If I HAD to choose one knife to keep forever it would be the Micro-tech SOCOM. The action is unmatched, the blade steel ( S35VN ) is absolutely the best I've had in a blade, and the fit n finish is perfect. It's light yet large enough for anything. Easy to carry for a knife it's size and guaranteed forever. I have a lot of knives to choose from .... but my SOCOM is what I always go back to and it's my first choice for tough jobs.