I know they are inexpensive knives but I can't understand why you wouldn't feel bad about losing one. I 've had a stainless curved 5inch Mora for about three years and it has served me well, I've lost it severel times, most recently I buried it in the wall of a shelter for about 4 months. It still works perfectly, apart from the sheath which is slightly brown and a bit feeble, but blade still shiny and everything. It has definately proved itself (please excuse the cheesiness here but I'm quite attatched to my knife <img src="images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />).
I bought mine with a clean handle and there is no alternative for the sake of your hands, and the perfectly oval handle ensures no blisters.
Check out this website for more Moras people:
http://www.ragweedforge.com/SwedishKnifeCatalog.htmlMy knife is number 34.
The current line of thought is that a drop point blade is best for suvival use, but the curve has its advantages when carving wood, the main disadvantage of course is that the point is not in line with the knife handle making it difficult to bore holes and such.
p.s. What are people's views on traditional nordic Norwegian knives, I was considering getting one but I'm not sure whether there will be much improvement on the one I have?