I dont know about back in the day.
I carry a knife that clips to my pocket at all times.
For hunting and field dressing i'm not a fan of a big knife.
I carry this one
Skinner
Blade-2.75"
Overall- 5.75"
Handle-Bubinga w/brass pins
Blade Material-5/8" wire cable (1095)
I keep a Bowie / survival style knife in my pack,just in case (I leave that pack on the ground by the tree i'm hunting out of in case I fall out,cant climb back up to get it with broke legs or back)
I have 3 butckering knives for finishing the meat chores.