P
petersonfishon
can you tell us a bit about yourself and your specific needs? Here's a few things to think about:
- Will you be field dressing more than one deer at a time?
- Will you use the same knife to quarter and butcher the deer?
- Do you want a fixed or folder? Or are you open to both?
- Do you value high edge retention or ease of sharpening?
- Are you comfortable with quickly sharpening freehand in the field, or are you more comfortable with a guided sharpening system?
- Are you comfortable with the maintenance that may be required for carbon or tool steels (which will stain and rust) or do you want something as low maintenance as possible?
- Do you need something minimalistic and ultralight, or does weight not matter?
As others have mentioned, there's a LOT of options ranging from slipjoint folders that will work in a pinch to custom, purpose-built fixed blades, at every price point. There are also lots of makers here on the forums that can build you something spectacular for your price point.