I think the large blade is simply "good enough"for most situations. I live way the heck up in new hampshire and if im just going on aday hike or out for a walk, theres no way im bringing a hatchet, a saw, a machete, a small knife, a smaller knife, a multi-tool, the kitchen sink etc... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> If you think about the time you are actually using your blade vs. the time you are not, youl find that you are not probably more than 95% of the time. So is it worth it to spend the extra energy lugging that much extra steel wherever you may be going just so if one instance arises, you can handle it perfectly?
I agree with the point that while a large "chopper" isn't the BEST at these things, it CAN do all of them. I suppose you could argue it's better to have it and not need it, but thats only logical to a certain point. My overall opinion would be that you should pack differently depending on what you're doing. If you're on a day hike you will probably make it without 15 different cutting implements, but if your going camping for the weekend and will need to process wood, you might pack a hatchet and saw for that. Disclaimer: I am not an expert and have been told i suffer from Lost Marble Syndrome! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />