I have a Big knife (Bolo,dogfather) I carry in my BOB and in the trunk of the car plus a 5 inch blade for the "in case". If something goes wrong and I can get to my car, I have a big chopper plus my 5 inch blade, or if I'm at home and a twister, huricane or what have you comes, I grab my BOB and my bolo. Now, if I'm not near either, or can't get near either, then that's where the 5 inch comes in as a backup. The key to survival is your brain. I can jump on a plane, fly to LAX, get off the plane, goto walmart and buy 2 bic lighters for fire, and a machete for $10 to go in the trunk and they even have a 5 inch knife (drop down point)there for $10. I could mail them back when I return or throw them away, but the point is, you know what equipment you need, so when you travel, acquire and dispose as necessary. My big thing is I would like more training in bushcraft which is a invaluable tool worth more wight than gold. Look at all the survival schools and what is all in common, a big knife. There is a reason for it.