For those unaware, here are links to the knife companies fellow CPF'ers carry, plus notes of some of my favorites for EDC:
Al Mar Knives (SERE 2000, a bit big for me, but one of the best "all around" utility/survival folders made)
Benchmade Knives (Mel Pardue 720, love the Axis lock, great design/shape/size. Would be my EDC if they made the handles in titanium.)
Chris Reeve Knives (Sebenza, period.)
Emerson Knives (CQC-7A [spearpoint]. "The original tactical folder" [tanto version] that started it all. Ernie has a cult following, and for good reason.)
MicroTech Knives (SOCOM, UDT, LUDT, Mini-SOCOM, LCC, etc. This company makes some of the finest tactical folder anywhere--too bad the owner ran the company into the ground. I hear they might be making a comeback. Let's hope so.)
Mission Knives (not really known for folders, but they make superb fixed blades)
Spyderco (Delica, Endura, Wenger, etc. Too many great, economical EDC knives to count!)
Strider Knives (AR is nice, but very big for EDC. SnG is "the kind" if you can get your hot little hands on one.)
You will be well-served by almost any knife from any of the above-mentioned companies.
Opinions will differ on who "makes the best", or "best bang for the buck", but rest-assured they all make a quality product.
If you don't carry a knife every day, I ask "
why the hell not?"...