You could get it Rockwell tested.
I would just put a good sharp edge on it then use it and see how long it stays sharp for while using either on processing an animal, cutting carboard or any other task.
Sam G - you probably already know, but it sounds like all moose and caribou is going to LEH this year.
We flew with BC Yukon Air. I would give them a call and see what lakes are available for the dates you have available.
It took a bit of tinkering to get better than 1.25-1.75 moa, but I found a load with 130 TMK’s over 46.5gr of Viht560 that shoots good, but not real fast
From that list I've only worn Kuiu 7800 and Mystery Ranch Marshall guide LT. Of the 2, MR was more comfortable for me.
I also have the Seek Outside Revolution 6300 which is my favorite for packing moose/elk quarters.
I got it in one foot on a sheep hunt (2022), lasted almost a year. I switched out my everyday shoe for a zero drop, minimalist style (Vivo ESC). I did my weighted rucks with these boots to on a steep local hill. Feet have been fine since then and were great on 2023 sheep hunt.
The high end steel knife would do the entire animal too (if the steel was heat treated properly). Personally I find it easier to keep a knife's edge sharp rather than let it get dull then have to hone it back to sharp again. Plus a screaming sharp edge just cut with less effort than one that...
That was 13 years ago.... I was younger & stronger then I guess!
That tent was 1.5 man weighed 6.5lbs.
My sleeping bag, pad, pack…. Everything was heavier back then…. Before I discovered rokslide 😱
Need high power for counting rings. I have a 15-45x65 Athlon and wish I had more zoom. Tripod is 525 promaster. Pics were taken through spotter with a phoneskope.
I echo what the others have said, maybe get a bigger bag for your pack. The 6.5 Tikka will work fine. If you want to drop some coin a Wildcat or other fibregalss/carbon stock would make it lighter.
1st ram I shot was on a solo fly-in sheep hunt. The only flat spot suitable for a tent was about 500 yards from where I spotted a grizzly earlier that day. The next day I got my ram and was back at the same tent spot that night. Slept with one eye open, headlamp on my head, and a fresh one in...