You should always carry two knives, A small one and a medium/large one. They both need to be able to interchange when the other is dull or damaged. The small knife is a folder, preferably in a multitool platform such as a leatherman or Swiss army knife, though many get along fine with plain pocket knives. The second Knife is a fixed knife or a large folder, 3-5 inches long. I prefer carbon steel. The most demanding use of a woods knife will be skinning game, from squirrels to elk. For this, 2 knives will come in handy, when one gets dull or chipped. If a knife does well cleaning game, then it will be just fine for camp needs, like basic whittling. Even very small knives like Swiss army knives, can skin big game well. These are the only knives you need to carry, but I like a large machete type knife for camp work. Mainly clearing brush and making trails.