In your price range all the major brands will have something nice. I am a fan of zero tolerance, kershaw, boker, spyderco, cold steel, benchmark, etc. Look for good steel(elmax, m390, s30v, sv35n, vg10, most of the cmp’s, etc).
I would suggest against a liner lock do to the metal being thin. It usually will wear out over time. Instead look for a frame lock or other types to keep the blade securely open. Also pay attention to the grip. Micarta is grippy even when wet. Not saying others aren’t also, just something to consider.
I currently carry a Zero Tolerance 0566 blackwash for just shy of $100, but that seems like a hard deal to find now. Love it, I beat the piss out of it and it just keeps on going. Easy to sharpen, stays sharp for a long time, and isn’t brittle or prone to chipping. Definitely the benefit of a higher hrc elmax blade(powder steel). Also it’s a frame lock.
I am currently eyeing a new type of karambit. It’s at the high end of your price range, but under 2.5” with d2 steel. It’s not great steel at the price, but decent(Not stainless). It is however the first of its kind. A karambit that opens quickly, one handed, without adjusting your grip. It is out of stock, but can be found elsewhere.
PROVOKE™
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