This is it's own section because next to one's weapon and license there is nothing more important. You should buy a good saw, but it's even more important that you have a good knife. Your knife is everything to you. It's an extension of your hand. Don't buy crap. I have had great success with Shrade and Buck knives. Their metal is very hard but not brittle. They're very predicable when sharpening.  If you don't know how to properly sharpen your knife then you will have to learn. I use a Lansky (the diamond sharpening stones are nice). With a good knife that is well sharpened you should be able to cleanly shave your arm hairs, and your knife should be able to dress three to five deer depending on the size of the deer. Don't test the sharpness of your knife by cutting paper. Paper is hard on the edge, and will defeat your efforts by dulling the blade. Bring more than one knife. I've lost my primary knife before, and I was glad to have a backup.