DT, I agree on the 711. Kinda wish I had ordered one now, but with my Plethora (you like that big word?) of knives in that size range, I elected to pass.

I also agree with the Chopweiler or even a Ratweiler if any would be available.

RMD, it's a good knife, but maybe just a TINY bit on the short side (?)

Team Gemini... Not what I would really think of as a "Camp" blade, but that's just me.

Yeah, a MUK. Again I think kinda on the short side if he's going to be in a "There can be only one" buying mode, but the MUK IS one whale of a knife.

For a FIRST TIME purchase and wanting a "Camp blade" personally I think he should keep it on the upper end of the 7inch spectrum, but that's just me.

Main thing N2S, is FIGURE OUT YOU MAJOR USE for this knife, get in hand the blades that fit your criteria (size wise), and then make your decision. IF you are going to be limited in your buying, choose wisely and be honest with what you will use it for THE MOST. Many of us get the big eye, dazzled by the flash and excitement surrounding a new blade yet don't take a good hard honest evaluation of what we are actually going to do with it Versus Our "Living off the land with a blade" dreams.

Hope this helps you out some.