Any idea of your budget or more specific on what you want length wise?

The Delica or Endura are always solid buys that won't break the bank.
http://www.knifeworks.com/spydercodelicaflatgroundvg10satinplainbladegrayfrnhandles.aspx
http://www.knifeworks.com/spydercoenduraflatgroundvg10satinplainbladegrayfrnhandles.aspx

ETA:
I'm also a big Benchmade fan and really like their axis lock but the price goes up a bit. Love my 950 Rifts but the Griptilian(or mini-grips) are a good choice for not too much more than the Spyderco's above. With respect to the glass breaker and seatbelt cutter; if you don't want to make them part of the knife you can always just get one of these and keep it in the car

http://www.knifeworks.com/houdiniescapetoolyellowbody.aspx

and while it looks bulky they have the new Triage with everything built in--I'm not a big fan of the blade profile though
http://www.knifeworks.com/benchmade916triageblackg10handlescomboedge-1.aspx

 

Yea, to stay on a budget its hard to get a do all knife like the triage without getting a ****ty imatation chinese knife. I love spyderco and would recommend the delica or endura as well. Spydercos range of knives is HUGE though. But both those knives are great starting knives. $50 to $60 is not bad, you get a lot of knife for the money and the vg10 is a great steel. I have a grey ffg delica right next to me too. Btw, soon (supposedly May sometime) they are releasing black ffg versions, as of now they only have black with the saber grind. The ffg is alittle thinner then the saber grind versions.

Benchmade makes good knives too, I think spydercos offer alittle bit more and are more ergonomic but benchmades not bad. Only thing, the axis lock is great, but! its blade retention is not very strong. Even the light mini grip you can flick out without touching the blade. Maybe this is what youd want, but just remeber that then it is considered a gravity knife, so there are legality issues if you get caught. Just something to think about.

 

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=233764&goto=newpost

 

Hes not looking for an edc to carve wood and skin with....so that thread is useless.

 

Doesn't Illinois have a 3" blade limit for carrying a pocketknife? That would rule out any large blades.

 

an Emerson CQC14 Snubby if ya can find one :thumb:

http://www.knifecenter.com/item/EMC...-Snubby-Folding-Knife-27-inch-Stonewash-Plain-Blade-with-Wave-Black-G10-Handles

 

For practical use I carry a benchmade pika .
For defensive purposes I carry a cold steel Ti-lite .
If you learn how to open a ti-lite the way it was intended ( actually quite easy ) , I think its actually faster than any other knife out there , spring assisted included .
The ti-lite is designed so that as you unclip and draw the knife , a quillon ( knub ? ) , catches on the inside of your pocket and opens itself .
Probably the only jacknife that is actually designed for quick draw .
Combined with its well made stilleto blade , I think its an excellent people poker .

 

While not a folder it is a pocket knife.

CRKT Bear Paw - Designed by Russ Krommer.

We have one taped to the bottom of the steering column in each of our vehicles--glass breaker, belt cutter, box cutter, letter opener and fingernail cleaner etc. all for $30.

Another nice one for about $27:

CRKT Neckolas - Designed by Terry Renner

or The Minimalist line - Designed by Alan Folts for around $22.

 

As in all cases it will boil down to personal preference but I've been carrying the Spyderco Stretch for several months now. The composite handle makes it light and thin yet it's strong and durable. I happen to like the new steel alloy, ZDP-189. It's a high carbon steel that acts like a stainless steel. Holds an edge very well.

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=278

 

Buy another Kershaw haha! I've been carrying the 'Leek' forever now :thumb:

 

Kershaw Need Work knife is awesome for $30

 

No thoughts on the old victorinox multi function? Been stuck without a can opener one too many times.

 

Something multi purpose, seat belt cutter/glass breaker would be nice also.

Blade length not being restricted, Benchmade Triage

 

When I read your post the first knife to pop into my head is the Spyderco Police in all stainless. Might be more money (spent one time) than you want to pay but it's way more knife than any cheaper knife.

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=2

 

Stick with benchmade, my favorite. I have had the griptilian for 3 years now and I love it yet. Still holds a great edge and is big enough to do some dirty work. Run you about 100$ but best 100$ you will ever spend on a knife.

My dagger I carry.

 

Stick with a Kershaw. I love my Leek.

 

All men should carry a swiss army knife

 

Ka-Bar

I recommend the kabar k2 agama. it is a fairly rugged knife for a good price I paid $25 for mine but im sure you could find it cheaper online.

 

I carry a 3 blade stockman knife every day. Lucky for me I got the Shrade before the original USA company closed its doors. Longest blade is 2.75 inches.

 

Boker S2

What about the Boker S2(Sniper Bladeworks Collab)?

http://joejuniorsfarm.blogspot.com/2012/08/boker-s2sniper-bladeworks-collab.html