I disagree about the kukri machete criticism. They're very good. I have a Cold Steel one, which was cheap, <$30, don't remember exactly.
I can confidently recommend one. Be careful, though. You see some people whacking away all day, near their fingers. NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPENOPENOPENOPENOPENOEPNOEPNEOPENOPENOPENOPE nope-nope-nope
I would add that the basic Leatherman has a very nice clipped tip knife. Each knife type provides a different set of abilities. There's no one magic shape. I like the katana-type tip, for piercing. It's good to have a razor holder, as some work is easiest with a razor.
Those wimpy little pocket knives your grandpa had are actually very nice for whittling (aka field expedient… things creator).