I have a few folders that are pretty quick and easy to open, but if I am goin' down with a rock in my sock and a lung full of water, trying to find the thumbhole or little switch is just one more thing I don't want to have to worry about. I suspect (and I am not a white water kinda guy, so this is just a WAG) that a good fixed blade, in a good kydex sheath, would be what I wanted...