That baby 11 with black micarta is quite nice.

I think under 5 inches for this build is where we are headed... possibly under 4 as well.

Some want under and some want a 5 inch blade. We can't do both but neither one is out of the loop just yet. NYC laws and NY "State Laws" outstanding I think we should build what we decide on by majority voting. I don't live there, don't want to, but a lot to consider when finalizing our choice.
Having used "everything" that's still on the table, I can tell you of advantages for each and every one. Personally: A 5 inch Model #11 is my least favorite of an Alaskan's blade length choices. If I were out with The James' Gang all the time and skinning elk & bear I might change my mind. For me, a 4" or 4 1/2" are a better "all-around" choice. A 3 1/4" as better choice for whitetails and smaller game.
....and...this is just to open discussion on Alaskan skinners. We have not ruled out many others and I don't know if this is even going to be a "Hunter's Knife"??
Best, Capt. Chris
PS: Photo of one of my Alaskans"...CCS

Well Cap, being in Central Idaho, we have elk, whitetail, mulies, and a good share of black bear and Couger. For me, these builds are more for something different and unique for my collection, as I have plenty of carry knives for field use.
I suppose any knife as a result of this build opportunity might fit my bill.
I'm enjoying the chance to participate.

Here is a 4-4 1/2 fishermans friend we built several years ago.
Also a Denmark Special dressed up that I got from Capt many years ago.

Personally, as a user, I am not a fan of an upsweep blade. For skinning they are great until they get dull, then very hard to sharpen. Then there's the problem using an upsweep blade For gutting and punctured guts. For me, I prefer a clip blade or a drop point as a user, but that's just me. I do have and have used both a Model 3 and Model 7, that do have a slight upsweep, but my still go-to is a Model 5. That being said the Denmark looks pretty good, although I have not owned one. If I lived in Alaska, the Model 19-5 would be my first choice. Sorry for the rant.

Pap

Mike,
No need in being sorry, your posts are some of the best on the forum because they speak of true, first hand experience. I like reading all of the posts, but yours are some of my favorites..
Please continue

Beautiful Alaskan Capt.

Actually, my favorite hunting style blade is the semi-skinner. The best of all worlds, slightly upsweep, but drop point at the end. This is a 50 year old Case with a beech slab handle that i got in college and used in our meats lab. We butchered every farm animal and we were graded on our quality of knife work. Most of my classmates bought the semi-skinner. Wish there was a Randall version. Bob Loveless had this design, but added a single hilt, which I like.

Pap

Mike that is very close to the Green River skinner which is a favorite of mine. Not for gutting though.