Im pretty much committed to guided hunts for most of my hunts, (with one or two days of sitting in a blind usually avoided by Whitetails). I stress the guided part because Im rarely in need of a knife other than to cut open the bag of Gummy Bears that every hunter needs to sustain his long treks... Still I feel the need to carry one or more knives into the field.

When I was active military, I usually carried some kind of combat knife, of the type I carried while waiting for Russian Paratroopers to descend on my position, in case my M16 was disassembled or some other Hollywood inspired vision. Even in the Army my knives got smaller as I gained more rank and acquired sense (just like letting the younger kids carry bags full of grenades).

Now Im down to a Swiss Army knife or Multi Tool (for the tough Gummys) and a fixed blade of maybe 5 inches; with four inches being better (maybe even shorter). Gone are the sawback blades and double edge daggers. I mostly opt for a spear point. I never found a need for a sharpening stone in the field; but I cant quite get over the feeling that I want a magnesium tool, just in case... Ive tried a few too many production knives; with no regrets other than wanting something better. Lately Ive found a local smith who has been tempting me.

Now all that being said, when primitive hunting with a Brown Bess or Jaeger, its hard not to strap on a Hunting Sword, if for no other reason than to get in the mood.

So hunting sword aside, what seems right to you guys?