For a core survival knife I would consider the Cold Steel SRK. The tanto is a fine knife, but a drop point is a little more versatile. My first dedicated core blade was a SRK, and my only complaint is the epoxy paint coating. It's a inexpensive and durable coating to reduce production costs but is a pain for major reprofiling and sharpening. Now on to Kuhris, I would emphatically not buy a Cold Steel version. www.himalayan-imports.com makes the finest traditional kukhris bar none. Aside from outperforming everythng else, you are supporting the traditional people who invented kuhris: And cultural survival is just as worthy of our support and interest as wilderness survival. The major knife forum websites have entire subforums devoted to Kukhris www.knifeforums.com and www.bladeforums.com keep in mind a kuhkri is NOT a machete and not an AXE. It evolved to fullfill specific needs in it's culture and while it performs admirably there are limits, not excluding a thorough knowledge of this potentially dangerous tool's use. You might also enjoy my friend Ragnars site, www.ragweedforge.com Sometimes you just don't need a sword to spread peanut butter or make a fuzzstick for kindling. His selection of inexpensive nordic knives offer good value for little cost. Grab a few to hone your sharpening skills and toss in various kits as you assemble them.