My EDC blade is a simple folding blade knife that I picked up for about $10. I used to carry a few nice SOGs or Cold Steal but I have a tendency to loose stuff by setting it down in the middle of something the forget where I put stuff. I too used to carry a multi-tool but after "donating" a few of them to TSA I decided to stop.
I fall into the idea that if it feels good in the hand and you are going to use it then it is a good blade. Dont get to caught up in brands because a well loved pocket knife is going to get abused in ways that will make a knife maker cry. I know I have used mine as everything from a screwdriver to a prybar to a jumper for an electrical circuit. (Oh and I have cut a thing from time to time too.)