I cleaned and skinned at least six deer with the original prototype. I completely butchered at least two of those. The original prototype, in fact, was designed with caping/skinning in mind. The index finger rests across the top of the blade adding a tactile feel to separating tissue without nicking flesh or skin. The lanyard knot goes between the ring and pinky finger to add a functional full handle effect. The thumb, in a number of cutting articulations, gains grip resting in one of the blade holes... Hope this helps.