We just used my Alaskan and James' ironwood hunter- no hatchets, saws or other excesses. We use the gutless method and quarter elk out after skinning and pulling the tender loins out by hand from below the ribs after filleting off the backstrap- never once spilling bile or guts. Spend some time carving away at the extra meat and such, but I don't mind to leave some goodies for my favorite furbearers- red foxes. One had already started on the gutpile when we'd come back for the second trip. I love it!