what to look for in a good knife

[Myerslake2005]

My dad's 70th birthday is coming up and he has made some rumblings that he wants a new knife for deer hunting.  He likes both mine which is a folding Buck Alpha with a gut hook and my nephews which is a folding Gerber with a gut hook.  I purchased both of these with no knowledge of steel (just like the look of the Buck and the price of the Gerber). 

What should I be looking for in a a quality new knife?

Thanks,  Brent

[Raj]

If you want to go with a Buck knife,look for one with the S30V steel.The Buck 110 sold by Cabelas as the Alaskan guide series knives have the S20V steel.The one I got came very sharp from the factory.Held the edge for a good long time.Performed very well in gutting and skinning deer and antelope.You just have to be careful with your hold as it does not have a finger guard like a fixed blade hunting knife does.

[James B]

I agree about the Cabelas s30v a lot. I bought one when I first saw them. However, there just are no bad Gerbers either and for the money, The Gator is about as good a work knife as you can find. Good edge and holds the edge well.

[major257]

The best all round hunting knife I have ever had is a Canadian Belt Knife made by DH Russel. They look a little different at first glance but after you hold one you will see where I am coming from. But if you are set on getting him a folding knife the gerber is an exellent choice.

[James B]

That Belt knife you mentioned is a very good knife. Its made now by Grohman and also now is made in a folder. I picked one up at a gun show last fall. http://www.grohmannknives.com/pages/outdoor.html