NAro:

In the urban world of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, I am limited to a maximum blade length of 3" and a folding type knife. I would prefer a maximum of 4" and a folding type knife.

In the "rural, outback, lower 40, woods, sticks, hunting & camping grounds, etc." I prefer a fixed blade knife with a hilt at least on the cutting side, of at least a 4" up to 6" slightly swept blade (For skinning.), beyond which I do not see any large advantages to and a folder of 4" with a lanyard ring and lanyard attached to my belt.

The preference for a fixed blade is a matter of convenience as I do not want to go to the trouble of opening and closing the blade every time I use the knife. I have never thought of a knife as a substitute for a hammer, chisel, or wood maul. If I want to hammer, chisel, or split something, I will use my hands and feet or modify a rock for that purpose. My carbon steel Craftsman fixed blade (I have got to find that knife in this mess of a house so I can measure the blade length to have when posting about it.) is a nice size, light weight, and about the only thing that needs modification is maybe a synthetic sheath for it. I have other knives and bayonets whose form and/or function I like, and I may carry more than one fixed blade knife with me when I feel it advisable, but the Craftsman is my mainstay for real excursions, and a folder on me will most likely be the only knife available in a true emergency.

Bountyhunter