I once had a spell where all I used was a hatchet to gut. Keep it razor sharp and could do it faster than most can with a knife. A knife is lighter though so the hatchet stays home unless I'm elk hunting.
I prefer a stiff big blade when gutting but can do it with a pocket knife pretty easily too when called upon. Those gut zipper knives work well when gutting Buffalo or elk while they are hanging nose down. I thought it was a rediculous was of doing it until I did it. It's super clean and relatively easy.
