I don't use folding knives to clean game. It's too much trouble keeping them cleaned. I would go with stainless steel rather than carbon steel. Stainless will not rust on you,unlike carbon. I use a whitetail skinner. It keeps a good sharp edge and you can get one for $40 or $50. There are a lot of good knives out there that cost less than $50 and hold a good edge. I do prefer a fixed blade. They are much easier to keep clean.