I know I'm gonna go against the grain here, but that's never shut me up before.
Let me start by setting the tone: I am NOT a steel snob. I like a great steel, but it doesn't dissuade me if it's not a super steel. I also can't afford the extremely high priced custom blades out there. They are cool, and I would love to have some of them, but our budget goes elsewhere. I also understand why businesses make overseas knives, and firmly believe that quality of goods is more important than where it comes from.
Ok, now, with that out of the way: I am a huge fan of CRKT. I have a LOT of their knives. A LOT! I love the feel, the styles, the variety (not black, black and black, or everything has the same handle and hole. And they are affordable. Quality, variety, style, and value. Happy, Happy, Happy! I have other knives too, but I still like my CRKT knives, and use them as much as any other knife with a higher $$.
Best part: Their Customer Service rocks! Top Notch all the way! When I have had problems with a couple: two out of 40 or more, they not only help me with the issue, but usually are more than generous with their service and efforts to make sure I'm happy. Up there in customer service with Benchmade, Spyderco, Buck, and Gerber service (and yes, Gerber's service is amazing as well.).
I have the Hissatsu folder, Hissatsu fixed, and Heiho, and the Williams tactical pen, by far the best tactical pen out there, even beating my Benchmade. They are great knives. All three of them. Wiliams' newest offerings in folders and fixed blades are amazing looking, but budget constraints so far have me not buying them.
Like Esav said, yo can open an envelope, and other things with them, but their overall purpose is pretty self explanatory. All said, they would open body parts just fine as well.
But the Hissatsu or Otanashi Noh Ken first if you want to give it a go. Both will make you want the others.
BTW, the Boker Plus Kwaikens are hugely popular, and Boker's quality also top notch! Another great option.