I'm not one to select a certain blade size as a one-knife do all. I am getting an appreciation for the bushcraft-size knives for "bushcrafting" and what their advantages and disadvantages are. I also like to carry along a big chopper, more as a want than a need and they don't always get used, but they make good insurance for me and I don't mind the extra weight. For EDC, I usually have a small to medium sized fixed blade (3.5-5" blade) and so I believe you need to be well versed at making that work as it's the most probable knife you'll have on you when you need it. As much as I personally like big blades, they're just not always convenient to carry, especially on some backpacking trips or even day hikes. In some conditions though, you just cannot deny that a large chopper is more efficient at making a shelter and acquiring firewood...I do believe that skill can offset whatever disadvantage is preceived with any knife carried, whether it be a SAK, locking folder, small/medium fixed blade, large chopper/machete or axe; that's my focus first instead of knife selection.
With all this said, I have a few of the Scandi-Bushcraft knives, and really like what they can do for wood crafts. BRKT makes some great ones...the Northstar, Nebula and Aurora and all great. I really like the Bravo-1 and it's hell-for-stout, but is a little on the thick side for smaller projects. I would consider it a great outdoors knife more than a bushcraft-type.
Some of the Scandi versions from Mora, Helle, Brusletto and Roselli are great wood working knives. I really like my Roselli hunter. Some don't get a warm fuzzy about rat-tangs, but I haven't had any issues but neither have I overly abused them.
Fallkniven's F1 is a decent knife; the H1 is a great design, but I've found the blade just a little too thick.
I'm awaiting a Skookum Bush Tool, Skifa-Scandi and the NWA's knife when I get home. Hoping to get some "bush" time with them as well.
For general outdoors use, camping, backpacking, hunting and fishing, I like a smaller fixed blade the same size as the typcial bushcrafters...the Nessmuk design is growing on me, but I've used a couple of Dozier's models with great success in the past.
The problem with bushcraft knives, is that the UK has the market and they are quite pricey. A few custom makers offer them and other than the increased price is the wait time. If Spyderco ever gets theirs going, it will fill a big niche for those wanting to delve into the bushcraft area with the infamous bushcrafting styled blades. I often wonder about the "bushcraft" society, and yeah, some seem a little snobbish, I just don't think it's the pinnacle of evolution. The Scandanavians have been wood working for quite some time and their Scandi-ground knives have survived and thrived for some time. The Skookum Bush Tool has added some great flavors this time-tested design and given us full-tang lovers something to smile about. Really looking forward this this "evolved" scandi-bushcrafter.
Good luck on your search...like most of us, I doubt it will ever end because it's so much fun searching and trying out new designs or resurrecting old ones such as the Nessmuk.
ROCK6
That wasn't my intent to make this a small vs. big knife thread, but you bring up the point I was trying to make which is that combinations are good. Choppers aren't always needed, but when you need one, they do come in handy. My only issue is that you should learn the skills of the most likely knife you'll have on you, whether it's a nice little bushcraft knife or a folder as you may not have that large chopper available. Oh, and wiggling your worm if more effective than....well, never mind
