No ESEE?
Yeah, if you want something modestly priced that can take a beating, the ESEE 5 would be the standard to judge others.
No ESEE?
Personally, I just carry this when I go into the woods (but I'm normally going light/fast/far). I refuse to carry a heavy knife anymore. They're cool, but they really serve no actual purpose other than to be more weight for me to drag around.
I'm the say way anymore. Last year I spent over a week on the Isle Royale and only used a swiss army fieldmaster. I'm going to Alaska in August and really debating on taking anything in addition to that same swiss army knife. Full disclosure though, I was with one other guy last year and will be with two guys on the upcoming trips. No need for the weight and bulk of making it a knife convention.
Big knives are cool, there's no getting around it, but I don't go outside to play with knives I can play with on the back yard. When I go outside these days, it's for an adventure.
OP, of the three mentioned for the survey, I'd go with the TOPS BOB. The Sog's of today aren't worth betting your life on. I would also agree with everyone trying to steer you towards an Esee.
Esee or Becker BK-x is what you seek if you want a reasonable priced woods knife to beat on.
Personally, I just carry this when I go into the woods (but I'm normally going light/fast/far). I refuse to carry a heavy knife anymore. They're cool, but they really serve no actual purpose other than to be more weight for me to drag around.
Specs, reviews and links on the cable saw? Is that the best one to go with?
I think I've gotta have a little more blade than that. At least a folding fillet knife, maybe the (often forgotten) Opinel #8 in my pocket right now?
Opinels are cool, very slicy and easy to sharpen on a ceramic coffee mug. That wood handle won't take much abuse though.
I'm hoping seedub's cable saw will take care of the rough stuff. Then I can save the delicate knife for finer work, such as fish and small game cleaning.