Just noticed this thread. I likely own 90% of the knives mentioned. It be pretty hard for me to pick out just one "favorite".
One of my more constant companions is a Spyderco Bob Lum Tanto folder. This is just a damn nice blade. They do not make it anymore, although you can find them now and then online.
There is a photo on this page of the one I have:
https://tinyurl.com/2cxu2l
(The uncoated blade, not the blacked out one)
I also like the original Micheal Walker Blade Lock Knife by CRKT...agian not available now it seems...
For ones still available, for the money you can't go wrong with the Kershaw Liner lockblade seen here:
https://tinyurl.com/2h4aao
they made several blade configurations, but the plain blade in large is my favorite.
I like the other "assisted opening" knive they make ..I have the Rainbow Leek and the other "vegtables" , but really like the Whirlwind:
https://tinyurl.com/2qgdrf
I think the Gerber line is not as well made as they used to be. I also had a Gerber AR 3 that I liked, but when I replaced it after it got lost, the new one was not up to the quality as the "old" one.
The price had dropped too, so perhaps that may have been a clue.
I'm not sure why someone posted they would not want a stainless steel blade..modern steels used in knives now are amazing, and as most pocket knives see all sorts of "enviroments" a stainless blade just makes too much sence.
For a fixed blade knife , I really like the Recon Tanto by Cold Steel , or the Hissatsu knife from CRKT with the titanium coated blade:
https://tinyurl.com/34p7xs
If you are just looking for a simple pocket knife, either tactical or fancy, you can't go wrong with a folder from Boker..they have many to choose from in every price range:
https://www.1877knifeshop.com/boker/index.htm
But if you really want something special, and have some money to burn, go here:
https://www.customknives.com/
Knifemaker