What are you planning to survive,and what are you planning to cut?There are many knifes geared to specific environments;the machete in jungle,stainless sheepsfoot for marine etc.I have an SRK as my primary knife,and several others for different scenarios. It's relatively inexpensive and you can assemble the basics with the money saved. To paraphrase a carpenter's adage,research twice and buy once.And shop around!Listed retail can be significantly less at some knife sites.<br><br>