After reviewing some of the most popular survival knifes (TOPS, Falkniven, Ontario, etc.), this Buck/Hood Punk ranks among the best. The steel takes a wicked edge (just a couple of touch ups with my Spyderco tri-angle and this thing was scary sharp). The thickness is adequate but adding 1mm to it wouldn't have hurt. The blade has high carbon content and it's perfectly rockwelled so the edge retention is outstanding, but the blade will rust on you unless its kept with a coat of oil (that's also why the blade is fully powder coated). The sheath is efficient for it's intended use. I added a fire starter rod and a G.I. sharpening stone (ebay has them super cheap) and the system is now perfect . I can't recommend this blade enough. It also will serve as a good defense blade (with custom kydex sheath) carried weak side, reverse (saber) grip.