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piphanies happen. Mine arrived in the pre-dawn darkness as I stared into 200,000-plus acres of timber so thick even the Forest Service can't say for sure what lives in there. Waiting for the fire to kick in and
coffee to boil, I had my moment of clarity: I could use a bigger knife. You probably could, too.

1. Cold Steel San Mai III Trail Master (blade: 9 ½ in. stainless;
weight: 17.7 oz.) A knife that knows its purpose in life. Unique ultra-sharp rolled edge. Shock-absorbant handle. Carbon model available. ($433.99; 800-255-4716; www.coldsteel.com)

2. 1861 Pattern Bowie (blade: 8 ¼ in. stainless; weight: 14.7 oz.) A first-rate historical reproduction doubling as a great field knife. Sharp, responsive CNC-ground hand-finished blade. Solid, well-balanced feel. 100 percent U.S. made. ($299; 800-255-9034; www.agrussell.com)

3. Marble's Trailmaker (blade: 10 in. carbon; weight: 22 oz.)
Well-balanced, razor-sharp, tough enough to do it all and keep an edge. Leather or bone handle. Outstanding production knife. ($189; 906-428-3710; www.marblesoutdoors.com)

4. A.G. Russell Camp (blade: 8 in. stainless; weight: 22.3 oz.)
Big and heavy enough to handle any task you throw at it. Full tang,
shaped for comfortable chopping. Easily quarters largest North
American game. ($175; 800-255-9034; www.agrussell.com)

5. Cabela's Handmade Stag (blade: 10 in. carbon; weight: 15 oz.)
Handmade quality/character. "Off-the-shelf" price, direct from a
reputable dealer. Hand-crafted antler handle. Great value. ($119.99; 800-237-4444; www.cabelas.com)

6. Marble's 8-inch Ideal (blade: 8 in. carbon; weight: 14.8 oz.)
A classic returned in an upsized version for general camp
duty. Same quality as bigger Trailmaker, scaled for easier
carry. ($199; 906-428-3710; www.marblesoutdoors.com)