I only own knives to use. I don't knife fight and don't dream about knife fighting either. And I'm not a butcher. So. IMHO, before Schrade gave up the ghost, their cliphanger series was terrific. Gerber used to make a smallish LMF that was a very good knife. I have a relatively current Gerber EVO that is not bad for the money. But the knife that rides in the pocket everyday is the Case Serpentine Stockman, with that good old school chrome vanadium steel, and a jigged bone handle. A true classic. Cuts what needs cutting. Looks good doing it, feels good in the pocket. What else is there for a pocket knife to do?
Fixed blade numero uno in the knife using kennel club around here is the Dozier Straight Personal. Big enough and small enough, tough enough and sure as hell sharp enough, easy enough to carry and safe enough too in that awesome kydex sheath that Bob provides. If I could only have one, that would be it.