[Lythocrist]

I am a blacksmith, and specialize in blades and can say the K-Bar is a good knife. Easily sharpened, STAYS sharp, and is comfortable to hold, as well as durable. Also, MOST survival manuals give directions on things using a K-Bar.

But if you live in the wild and come across such things as bears, mountain lions etc...You'll probably want something like a machete.

I'll list a few brands of quality and affordable 'tools'.

K-Bar
Cold Steel
Atlanta Cutlery Co.

and of course blacksmith made. K-Bar and Cold Steel don't rival hand forged blades, but most of Atlanta Cutlery Co products will. The point to a quality knife is the steel being hard enough to not dull when used. A dull blade makes you work harder and use more energy. A sharp blade does the work for you, and is easier to use since you don't have to 'force' it to work.