What a question!

You could use one knife for everything. Need to get one with good steel AUS-40 or D-2, the harder the steel the tougher the edge and sharpening is some work.

A few I have seen lately that are real quality for the price.

http://store.knifecenter.com/pgi-Product%20Spec?ks1070, $40 - Kershaw is a quality manu.

http://store.knifecenter.com/pgi-Cus...,60,=,outbound - $70 Benchmade makes good stuff, edges can be hit or miss out of the box.

http://store.knifecenter.com/pgi-ProductSpec?AK11 - $50 - knives of alaska are great steel and edge. This caping knife is super all around


A great all around option - http://store.knifecenter.com/pgi-Product%20Spec?ks1130, - the two piece game shears separate. I use mine for deer, birds, and fish. Very good steel, great out of the box edge.


Favorite in the field -

www.dozierknives.com - perfect size, awesome manu, best steel, super edge. But $165 for a knife/kydex sheath. Bob Dozier makes awesome hunting knives.

Good Luck