Elk knife

[L. Cooper]

In my experience, if a knife won't hold an edge very long, it will be very easy to resharpen because the steel is soft. I think the guide's opinion is illogical.

A good knife will do any game animal. I dislike gut hooks as well because they have only one job they do well, and then they are in the way for every other job. I don't see why the Vanguard won't work.

I like Gerber knives for many things. Reasonable price and good performance.

Big animals need some other tools. A sharp axe will do very well on sternums and spines in large animals. I dislike hatchets because the short handle makes for dangerous chopping angles. Take a 3/4 length axe and a good meat saw too.