Actually, I'm not NEARLY as informed as a lot of the people on here, but I do enjoy reading/learning, so I know a little bit. :thumbup:
From what I've heard/read, the Fallkniven are EXCELLENT knives. Won't go wrong with that.
I wouldn't really put SOG anywhere near a lot of the other makers you've listed. They just don't have the reputation for quality products that Fallkniven, Ranger, Busse, Fehrman, Bark River and some of the others have. Those names I just listed are considered at the top of the production knife industry.
You won't go wrong with either the Bravo-1, or the RC-6 either. Both Bark River and Rat Cutlery offer fantastic warranties, as do Ranger, RAT, Busse and Fehrman. I don't know much about the Buck/Simonich, or Gryphon, though I'm more likely to trust the Buck than the Gryphon because I know Rob Simonich was highly regarded in the industry, while I've never heard of Gryphon before.
As for the Zero-Tolerance, that design is Ken Onion's, and Ken is renown as a great knife maker. The Zero-Tolerance knives are production knives, but the folders are said to be built like tanks, and some of the most heavy-duty folders out there. I would venture to say the fixed blades would be quality knives as well.
Wilson Tactical is an unknown to me, though I've heard the name before. You would hafta get that info from another member here, as I can't offer any.
I will say this about Ontario, though...do NOT order one of their knives. Those designs belong to RAT Cutlery, and for awhile, Ontario was overseeing manufacture of those knives. Recently, Ontario became a little "free" with quality assurance standards, and as a result (combined with RAT Cutlery's start as their own manufacturer), has lost the privilege to continue using RAT's name. They have, however, decided to try and sue RAT Cutlery, claiming the line as their own. Many people have vowed not to support Ontario, and instead buy their knives directly from RAT, who designed and named them to begin with. If you want a RAT knife, buy from RAT cutlery. You won't be able to get a 7"er yet, but their RC6 is a GREAT knife for the money, backed up by two great guys and a fantastic warranty.
AS for the Satin Jack Tac and BATAC, some would argue that Busse knives are the best out there. I personally own a BATACLE (and a variant) and love the knife. They feel solid enough for chopping/batoning if needed, but will slice well and shave the hairs off your arm with a good edge. (Both of mine came shaving sharp). Also, you can find a BATAC or an SJTAC for a reasonable price on the Busse/Swamprat exchange. Busse's warranty is also considered one of the best in the industry. If it breaks, they'll replace it. Period.
As for K9, Tom Krein and Dave Koster are well respected as grind-masters. Both make awesome knives, and this collaboration between them has the potential to wield some fantastic results. Only problem is that it will be difficult to get a Dingo because there are so many people already waiting for them. If your name is not on the list, you may be waiting a while. They will be great knives when they're finished and in people's hands, though. If you do end up getting one somehow, I'm sure it will really meet your needs.
What I think, ultimately, is that the Last Chance seems to be the best bet for you. Don't worry about the aesthetics of a satin knife so much. The black coating will be way more practical for you, as out in the field, you won't have the time, nor the inclination to worry about protecting the steel in your blade. Also, the LC's tip is a great balance between a more traditional bowie clip, and a modified drop/tanto point. It will be sufficiently pokey to get through clothing, or other fibrous materials, as well as metal or other hard substances. It will also slice very well when you need it to. The only cut it probably won't do too well is the push cut, but you won't see much need for that in military environments.
The Last Chance will be pretty easy to pick up (there's one on the trade exchange right now), and it will do everything you need it to. You won't be dissatisfied with it. And chances are you will end up buying more knives later anyway. Now that you're here...you're stuck...just like the rest of us.
:thumbup:
Real work in car factory...manufacturing my beloved Saab :thumbup:
