the old schrade had a locking saw with a regular blade , I just didn't find the saw all that useful nor is the hook.
I suggest focusing on one good blade with good geometry and some technique.
I don't cut/break the pelvis anymore found if I cut around the anus I could pull it out a ways run the poop out of it and then pull it to the inside l leaving everything clean with no saw or hatchet or the danger of jabbing a knife into the pelvis trying to break it.
are you thinking fixed or folder ?
what is not breaking the bank ? different people have different ideas of that it is very subjective.
my first hunting knife was a Buck 110 lite which is not a bad folder not my favorite geometry but the geometry I like is not so common , it does work well is light and folds with a sturdy lock.
both George Washington carver and Horace Kephart recognized the benefits of a drop point in game cleaning
at 13 teaching him to make one might be a good father son project
here are 3 blades I like
I have spent the least time with this one
https://www.trackofthewolf.com/parts/detail/2812/1/knife-kit-rgr-wbut I like the shape I have one I need to finish
I have the most time with this one
https://www.trackofthewolf.com/parts/detail/2812/1/knife-kit-cam-wI am not sure there is much of anything it doesn't do well other than maybe a little big for some at 5 inches of blade with a decent handle to match
my son made one of these as well and my wife liked it so much she had me make her one also I lost my original and need to make another although she passed so I have just used hers
or this one
I have the next most time with this one also incredibly handy I modify it a little to suit my needs
https://www.trackofthewolf.com/parts/detail/2812/1/knife-kit-she-04-mI radius the hard corner at the back edge and give it a Kephart-ish finger groove
![[Linked Image]](https://trapperman.com/forum/attachments/usergals/2025/12/full-35262-277751-belt_knife_1.jpg)
the walnut is my sons , the curly maple my wife's , his initials are on the other side wood burned in one more way to help make it a project for the kid.
![[Linked Image]](https://trapperman.com/forum/attachments/usergals/2025/12/full-35262-277752-knives_russell.jpg)