I know the question was addressed to someone else, however I'll throw in my .02 anyway <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. The SS4 IME is a GREAT hunting/skinning/processing blade. For whatever reason, I personally don't really care for the howling rat too much for these tasks. Don't get me wrong, for pure skinning the HR has been great for me, but I want to bring one cutting tool in the field and the HR I feel is not pointy enough for what I want to do, plus the large choil and the guard tends to snag a lot and puts the edge too far away from my finger for detailed work (I know that *I* could not do a good job capping with the HR).

The knife that I have used more than any other is my spyderco native, which is a great hunting blade for me, but the SS4 far outshines any fixed blade that I have used (those being the HR, Safari Skinner, and AG Russell Deer hunter). I personally think that the S5 has a bit too long for my tastes for hunting, but I really like the blade shape so I know it could work fine (just not the best...also the smaller, square choil does kinda give me pause with bloody hands, although it has been fine for me for general woodworking in nice weather conditions).

This winter will be my third attempt at Elk, and should I get one of those down, I will give the S5 and SAR5 a try as I think a longer blade may be nice for some of the work.

I am also very much looking forward to using the Muk this year.

****Disclaimer**** I use the gutless method so a saw is not needed, but I do need a prying blade strong enough to dislocate the hip joints.