If you consider the purpose for which the Regulator was built, damon, the 1/3" thickness makes a lot of sense...Rather, the Reg is clearly purpose-built to be a military knife.  It's a combination of a fighter, a prybar, and an entry tool.  The description Dan applied to the only other purpose-built military knife he's made for Scrap Yard . . . the Dumpster Mutt CG . . . pertains perfectly to the Regulator.  It's "specifically designed for heavy military use and abuse, and will not be happy sitting at home in a drawer". 
Ahhhh.  Not sure how I missed that at the start, but that makes a lot of sense.  Thanks
(although I'd think a little shorter might be more ideal then, but maybe I'm wrong...I do love that blade shape <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />)