I've used Cutco kitchen knives for years the edge seems to last forever, also used their hunting knives. While I like their hunting knives their lack of a guard is a serious drawback. It's too easy for the knife to slip in your hand when covered with deer blood, I have seriously considered adding a guard to my Cutco hunting knife. The model with the big orange rubber handle is otherwise just about ideal.
Never once needed a guard on a hunting knife.
