I gotta admit I am one of those that didn't really understand the need for long fixed blades for hiking/backpacking. Even for fishing/camping... I carry plenty of firestarting gimmicks so I don't think I'll really need to make fuzz sticks or stuff like that to start a fire.

So I was about to start carrying a small office box cutter to cut cord and open up packages... until I started to play with food. Food is the reason i'm carrying a regular sized Victorinox One-handed Trekker on my trips. Whenever there's food, a knife comes in really handy. To cut cheese, open up packages, etc.

So don't be too rough on Backpacker Magazine, at least on the razor blade thingy (I agree no water is silly).