I used to favor Spyderco for quick, easy one-hand opening and decent steel. My son actually already has two of my old Spydercos.

I now favor the slightly more trim Kershaw Leek with the light G-10 handle, SpeedSafe assisted opening and S30V steel. I've had this for several years and have been very pleased with it.

Here'a a link:

http://www.kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=63&brand=kershaw

If you're fixin' to put a hole in something,
make it a hole to remember.