Fixed blade for the field

[Gut Shot]

I'd focus on materials rather than brand. S90, S30, or ATS34 are hard "stainless" steels. That means they'll hold an edge better than, say 440 or 420 steel. There is no such thing as a free lunch though and those harder steels will be harder to sharpen. Micarta and G-10 are pretty tough to beat for durability but stabilized wood is prettier. Just pick a blade profile you like and find a manufacturer that makes it in the materials you want.

Then again, if you take care of it, it's really hard to beat a plain old O1 tool steel blade and a walnut handle.

 

[jpc01101]

Will preface this with the fact that my only other experience is with Gerber Havalon type knife and the Gerber 3 blade set that Randy promoted. I skinned a bobcat tonight and was pretty impressed with the Montana Knife Co Stonegoat. Held an edge really well and the sharpness out of the box is scary. From skinning to fine caping work (eyelids, ears, lips, paws) it worked great. Really impressive, but, like I said, I only have experience with cheaper blades.

 

[ploxwithblox]

I got the Benchmade Hidden Canyon with an RMEF donation a year or two ago. I didn't really think to use it, but decided to try it out after some time in a drawer. It was surprisingly excellent. I was worried it was too small for elk, but it actually worked better than my other knives due to its smaller size. I could really get into the joints and backstrap areas well, and boy does it skin! It also holds an edge quite well. Lot of great knives out there, but I think I'm sold on this one for the long term.

 

[DKenny]

I have the Benchmade Hidden Canyon and Steep Country. I have used them both on several whitetails and they hold an edge and their handles fit my hands great. Previous to these I used the Havalons and a Buck 113. I do have a MKC Stoned Goat that I have not used yet.