If you want to buy one knife and never have to buy another, without spending a bucketload of money get the Al Mar SERE 2000. Its built like a brick shithouse. Its got the feel, fit, and finish of a custom made knife with the price tag of a reasonable production model. Its a 'tactical' knife that you can still beat the hell out of at the camp site without ruining it. The opening action is so smooth and fast that most people ask me if the knife is a switchblade or assisted opening the first time they see me open it. The VG-10 steel sharpens easily and holds a nice edge for a long time. I've been carrying mine for about a year and have done everything from preparing food to cutting cardboard to hammering in nails with the handle and the knife has never even come close to disappointing me. The pocket clip is also fantastic
The only drawback to it is the weight, its a bit on the hefty side but it rides amazingly light in the pocket and is pretty well balanced.
http://www.almarknives.com/sere-2000-p-56.html