I carried an assortment of pocket knives for a good portion of my younger days. Mostly inexpensive folders of some U.S. manufacture. I had a few Buck 110's or their equivalent but never liked it for an everyday knife. They still live on in truck consoles and gear bags but they are just too big to be a pocket knife.
Then one day more than 30 years ago I was in a pawn shop/gun store/tool dealer - whatever establishment; and had a little cash in my pocket. They had a very early Spyderco. All stainless, AUS-6 steel plain edge blade, pocket clip, thin, just the right size. It was, without a doubt, one of the best purchases I ever made. That knife was carried, used and abused for over 25 years and I was finally forced to retire it.
I replaced it with a Spyderco Delica II which is maybe a 1/4" longer, a bit more refined than the old one and has a VG-10 steel blade.
I've owned and used a pile of knives over the years, some high end, some cheap, some old and most just tools. I have old Case pocket knives, Buck knives, American knives, German knives, etc.
For tool box knives, I want enough quality that I don't hurt myself. Those aluminum handled folders that take a utility blade are handy and strong enough they work. They are basically folding utility knives.
But for everyday carry - NOTHING beats those medium size, all stainless, Spyderco knives.
One hand operation to open and close. High quality steel. Thin, no bigger than it needs to be. Extremely well made. It's like a Swiss watch that cuts things.