Matt, back when I did farm work and had horses the only knives I used were an Eye Brand stockman and Sodbuster, and at the time I don't think there was anything better.
About a year ago I started collecting and using the old Al Mar SEREs. They are all I've used for the past year and if the SERE 2000 hadn't come out, I would still be using them.
I think the SERE 2000 is the best using knife p come along in the last decade. The only thing that might make it better is an axis lock, then it would be truly ambi. For the last couple of weeks at work I've been cutting a lot of plastic straps, wrapping, and cardboard. It's not still shaving sharp, but it sure is cutting sharp. I'll probably touch up the ege this weekend. Plastic baling twine ca't be much harder on an edge.
The knive is no-slip, has a guard, and the liner is fail-safe so far. I wish they were out 25 years ago.
You should look into getting one.
OH YEAH...TopofTexas has hem one special right now for $112.00
No, I have no affiliation with TOT, etc.etc. but he has the best deal right now.
Hope I haven't been to pushy, but get one or you will wish you had.