5″ Hidden-Tang Belt Knife

This would be my choice for an all-around backpacking tool. The balance point is just behind the guard, which makes for good chopping power, so you can quickly sharpen wooden tent stakes, whack off the small, dead branches at the base of trees to clear space and provide kindling, chop small logs, split small chunks of wood, clear trail, and many other tasks. The blade-handle juncture is as strong as I know how to make it–and very dependable. With durable handle material, it is a very sturdy tool.