Will this survive a brutal test of strength and edge retention?

if you are going to stab it into something and pry sideways to "test the strength" then no.. because no knife should need to do that.. thats the test noone who respects blades will ever do.. if you talking about extreme heavy beating and usage.. like batoning, bushcraft and hunting tasks.. then yes.. its super tough. i dont think much about edge retention because i carry tools to maintain my tools, which is what should be done regardless of tool quality. very few knives will process an entire deer or hog without dulling.. even "super-steels" will.

Probably 440A if the don't specify. The old adage is that if a knifemaker is proud of their name and proud of the steel used in their knife, they'll put it on (or stamp it in) the knife for you to see. The three 440s are virtually alike except for carbon content, A being lowest, then B, then C (which is why the excellent edge holding). All, if properly tempered, Rockwell in the high 50s. I enjoyed the transition from carbon steel to 440C blades, but now that 440A/B, 400 and 420 series are the norm, I've returned to collecting vintage carbon steel. Maybe a Fallkniven in the future.

how big is too big for a neck knife?

I would think this is too big.. I like this knife even though handles a little small.. but this is large for hanging around neck

what type and size of screws hold the handle together?

A smaller star/ T bit. Handle little small i have bigger hands.. constructed well of course i have not abused it.mine also came super sharp. I like it.

Recommended Uses For Product	Men's Accessory, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Camping, Bushcrafting
Brand	MTECH USA
Model Name	MT-20-35BK
Special Feature	Full Tang
Age Range (Description)	Adult
Included Components	Knife
Handle Material	Injection Molded ABS
Color	Black
Blade Material	Stainless Steel
Style	Modern
Blade Length	8 Inches
Product Care Instructions	Hand Wash Only
Hand Orientation	Ambidextrous
Item Weight	0.1 Kilograms
Blade Shape	Drop Point
Blade Edge	Compound Bevel
Reusability	Reusable
Item Length	7.75 Inches
Global Trade Identification Number	00805319074946
Size	8-Inch
Manufacturer	Master Cutlery Inc.
UPC	805319074946 614458352064
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H	8.78 x 2.05 x 1.26 inches
Package Weight	0.18 Kilograms
Item Dimensions LxWxH	8 x 1.5 x 1 inches
Brand Name	MTECH USA
Suggested Users	mens
Part Number	MT-20-35BK
Model Year	2017

MT-20-35 Series Fixed Blade Knife, Black Drop Point Blade, Plastic Handle, 8-Inch Overall

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