When I go to work, I'm carrying a bag that contains a Glock 19 and ESEE-4, at least. So I can carry a Leek and be comfortable with that choice.

Any other time, it's at least a Blur in my pocket, and usually the ESEE-4 on my hip as well.

I was a Boy Scout, and I try to "Be Prepared" all the time.

Vic, you are SO right. This was just a "Fun" mental exercise. My SURVIVAL knife(knives) are a small Sebenza I got from the Tonester and NOW (It was the Umnamzaan I also got from Toney) it is my Emerson Karambit. Because it's fun to play with and heaven forbid I ever NEED a knife, is wicked lookin. Attitude, including looks is part of the battle already won.

Fact of business is that a survival knife is what ever you have on you when you need it.

That IS a fact!

But on December 20, 2012, my knife is the Killa Zilla! Just in case.

I'll be in Todd's Country Bunker with a 30.06 in one hand and a big knife of some kind in the other!

Well I got to use the HEST some more today--and I am loving it more each time. I used the bottle opener today on a bottle of Mexican Chico punch, as well as an assisted opener coming out of the pocket. I used it to cut my sub sandwich at lunch, cut some paper and boxes down, and other meaningless tasks. So far a winner.

As much as I usually avoid CRKT this one still interests me. I haven't had a chance to put it to a serious test yet. Here is a side by side with an HRLM.

There is nothing wrong with CRKT folders. Military folks use them every day. They are affordable and funtional.

Yes they do. I carried one for years before switching to a multitool and never had any issues with them. Many, many of my friends, both support on combat arms, carry them as well. I have never heard any complaints.

I used to have one of the river shorty knives from CRKT. Its was OK.i have a Erescue knife that I leave on my PFD now that is odd but great for what I need it for. The biggest thing about CRKT is they use various grades of steel. So if you don't pay attention you may get a poor grade of steel. Aus 4 as opposed to Aus 8 etc.

So far this one looks good. Very sharp and one of the most solid lock ups I have seen on a folder. Feels more solid than my benchmades.

The HEST looks really nice, But i'm agree with you ShunkHunter, the square notch maybe a stress point which can lead to the blade failure. It is more a "urban" tool than a real survival tool. I think when your alone and lost in the tropical forest, or in the desert, you'll surely don't thought to have a beer... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> It is the same for glass breaker. What glass do you have to break in wild land <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />