Lanyards are a must on all of my fixed blades. 6" hanging off the end of a tang isn't too much, especially if you are wearing a thick coat sleeve over the wrist it goes around. They not only prevent losing a knife over such things as great heights and water, etc., they can also prevent damage to a knife if it is dropped on to rocks, etc. Safety is also a consideration. If you drop your knife onto your legs, feet, etc, it can get nasty. <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />