How about a USN Mark 1 Deck Knife in ELMAX?

[Fishtail Picklock]

An expensive option, no doubt, but worth the money as it would rarely require sharpening in the field. This would also make for a knife that would be easily maintained, yet would last a lifetime.

Yeah, I know, I am living in a "fool's paradise". It seems that the old 1930's "hunting pattern" used when the original US Navy Mark 1 Deck Knife was conceived came close to being the most utilitarian pattern of the time. I still think that such a knife can cover most field needs so well that it really doesn't need changing. Some things are just fine the way they are. Just change the steel to ELMAX, and voila! A "life long" hunting knife that will last for more than 100 years.