tl;dr - buy a Kershaw Leek in 14C28N steel if you're American and I think most Europeans. I will include a Bong recommendation.
The
Leek is a 20 year old design by Ken Onion that's become a pocket knife classic. I had always felt that it was too small and dainty for me as I'm a big dumb idiot who is hard on tools. That was until I bought one for my mother who decided one day that she "wanted a real knife". Unfortunately she passed before I could gift her Leek, but it's become a favorite of mine since I started using it.
It comes in a wide variety of scales (handle colors), so you aren't limited to a tacticool palette. There are other steels, but buy a one in 14C28N. It takes a keen edge, is easy to sharpen, and has reasonable edge retention. Don't get a serrated edge unless you cut a lot of cloth or cordage. My only real complaint is the lack of sharpening choil, but that can be easily added. The Leek will last a lifetime properly maintained.
The thinner blade combined with a hollow grind makes it a great slicer while the Wharncliffe-esque blade shape makes it great for draw cuts. It has a spring assisted opening mechanism, so check your local laws. The UK banned locking mechanisms because who wants to use a knife that can lock open safely.
There is even a safety on the Leek so you can lock it closed. The Leek was an early spring assisted opener and the safety is a relic from the time when people were unsure how safe they were. It can give you piece of mind that it won't jostle open while in your purse or getting shoved around in a junk drawer.
For Brits,
Spyderco makes some UK compliant knives. Get one preferably in N690Co steel or at least 12C27.