FWIW
IMO, tantos are not very useful for utility, can be a huge PITA to sharpen, and they will have a shorter service life if used for utility IMO...if you want a knife for utility, I recommend sticking with a modified drop point or hybrid.
My first recommendation is the Spyderco G10 Delica (or the Endura, the larger sibling.) It is much cheaper than other knives of similar build, very well made, uses VG-10 steel that is tough & easy to sharpen, and the full flat grind it uses is, IMO, superior than a hollow grind or a saber/scandi grind in regards to general-use knives.
If you want to spend less, you can also find the FRN-handled Delicas in a full flat grind...IIRC they are like 60 bucks.
My second recommendation is the Kershaw Blur. The Blur has been made in every color imaginable and has been made using no less than 10 different steels. Of special note is their use of CPM-154CM and CPM-S30V. You can often find factory seconds for a very low price, and these knives are generally deemed factory seconds due to minor cosmetic imperfections. So, in effect, you can get a folder that uses the outstanding S30V for under 50-60 bucks.
There's nothing wrong with the standard steels on the Blur, but they do not hold an edge that is comparable to CPM-154 or S30V. Both CPM-154CM (NOT 154CM...which is the same ingredients but with a different method) and CPM-S30V have been designed to be very good performers across the board -- that means very good edge-holding, outstanding toughness & chip resistance, and very good corrosion resistance.
Finally, my third recommendation is the Kershaw Link. The Link is an entry-level knife, but unlike most knives priced around $30, it is USA-made. Using only 420 HC, it is not going to hold an edge anything like the other steels I have mentioned, but that's why we have sharpeners. Further, this knife also uses aluminum handles, a well-designed liner lock, and the handle has outstanding grip comfort. Not many knives pack this kind of punch for the price.
