I really feel that the 1/4" blade is an excellent size for strength, weight, and chopping/splitting duties. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> If you get too thick, you may as well carry a log-splitting wedge. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> Having said that, I still love my Fallkniven Thor, Gerber Bowie, and Cold Steel TrailMaster, all thicker than 1/4". Just my humble opinion. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />