I see the S5 as an all-around field knife. It would do well for skinning, preparing kindling, meal preparation, and just general cutting chores. I have always preferred the 5" to the 4" in a hunting knife. For years I carried a Schrade Old Timer Deerslayer or else my trusty Air Force Pilots knife. That size is handy and not as bulky as the 7" blades, but big enough to do a lot.