Circumstances would have it that I've never had to dress a deer for anyone thus far.

Saying that, most newbies (by far) carry a knife that is far too long for dressing deer. I had one of those sporting bayonets as a kid as well. Never once stuck it in an animal.

These two Barkies are about perfect, with the bottom one with the lead. I don't think I've used a better field knife. Would not be the best for skinning, have others for that, but 2nd to none for hauling guts.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]