When I butcher I use a 14" bladed Dexter butcher knife. This is a good size for butchering hind quarters of elk sized animals. I have a 16" bladed butcher knife for butchering moose sized critters but I loaned it out to a friend in British Columbia and have not seen it for a decade or two now. At present I am trimming tree on my property and am using an 18" bladed Bartaux machete.