i've always used a 1 &1/4 front knobby for control, and just a normal road tire in the rear,
i've never had trouble with traction that could have been fixed with a different tire selection.
as for brakes, watch out with a front brake, you start skidding the front wheel, its almost impossible to bring it out. you'll have a nasty fold up. i'd rather lose the back end traction and be able to steer anyday,
most of my winter riding is extremely hilly, the oakland area of pittsburgh, steep hills, alot of the the roads are brick and belgium block, lots of slush and salt, my tire selection works fine for me there,
what do you guys ride in your respective terrains?