I admit I like to carry high-end custom knives when I can, mostly folders but also the occasional fixed blade. However, when I'm anticipating really needing a knife that will receive, I won't say abuse, but probable hard use or very specific use (as in wet, or self-protection etc.) there are two that I always reach for. Here they are:
The Spyderco Massad Ayoob model is unfortunately no longer made. I suspect it had limited appeal, mostly to those gun folks who know Massad as a giant in the handgun world - note the 'pistol grip' style handle. This is my personal protection knife. I removed the clip and applied black grip-tape to both sides. This not only makes for a secure hand grip but allows me to slip the knife inside the belt-line of my pants, at the ready but without slipping out. I don't carry it this way all day, just when the situation is shall we say, "uncomfortable." The rest of the time it goes easily in a pocket where it is also quickly available.
The Chris Reeve Sebenza is very solid and built to tight specifications just like the Spyderco. Even so I took them both apart and 'tuned' them, then re-assembled using a little loc-tight here and there. Neither have required any tightening at all despite several years of frequent carry and use. I removed the clip on the Sebenza (don't like clips) and on the reverse side of the knife I inserted a bit of black grip-tape in the recess where the base of the clip went. This small spot fits the pad of my right 'little' finger for added security when opening the knife one-handedly. It's one of those little details that just happened to work out. The leather 'thong' is there to help prevent the smooth surfaced knife from inadvertently slipping out of my pocket while sitting, getting in and out of the car, on or off of the motorcycle etc. (This is how I've lost knives that were clipped to my pocket before and is why I don't like clips, plus they can hang up on clothing just when I don't need that to happen!)
Each to his or her own. There's probably no best knife and no best way to carry one but this is what has evolved for me over time. Thanks for allowing me to share with you here.