Honestly, I was not too interested in the Big Brother when it first came out but after holding my friend's new one, I just had to have it. I just bought my 2217 Big Brother last week. This is perhaps the knife of the century, literally, because KA-BAR just redesigned an old classic and made it bigger and better! The blade is the perfect weight and width. Some people will definitely dislike the relatively thin blade but it is actually more practical and easier to sharp in the long run. As impressive as thick bladed knives are; do we really need them? The hilt seems a little small at first but I think that is so the knife can be replaced into the sheath without it getting caught up on the handle fastener. I was skeptical of the serrations at first but I ran my palm over it and gave myself a pretty good slice. I then tried it on some thick old rope and it went through it like melted butter. The serrations definitely save the finer edge which is much better for smaller tasks. The sheath smells so good and leathery and the KA-BAR USA logo is large and bold. The only thing I would change would be the size of the rivets. I would make them twice as large. If you are familiar with the Bear & Son American Bowie knife, it is practically the exact same size and weight as the Big Brother.So in conclusion, yes you should buy this fantastic American knife. I think it is better than the classic 7" KA-BAR because the hollow grind is broader allowing you to get that fine edge quicker. It may not be as solid as the "little brother" because it appears to have the same size tang running through the handle but a larger blade. I wouldn't worry about it though. You should never throw, bend, or wham the blade on any knife. The Big Brother will be great for hunting and camping and for the service as well.