The Collins #18 was originally issued as a pilot's survival bowie/machete in the 1930s. At that time, pilots were apparently doing a lot of flying over jungle areas in South America and a compact machete was chosen. Later a folding machete was issued. The large hand guard seems to be a relic from the 19th century bowie knives used in duels. The blade is thin, only about 1/8" thick. Later, in WWII, Carlson's Marine Raiders wanted a big knife to boost the morale of those serving in the Pacific. The old Army Air Corps bowie/machetes were issued to them, and they became known as Marine Raider Bowies. Ontario makes a version of it, but it is much thicker and heavier than the original. The closest to the original now being made is the Case Bowie. In any case, the Ka-Bar (Mark 2 Marine Combat) became the standard fighting knife in the Pacific. I just thought that the new Dog Father LE was the latest best version of the old Combat/Survival Bowie knife. It has a different profile, but as a jungle knife, it would be superb.