I personally rely on a Fallkniven for my core blade. These are very robust knives. They are also decent cutters because of the Moran edge ( think of an apple seed.) I also make it a habit to distribute inexpensive, but excellent Mora knives throughout my kit. A good source is www.ragweedforge.com ( Ragnar's site has a wealth of information on knives and other fun subjects.) I would start out with something simple and inexpensive. People have used rather humble blades for millenia with good results. With experience you will know what works and appeals to you.

digging? not sure that any knife will stand up to digging and keep a fine enough edge unless you intend to spend all your time sharpening the thing. ray mears uses a digging stick to good effect, get a hard bit of wood and sharpen a cold chisel type point on the end and then hold it near to the fire or embers to dry it out, try not to burn it. i've used one and they are useful, i'm 6ft, so a 5 foot pole about 2" in diamater worked well. just a thought <img src="images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

One very succesful "digging with a knife" was Heinrich Schliemann, when he found that treasure in Troy...

The heck with the knife then......

YMMV.... <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Since no one else has asked, I will....

How did you end up having to cut your way out of a trailer, if you don't mind me asking?

Just curious,
Chris.

I would like to think outside the box here, or, outside the sheath <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. A knife is a top survival item true. But, I would rather have proper clothing and as box of matches over a knife anyday,anywhere. I suppose knives are a 'guy thing' as my G/F likes to say. We all dilate our pupils and breath a bit faster looking at a knife catalog. Sleeping bags, wicking underwear and whistles just don't evoke the same response. Just keep things in perspective and buy what you need first. Getting the best isn't always as important as what works and what is truly needed <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Further to the "digging stick" idea. In his videos, I notice a metal tip on Ron Hood's staff that makes a good digging tool. It looks pretty simple. Here's what I'd do...

Take three or four inches of steel pipe and hammer it halfway onto the end of the staff. Flatten the bottom part of the pipe until it's closed.

Bear

The MOD knife is a pretty good piece of kit. Very simple but strong. Nothing to break off.
Yeah the sheaf isn't the best but some expensive brands of knives have pretty shabby sheafs themselves.
I highly recomend the Mod knife as a survival tool. It has enough weight in the blade to assist in chopping as well as digging for bush tucker. Doing a bit of work to the lower end of the blade will give you a highly sharp cutting edge useful for pairing and some fine cutting. Most people will carry a pocket knife or leatherman style knife as a second blade anyway.
I use a Mod knife, and have also used a cut down machette as well.Prefer the Mod knife.
Cheers.