The Kabar is a fine knife. I usually reccomend a smaller knife in a starter kit. I have several designs that attach directly to the knife. What ever the knife is it must be kept sharp. I have purchased several of the diamond "card" sharperners and expoxed them to the back of the knife sheath. This works with both soft and hard sheathes. Found two of the red folding handle sharpeners at a yard sale, $1.00 for both. Recycled the handles and used the diamond stones. My wife says I make cheap cheap noises in my sleep.