I have a Benchmade 710 that I use as an EDC, but I have to echo HD's answer.
The Spydie Military, Police and Endura models will serve you well.

I'd wait for the ZT 0350 (smaller version of the ZT 0300), it's about the same size as the zt 0200 but with flat g-10 handles instead of the 3-d machined handles (thicker). Comes out in April.

i'm waiting on the endura and will report back after it lands

got it to relieve the itch more than anything else! everyone has been buying serious steel..sniff, I feel left out!

that and I can't make a decision on what to buy next! probably will be the rmd, but I would really like to know what else the swamp has in mind...

+1 on the Spyderco Endura and the ZT200. Great folders.

Couple of other cheaper suggestions are the Kershaw RAM and Junkyard Dog II.

I think once you have gone into the "good quality" zone on a folder...which those you mention and the Spyderco's others have mentioned are in...it is just a matter of personal preference.

If as a LEO you can carry an "auto" it might serve as an advantage if needed for "backup"...the "flick" trick on opening can fail in a crisis moment. POP's suggestion is interesting...I have had a Benchmade "Auto" which I liked and used in a similar role in the military a lot of years ago...but they can raise eyebrows among colleagues if you use it for simple knife chores. My excuse was it was useful for a cut away knife on "jumps"...but I became a fan of a small inside of the wrist mounted fixed blade for this as it seemed more "failsafe" so I swapped the auto for a Benchmade Walter Brend frame lock and still have this now...some 25 years later.

As others have said, it's tough to go wrong with the Spydercos or Benchmades in the better steels like S30V/ZDP189 etc. 154CM and VG10 are good too at the lower price points. The Griptilian is a very popular Benchmade that is available in a bunch of different configurations at prices that won't break the bank.

Kershaw also makes some nice knives, especially if you like an assisted opener or flipper. The JYDII is a really solid, very cost effective knife in the Sandvik 13C26 steel or even better in the new composite 13C26/D2 blade.

A lot of pocket knife decisions can be boiled down to just a few choices: 1) Blade steel, 2) Blade length, shape, and serrations or not 3) opening method (and assisted or not), 4) locking mechanism (Walker, framelock, Axis, etc.), 5) handle length and shape, 6) handle material. Figure out these 6 things and you'll know what knife to buy <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

The Spyderco Endura would be a great choice. Good solid dependable knife and easy to keep sharp. There is also a Drone available for training. The Military is also a good choice. The CS American lawman with there new Tri-ad lock is worth having a look at. I have not handled one but the Lock is impressive.

All of the knives mentioned above are top notch. That new ZT350 is sweet!

Thanks fellas! Keep em coming!

I thought about an auto, but I always afraid of seting it off in my pocket. If you put the safety on, your making it harder for your motor functions then if you just had a thumb stud folder.

I am really surprised no one said go with the lone wolf.

ZT200 gets my vote. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

It's a little big for some people, but a great all around hard use folder.

I've got a first generation extra large Lone Wolf Harsey folder that has the LAWKS locking system that makes a great folder as well, but they stopped putting the LAWKS on them after the first bunch, not sure why, I thought it was great!

Spydercos are great knives, I have quite a few. I've been looking at Benchmade lately, but don't own one yet. Here's a review I did of the SS Spyderco Endura if you want to see it: Stainless Steel Spyderco Endura

My EDC is a Spyderco Stretch II. I use the crap out of it and have not had to sharpen it yet.. ZDP-189 is some amazing stuff as far as edge retention goes..