Check out the Byrd line of knives. They are made by Spyderco. You get a lot for your money. I have the "Robin" model and the "Meadowlark" model. These are the same knife, just in different sizes (the Robin is smaller). I also have a Spyderco "Native" which is more expensive than the Byrd's, but I actually like the Byrd's just as well. I EDC the "Robin" 95% of the time. The "Native" is EDC'ed the remaining 5%. I would EDC the Meadowlark too, but my daughter abscounded with it for her hiking activities!

http://newgraham.com/store/product/4713/Byrd-Robin-FRN-Plain-Edge-BY10PBK/

http://newgraham.com/store/product/2987/Meadowlark-PE-Black-FRN-BY04PBK/

I'll second the Byrd line. Even though they're made offshore, by all reports the quality is well beyond what the price range suggests and up to Spyderco's standards.

Another line to consider is the Buck Vantage series. These are US made, and come in three steels: the standard 420HC, Sandvik 13C26, and S30V. The S30V model (with G10 scales) can be found for under $50 online, while the 420HC goes for around $20. The blade shape seems well-suited for outdoors use. This will probably be my next folder.

Here's a link to Knifecenter , since they have info on the whole line. If you shop around you may find a little lower prices.

Cutlery Shoppe has the S30V model for $39.75. I hear their shipping is on the high side, though, so may pay to compare. Still, it may be the cheapest price for a good quality knife in S30V:

http://www.cutleryshoppe.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=8688&HS=1

Thanks, all!

I think I've decided to go with the Spyderco Dragonfly, which is small but should suit my needs. $36 from Amazon.com for the serrated model, $10 more for the plain blade, free shipping in either case.

Thoughts on/experience with the Spyderco Dragonfly, or strong feelings on plain vs. serrated?

Knifecenter has a white handled plain edged one for $29.99.

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=SP28PWH

Not sure if I like the white myself, but the price is good.

Edit: Spyderco serrations are excellent.

Here's a good article on plain vs. serrated from A.G. Russel:

http://www.agrussell.com/Articles/a/108/

plain vs. serrated:
If the knife will used for cutting webbing, rope or other fibrous material, serrations help. Otherwise, I prefer plain edge knives. My EDC are all plain, the knife in the truck's console is fully serrated.

Plain for me because I use a knife for more than cutting rope.

Thanks, everyone. I decided to spring for the plain blade, black handled Dragonfly from Amazon at $44 shipped.

I bought Kabar Dozier Spearpoint folders for my kids. My son carries his, but my daughter keeps her's in a drawer next to my "TV chair". It gets used ALLLLL the time in the house. Cutting open boxes, those nasty plastic cases, ... , and it has held up well.

I like my Rittergrip lots better, BUT I'm impressed with the Kabar Dozier.

You CAN get a Delica or Endura for $50 if you look hard enough (eBay). But even if the average street price is a few $ more, it's a great investment. You get a totally reliable folder with a strong and foolproof lock plus superior blade steel (VG-10). YMMV but I think Spyderco makes some of the best priced high performance folders at this point.

Re: CRKT, they have some interesting designs but I could never convince myself to get one of their folders. Their choice of blade steels like AUS-4/6 is a major turn off for me.

Good choice. You should be very happy with it. Spyderco makes great knives. I like your choice for a plain edge blade too. I've never liked serrations on smaller bladed knifes. For me, they get in the way more than they help. Especially if the smaller bladed knife is "partially serrated". There are not enough serrations, and not enough plain blade on a small knife - so it ends up being the worst of both worlds IMHO.