RE: Equipment that you can swear by???
I have a Boker ceramic blade-folding knife that is scary sharp that I use for all my skinning needs.
This item is a must have with the Boker knife and it's Kevlar cut resistant gloves worn under a pair of heavy duty rubber gloves that go all the way up to the elbow’s.
Heavy-duty rubber gloves (mine just happen to come in bright orange) that keep me clean and away from contact with blood as much as possible...health concerns now days with CWD.