This knife is a beast! Yes it's heavier than a standard knife, but that's part of the use. Makes for easy chopping. The thickness of this blade is what separates it from others. So many say that the heavier blades wears you out for use. Listen, survival is not for the weak. The heavier blade makes chopping easier. Let the weight do the work. A cord around the wrist and low grip on the handle make this knife an easy to swing blade that feels like a light weight axe. Move your hand in, and the balance is perfect for close in shaving or wood work. The balance masks the weight. You can baton this thing with a hammer if you wanted. Fear of your knife breaking on you when you need it most is non existent with this. I've stabbed this in trees before to use as a step to elevate my area view. I'm 250 lbs. Easily fits in scout carry position. Solid sheath with perfect snug fit. No fears of this falling out. Case has holes and groves for various paracord wraps for customization for additional carry or ranger band wraps for firestater, quick kits fear, etc. There are mixed reviews for this knife, but true use for survival knifes is based on your preference for what you feel is important. Watch reviews for people that ACTUALLY own a a REAL Tom Brown Tracker. Also, TOPS site has free pdf down load instructions that show you all the basic designed uses. I did a lot of research before paying this much for a knife, but I a 100% happy I did. I'm a former marine, plenty of field time, and love heading out and teaching my kids about survial. This knife covers everything. Only thing it's not great for is going through heavy brush. But you need a machete style blade for that type of environment anyway. Teeth on the spine are for notching, not sawing. The can saw, but you can chop clean and fast. Again, survival knifes are based on your belief of priorities , but I've yet to see this knife fall short on any. And I only have to carry one knife.