The knife is so fast you don't even have to sneak up on deer or use the bow. I get plenty of deer meat just opportunistically slashing them when they run by.

I've snuck up on trolls before, but you can also just parry them with a bronze buckler and then slash them as they're reeling. I would like to try a soldier, but the only time I fight them is in mines, and it doesn't seem like sneaking up on them is generally an option there. Maybe someday.