The best knives for Maine hunters

A hunting-gear roundup highlights knives Maine hunters rely on most when dry-dressing large game, particularly removing hide and quarters without opening the body cavity. The author says nothing dulls a blade faster than the coarse hair of an elk hide, and notes moose hide presents similar cutting demands. After earlier frustration, the writer carried two fixed-blade hunting knives plus a hand sharpener and a razor-sharp utility knife with extra blades. The piece points to Benchmade Steep Country and Knives of Alaska Bush Camp/Cub Combo as top fixed-blade picks. It also recommends lightweight replaceable-blade options such as Outdoor Edge RazorPro and Havalon Talon/Havalon Piranta Edge. Prices cited range from about $50 to $200, depending on brand and model.