SOL kit review:
http://www.equipped.org/etsbriefings407.htm#amksol
I'm looking for a knife in the 4" range (maybe very slightly less) because that's the legal limit in my state for everyday carry.
Thanks for the link, interesting review. It kind of reinforces my instinct that the PSP is the way for minimalists to go. This is my style, and your needs/wants may be different. Here's my thinking, based on my approach to backcountry: If I'm out in the woods, I'm either 1) backpacking/whitewater rafting, or 2) "dayhiking" of some sort--mountainbiking, x-c skiing, or regular old hiking.
If I'm 1) backpacking, I have everything I need with me: shelter from elements, sleeping bag, means of making fire and cooking, clothes, food, etc. On long backpacking trips I actually need LESS survival gear because I am so well provisioned, relatively speaking. I have it all with me. I can get by with a small-bladed folder like a SAK or Scout-type knife because I already have what I need to deal with the elements--a small diamond hone and I can touch up the blade as needed. I don't need to chop wood, I can score or notch it and break it in a pinch, but usually I rely on a lightweight stove.
If I'm 2) "dayhiking", I'm going even lighter and faster. I'm closer to civilization, and my main concern would be a fall with an injury of some type. In that case, I either need to get to the car ASAP if able, or use my skills to make fire and shelter and wait for rescue if my injury prevents me getting to the car.
In either case 1) or 2), I need a survival pack that is light and small enough that I will actually have it on my person. It needs a bombproof way to make fire, with multiple attempts in case of failure (many spark "strikes" and TinderQuicks), and string to make splints/slings/shelter. The PSK has some 150lb test cord (I can't imagine needing heavier than that, and it's a lot smaller than 550 Paracord), and some heavy duty nylon thread. Both of those would be put to good use. A few small extras like whistle/mirror/Photon are nice, but not needed. Fire and shelter are the key to staying alive through the night(s).
The PSK also includes some heavy-duty foil that can carry and boil water, cook something, etc. Combined with a knife and heatsheet, this would be a fantastic BF offering.
Again, I'm making assumptions about my style and approach to the back country, but if you were to honestly consider if you'd have a metal . I think it comes back to skills and training, plus a few simple devices that can be put to clever use, that you'll actually be willing to have on your person 100% of the time you leave pavement.