so i want a knife that meets the following qualifications. anyone want to help me and join the search? post your suggestions.

i want a drop point with a lot of belly, the more the better
nothing with a narrow blade, the wider the blade, the better
no fancy designs, traditional styles are better for me
no axis lock (bad experience)
used for outdoor purposes
blade steel is not much of a factor
blade length 2.5"-3.5"
has to have steel liners (unless the handle itself is metal)
no plastic! fiberglass, g10, steel, anything else is fine.
solid
pocket clip, but does not have to be reversible or anything, no "waved" pocket clip like on the vex, i hate that. just something simple and functional.
no serrations
doesn't have to be benchmade
needs to be under $50, the less the better
made in USA is better, but not necessary at this price point

for examples, i have looked at the spyderco tenacious and persistence, but the styling is just off a little for my taste. i like a more traditional knife style. i'm not that into fancy designs. I really like this knife: http://www.cutco.com/products/...t.jsp?itemGroup=1891
but it's out of my price for this knife and i don't know if it has steel liners, otherwise, it would be PERFECT.

so, any finds?

I'd say, for a folder, the Dejavoo is right up your alley. But it doesn't fit the criteria so far as price goes.

After eliminating the "no plastic handles" and "no axis lock"items, that pretty much kills a lot of the BM models right off the bat.

There are a few other companies out there (prolly shoulda started this thread in the "chit chat" section, since you've mentioned it doesn't neccessarilly have to be BM).

But with that said, I'll play along a little bit here (or till the thread gets moved or what have you....no big whoop).

The only non BM that I can think of that would probably suit your needs is the Lone Wolf Raven (at least it's one that I've had first hand expierience with). I think it's called something else now, can't remember off the top of my head.

But it's got most of the criteria that you've asked about. 3 inch blade, liner lock, g-10 handles, and the price range is around 50 bucks give or take (I think I paid around 70-ish or so....dunno how much wiggle room you've got there). But it's a very solid knife, it holds an edge like nobody's buisiness. I've used it extensively, and all I've had to do is give it a couple of licks on a strop, and it's back to a killer edge (I think I've had it for about 3 months or so).

What else ??? Made in the USA, nice ergos for the size. Rock solid all around. I think the belly is par for the course, but it's got some depth to it.

Like I said, I don't know how much "wiggle room" you've got in your criterium, but to keep this on point in this sub forum, some ones that I can think of would be the Lum, the grips, the larger activator (although that's a fixed blade), a couple of the HD knives, and one or two of the HK series.

Good luck with your search. You've got a lot of variables in there.

Under $50, for Benchmades I'd suggest the Vex again, also take a look at the Monochrome. Both would fit your list of options.

For other Mfr's, the Spyderco Tenacious is a good looking knife and a lot of people seem to like it.

Hope that helps.

Freefall, I sent you a PM.

You could try taking a look at the Buck Vantage Avid that is new for this year.

-3 1/4" blade
-13C26 Sandvik steel(you said steel didn't matter)
-Dymondwood handle
-MSRP $50

First three I thought of

Boker Hyper

Boker Trance

Byrd Catbyrd

i'm thinking manix 2

Benchmade 426 sounds like it would fit if you can find one! By the way, if you find one, I'll buy it from ya .

EDIT: Just noticed the $50.00 limit, so you can probably scratch the 426...

You're definately in the range, so I'd back up what Joe said and recommend the Vex... I have one, its a great knife for the price.. Built like a tank.