I used to do everything with a small Gerber lock blade. It had a hole in the end and I keep it on my key chain. Squirrel to deer it did it all. It wore out lock would not lock and blade was much shorter than a new one. It had about a one and a half inch blade. Small can get it done.

That said today I have stiff hands and arthritis and reduced dexterity at 45. So I prefer a knife thet fills my hand and longer blade. Kershaw makes some knifes that are thin and not noticeable in my pocket but also wide and long enough they fill my hand and have 4.25 or so blade. They discontinued my favorite one.

So small can get it done but with a knife thats thin larger can also go un noticed in your pocket on a clip and be easier to use and controll if your hands are geting stiff.

I carry an Old timer three blade stockman, and an Opinel No.6.

4 blade hen and rooster

Spyderco manix or para 2 in magnacut, or benchmade Osborne in S90V

Schrade Oldtimer Trapper

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1021480641?pid=433747 - These are about perfect IMO. Not too expensive, blade locks, not too big, very versatile and it holds a good edge.

I like to carry Kershaw launch auto's.

Kershaw

Old Timer ...Improved Muskrat USA.

Sharpens up quick

Been in the washing machine

Missing in my wool ice fishing pants for a year..

But keeps coming back

I've always preferred the American made Schrades. I carry a 77OT the bulk of the time. During spring turkey season I carry 97OT for the saw blade and making quick blinds.
To answer the original question, I was given a Benchmade by a really cool guy from Nebraska. It has been a good knife, holds an edge well and has a decent sized handle. The light weight and pocket clip keeps it from falling out of my pocket when I'm hanging upside down at work, and I've come close to losing a couple old timers that way.

This Gerber knife is very thin but super strong.

Ontario Rat1A is my main one.



But a Camper model SAK also rides in that pocket.



This one my left pocket. A kabar d'eskabar.



And this one on my strongside hip. Camillus CQB1.



And if it counts a gerber scout multitool and streamlight strion in a paddle holster.

I have been carrying a CRKT Facet for 2 years. I really like it.

I carry an old timer

Toooo many.
kbar and Stanley.
Used from conventions.

I visited Case Zippo,
expensive trip. They fix or replace free.

MnJag
You might think about yard sales or antique stores, I have a three blade Camillus USA built I carry for good I paid 3 dollars for it. Then I have a 3 blade Imperial USA built I got at a yard sale it was with a package of ten or so used pocket knives I asked if he would sale it separate and he told me to just take it and take care of it. Both are great knives and hold up to anything you throw at them.

Rat 1 is a strong knife.........but really, Warrior..........you should have the D2 steel version.

Don't care for D2, the d'eskabar is D2. Got minor pitting on it and harder than woodpecker lips. It's my beater/pry bar blade.

ATS-34/154CM is my preferred steel.