Ya' know....I got to thinkin', and I've tried to keep my mouth shut on this one, but can't...
Not to undermine your selection of the Pocket Hobbit, but...
If I were in your shoes I really might think about finding a different folder than the PH.
First concern would be the fact that the PH has a fairly darn complex locking mechanism, with alot of moving parts, which I'm told specifically DO NOT get along well with fine desert sand, and would also be a real b!tch to keep clean and functioning properly. Seems to me that less would be more in your situation. Also, check the REKAT archives, I spent a few hours researching them and reached the conclusion that when the Rolling Lock is good, it's really good, but when it's even a tiny bit bad, ya' best be watchin' yer fingers.
Second concern would be the method of carry. It's a cool sheath, that's awesomely quick and quite accessible, but...it WILL leave something to be desired in the retention range. I carried my Pocket Hobbit for a year or so as an EDC, and I did knock it out of it's sheath several times during that span of time, (about eight?) and broke the sheath once. (in warm weather, not the winter) So if that can happen to me just bumbling around the woods, garage, and work. I would think that it would be a greatly increased chance for y'all military sorts. Also, regarding carry is that it sticks out a good bit, tends to bump into things, and after you carry it for awhile, believe me, you'll probably notice the increased bulk. (the Hobbit's also a pain to carry in the pocket without a clip- only worked half decently with my Carrhart work pants)
If you're carrying it primarily for protection, I'd also be aware of those saw teeth. No harm and no foul if all you're into is slashing, but if you thrust with it, those teeth make it awfully hard to extract the knife. (tried it with some wild game meat that went bad in my freezer) I'm no expert on the topic but I'm sure there's other knives out there that are well adapted for trapping limbs, without the saw teeth to worry about, and would be quite suitable for reverse grip.
So...I'm not sure about you, and all your intended uses but...
Seems to me any Emerson would be real nice for it's simplicity and simple cleaning.
If you're really into the minimal approach take a look at the BM model 43- I tend to recall that ya' really like Balisongs, and they say it's reasonably decent for trapping limbs also.
If you were really into the ideology of the Hobbit, maybe take a look at a Gunting- it can do everything the Hobbit can, plus some. Only concern could be the fine tip.
If you liked the just plain solid feel of the Hobbit, check out a Spyderco Chinook, damn solid utility knife, with a reliable lock, and it seems like it'd be real darn nice in a reverse grip too.
If you've considered those aspects of the PH I've mentioned and become comfortable with them, that's totally cool, and I highly respect your decision, but...I thought they might be worth mentioning, and I profoundly apologize if I've stepped on any toes here.
In any case I wish ya' the best of luck, and look forward to yer comin' back to the forums with lotsa cool stories an' stuff!
