A good fixed blade is indispensable. Even a cheaper blade is better than nothing. Construction and material has a lot to do with it, more so than brand. I have a cold steel machete that I use all the time- I use a file to keep it sharp. I use it to wack tall grass, cut bamboo, vines, etc. I sharpened up the edge (the panga style) as I watched some people in the DR do with theirs. it allows them to use it as a rough digging/cutting tool to cut roots/etc without dulling their main grind. I use it for gardening all the time. Whack off small branches to get the thicker main branch.
I carry a folding knife, but thats for in the pocket. A good sheath is critical for any good fixed blade. Without it, you will put down your blade on the ground, where it least belongs, and most likely to loose. the glock knife is very durable, I've used it to split wood, pry boxes, etc. But its thick blade is not the greatest for anything else- like cooking.
I like the gerber LMF and the Kabar. Both good dependable knives. The gerber I like because it comes with a sharpener in the sheath. The Kabar feels very good, but the leather handle will get nasty after a while. (its stacked leather). Good for grip- not good for sanitary purposes.
This though, is one of my little favorites.
Not too thick or thin, don't really want to be *too* rough with it (like split wood), but it keeps a good edge, is rugged, and easy to clean. Folding blades suck for cleaning game, the folding mechanism gets gummed up with fish guts, fat, etc. its very light weight. I can use this thing for general food prep as well.
This knife is my favorite for food prep:
Its small, but its shaped like a cross between a santuku and a chefs knife. If you love cooking, you'll know what I mean, when the handle is in line with the back of the blade, allowing clearance for your fingers when you chop down.
Center tang blades just don't offer that, so your cut requires a sawing motion, more than just "pressing down". Your only able to use part of the cutting edge of the blade.
I tried to order one as a gift, but it is discontinued. If you can find it, its super light weight, but its a very very thin blade- if you abuse it, it will probably fail you.
