheap, but for a lifetime investment you'd be hard pressed to beat the quality and durability. Check out randallknives.com