Tachead,
I do agree with you that many knofe companies are too worried about toughness. I also agree that some you tube guys have inadvertantly caused this emphasis buy beating the F out of their tools to show what it could really handle. I especially dont get it with thick bladed folders. 1/8 inch os thick enough, especially with high end steels. Where many youtubers fall short is just documenting actual use. Many folks are starting the push back toward thinner blades and companies that are on the forefront are responding. Survive with the 4.5 and Bark River with their Lt versions, which are thinner stock options of standard offerings like the bravo1, aurora and canadian specials.
I think once users realize what they will actually do with their blades, they dont need fat spines. I went through this evolution too. I always wanted a strider tanto. I thought I could survive the F out of anything until I realized it wouldnt cut a fresh turd! I could pry open a safe with it but forget cutting an apple or making a feather stick. I evolved through many different syles, grinds and profiles of blades to where I am now. I would always have a combo of or all pf the following tools with me on a hike, camping, hunting or fishing trip... A 4-5 inch fixed blade, a folding saw, a tomahawk/hatchet, and either a folding blade or neck knife or multitoool. When I look at Guy's design philosophy I realize he designed his bigger knoves to be one tool options (gso 5.1 and up), his medium knives (4.1, 4.7 and 5.0)and to be pressed into a one tool option, but are optimized when combined with other tools like a saw or hawk and his small stuff to be support blades/chore cutters. Then there is the 4.5 which I believe will become my favorite, because I truly like a knife for cutting and will use specific tools for other tasks like chopping and splitting. My ultimate combo will be the 4.5 + my tomahawk and maybe a saw.
Ultimately Guy's company may offer thinner and FFG and even kitchen knoves, but right now they dont have the production capacity to male that mamy models or options. I hope one day he does...
Now when will my 4.5 arrive???