It seems to me that discussions about survival and about survival equipment have changed a lot in say the last 25years.

Decades ago, much of the interest was in remote or wilderness survival, perhaps following shipwreck, plane crash, or some mishap on a planned trip to a remote location.
In such circumstances, a large strong knife and perhaps an axe as well are most valuable tools.

The general availability of modern communications has greatly reduced the chances of long term stranding in true wilderness.
A downed airliner is quickly located these days, as is a ship in distress.
Even small boats and aircraft often carry emergency locating beacons, as do many persons visiting remote or dangerous locations.

These days much of the talk about survival is about emergency events in more populated regions. Including
Snowed in in your own home.
Auto crash in bad weather.
Food shortages.
Utility failures.
Civil disorder and rioting.
Terrorist attacks.
Emp event or solar flare.
Talk of such events and the best supplies and equipment to stock forms a lot of the traffic on this and other forums.
A knife could be a useful tool, but in many cases, long life foods, water purification equipment, cash, batteries, and other tools are often more relevant.
And if a knife IS needed in say a food shortage or long blackout, a kitchen implement or workshop tool will often serve.