Current dress code at work precludes carrying a knife of this type. My current EDC (I guess you could say this is an Urban EDC) knife is an SAK, Boyscout Huntsman with red handles. But not the knife type that is the premise of your thread. I never really got into the large folding single bladed tactical knives scene. I do like the medium Cold Steel Voyager and Columbia River's line of large folders but, I think, they violate one of your requirements (neither model is made in the US). The RSK Mk 1 also looks very good but alas, violates another of your requirements (over $50). Whatever you pick I would avoid serrations as a plain edge is easier to maintain in the bush. Just my $.02 and sounds like you already made your choice anyway. Let us know how it works out. Doubt you will find anyone here that doesn't have an opinion on knives though.