[Old Grump]

Everybody that I know who used to carry Bowie's, combat knives and/or bayonets into the wood learned quickly that they were heavy and of limited use. I have carried a Case or Schrade folder and a buck 4 1/2" skinning knife since the 70's and have yet to need anything bigger. In my camp I have a whet stone, a file, a saw, bone saw and an axe but not to carry around with me. If you need a big hacking knife carry a machete or a khukuri but keep your hunting knife to a more reasonable size. At the end of the day you will appreciate not having to carry the extra weight and you will have a knife on you that is actually useful for field dressing deer, dove, squirrels or cleaning fish.