I am no expert-I just know what works for me. I use a Buck four inch folder for field dressing, and for skinning I have 2 bruslettos and a Ka-BAR. I have had the Brusletto the longest(7 years) and have skinned at least two deer a year with it, and I have yet to sharpen it. Beautiful knife-bought it while in Norway.

David,
I am no expert, but here's my two cents:
Go to a good knife show, and if possible, talk at length to the "Master Bladesmiths". Most who've reached this level of steel making skill have all the business they want or need, so are very happy to give you their wealth of knowledge, not opinion. These guys make (forge) their own steel for blades. There are only eighty one or two "Master Bladesmiths in the USA, so it is a pretty elite group.
They each have a particular recipie of tempering, combined steels, etc. they favor for particular applications. One is a full time resident of Japan, and has been accepted into a Japanise knife making family that goes back centuries.

You mentioned a few pretty specific chores, I would suggest you have a knife for each. That would only be two or three knives, but the blade shape, steel used therein, and sheath would be perfect for that application, not a compromise. This assumes you want "the perfect knife" for each application.

I first came across "this steel is the important part" while getting a Finnish knife demonstration from Harriett of Kellam Knives. She challenged the gentleman next to me to prove his Randall was sharper. He bought a Finnish Tommi knife moments later. I bought my first knife over $100.00 about an hour later. http://www.kellamknives.com/cart/shop.cgi/SID=PUT_SID_HERE/page=index1.html

Last month I was in Reno for the SCI show, and the American Bladesmith Society show was in the hotel. Forty-five minutes before their show closed I walked in. The knowledge in that room was astounding. As was the mutual respect these craftsmen have for one another. Nothing like your usual knife show. THese folks make the BEST BLADES in the world, and they know it. They make their own Damascus and combination steels according to the intended use of the finished knife. Heck, they even shape the pattern of the damascus blades to the intended use, not appearance.
As masters, they can make ANYTHING you want appearance wise, but if you want the "Best" knife for any application,
I truely believe it will come from a ABS Master Bladesmith, or "Journeyman" as he is working toward his "Master" level.

That's my two cents. If you're interested in catching a large group of these folks in one place, most were going to "The Knife Show" in Atlanta, GA this June 4, 5&6. Friday is for VIP's only, but one of the board members said he could get such passes for me and anyone I knew who was serious about knives.

Let me know.

Clint
aka Southpaw