I prefer a lightweight folder for carrying with me in the field. I mainly use this for field dressing. It seems to change from year to year. But I like a large Case trapper. Sometimes are carry a buck 110. But whatever is sharp and can fit in my pocket usually goes with me.
However, when it is time to skin and butcher. I have a few other knives that I like to use. I have a Knives of Alaska fixed blade skinning knife, that I really like for detail work. And I go for my Gerber 5 inch drop point fixed blade for pulling the loins out and for clearing the pelvis cavity.
For me it's not so much about brand...but rather the shape that I am after. I find that I will sit down and sharpen up my knives before I skin and butcher. But I too can appreciate higher quality steel. You have to pay big $$ for the better steel and you will probably like the edge better and spend less time sharpening. But you can certainly get by with average steel.