I've got a buck knive with a 5 inch regular blade and 2 gerber gator's each with a 5 inch blade. My one gerber is the serreated and the other has the gut hook. I havent found where the serreated really makes a difference though. I usually carry my gerber with the guthook. I think gerber makes quality knives especialy for the price. My buck knive i use when butchering and after it gets dull i use one of my gerbers. I actualy find my gerbers hold a better edge than my buck. A lockblade is deffinately a safer knive to carry. Any yes u can carry them on ur belt to so they wont get lost in your pack if u please. They come with a clothe carrying sheathe that goes right on ur belt loop. Whatever u buy just make sure u keep a good edge on it. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to gut a deer with a dull knive that would probably suck. Good luck