this knife is nice but in my opinion it is not sturdy enough for a true survival knife.thse are my reasons,1-i dont feel the blade is sturdy or large enough to handle the shelter making or firewood duties that a survival knife would have to do. 2- the handle would become slippery when covered in blood if used for self defence.3-there is not enough finger protection to stop your hand from sliding on to blade during use. 4- some of the blade should be serrated for sawing action.thesurvival knife is your most imp emerg tool and no one should skimp in this area