Being a Bowie design...and .330 thick, it will penetrate and chop well...for its size. It wouldn't be my 1st choice of a fighter or a chopper. the main and only attraction for me is its .330 thickness... Although thinner blades cut better , I know of .185 blades snap in half when put to prying and digging use. The purpose of the Regulator is mostly a fighter I believe...I'm just not a clip tip lover. Drop point , spear point , tanto points are more to my liking. Tip breakage may not happen with the Regulator....but I'll pass for another point. .250 is generally where I can trust a blade laterally...depending on Rc and steel type...also on the length of blade.