My 'utility' knife which I've had for quite a few years now and has held up rather well is:
Columbia Knife and Tool Polkowski/Kasper "Companion"
I have one sheath attached to the strap of my hiking pack so its a simple grab and reach. The Belt sheath can clip just about anywhere and keep the knife handy, but the sheath is a too tight to allow a very young child to pull the knife free. Not a great 'tactical' knife as it does rattle a little in the sheath, but does its job well
Here are the specifics:
The Polkowski Kasper is an AUS 6M full-tang, medium size fixed blade design that has a deep finger choil, pinky catch, finger groove, a half-guard and thumb serrations, all in an effort to improve the grasp of the knife. The scales are contoured with swells at the pommel and have a textured non-slip surface. The dual sheath system is injection molded Zytel and permits the knife to be carried or mounted in various ways.
The CRKT Polkowski/Kasper Companion is based on Al's custom Companion. Its dimensions were chosen for convenience and utility, or as he says, "I wanted a knife that the average person could carry."
Used by: Bob Kasper, Kelly McCann
Model Name Polkowski/Kasper "Companion"
Manufacturer CRKT
Type Medium fixed blade
Weight 6.5 oz.
Overall length 8.56”
Blade length 3.56”
Handle length 4.5”
Blade thickness 0.14"
Color Matte black handle, bead blasted medium grey blade
Blade type Single edge drop Point
Blade material AUS 6M 55-57 HRC
Blade finish Bead blasted
Handle material Injection molded POM
Handle finish Matte Black
Sheath 2 Dual Zytex, general purpose & trouser carry
Ergonomics: Superior feel for normal size hands. Very large hands will have problems because the return on the butt confines the hand. Thin handle feels good. Deep finger choil feels great. Knife feels comfortable in all grips.
Carry: Dual Zytex sheath was made for belt, it sits comfortably and draws fast.
Concealment: Thin knife can be easily concealed.
Deployment: Can be drawn very quickly. It would be nice to have a Nealy concealed rig system for this knife.
Maintenance: Simple, wipe and keep clean
Legal issues: Be careful in states with fixed blade restrictions.