Blmpkn,
Check out SOG, they are a Seattle company and they cater to the US military and make nice stuff. The first one I'd seen was a friend's pocket knife. It was the Trident ($75ish) open assist model. It has many features I wanted so I kept my eyes open for deals.
I have himed/hawed over many models but finally pulled the trigger when I caught a sale at The local sporting goods joint. It was a Flare ($39), though I really liked it, I traded with a neighbor for a passing favor.
I later spotted a fixed blade SOG that I though would be useful, a SOG Ace. It is marketed as a camp knife, The Walmart carried them @ $27 but decided to do the "rollback"; I think it was $9 at that point.
I brutalize and punish this knife at every opportunity. I have made it a point and goal to misuse it to fail. So far no luck, it just shrugs off my abuse. It is my favorite!!!
If I were shopping for a knife it would be a SOG, if I forgot to bring one and I needed a blade in a pinch, I would go to The Walmart and grab another $7.97 open assist from the case (Ozark Trail Assisted Opening 6312) and be on my way; actually a very dependable knife).