Looking for one good utility knife

[mgar64]

I like the Strider PT (though maybe too small) and SNG and the Large Sebenza. The price for those is hard to swallow though. I'm wondering whether a Bradley Alias I or Emerson CQC 10 might be decent alternatives.

I don't use a knife for my job and this would not be an EDC knife. I'm thinking of something I would put in my truck or slip in my pocket if I get stranded or if the SHTF. What tasks would I be using it for? I don't know .... so I figure I need / want something that can take abuse and handle just about any task a folder could be expected to handle. I know knives are not pry bars or screwdrivers or anything else. But what would you want in your pocket if you simply didn't have any such tools at your disposal?

Also I realize this question has been asked a billion times, but I'm curious what you guys think of the Alias and the CQC 10 as alternatives to some higher end knives. Also whether I should fork out the $$$ for maybe a used Sebenza or Strider and finally is the PT really too small?

 

[foxx]

I'd get a fixed blade if you just want to leave it in the truck. Get one that can fit on your belt, or pocket, 4" blade or so. A $100 FB will be stronger than most, if not any, folder, and cost less than a nice folder. Why do you want a folder, if you're going to leave it in the truck for emergencies?
I'd look at a Becker,Ka-Bar, or an ESEE, Bark River, or what ever floats your boat. Get something as thick and as strong as you think you need. If you think it's for being stranded in the woods, get a bushcraft knife, dangerous streets=figher, tree in the road=chopper or axe.
Heck you could get a 9"-12" blade or machete and put it behind the seat.
I think of folders as EDC, not something to stash for emergencies.

 

[neuron]

I agree with the suggestion of a fixed blade if it's going to be something that you stash in your truck instead of pocket carry.

Nevertheless, if you're wanting a tough folder that, as you put it, "can handle just about any task a folder could be expected to handle", there are excellent options well below the cost of a Bradley/Emerson, let alone a Strider/CRK. In particular, the Spyderco Manix 2 or any one of a trio of Cold Steel folders (the American Lawman, Recon 1, and AK-47) would fit that description, and can each be easily found for a price of $70 or less.