Reddit mentions of Spyderco Ambitious Value Folding Knife with 2.31" Stainless Steel Blade and Durable Black G-10 Handle - PlainEdge Grind - C148GP

Firstly, some unsolicited advice. If there's a low chance of the knife getting confiscated for whatever reason, I'd say save up a little more scratch and get something a little nicer. Alright, now that I've said that, I'm going to assume that you're going to completely ignore it. (Which is fine.)

Ontario RAT 2 always comes highly recommended. You pretty much can't go wrong here. It is a liner lock, which will be a little easier to use one-handed than a lockback. Though maybe only if you're right handed.

I think if I were going for a Spyderco in that range, I'd go with the Ambitious instead. (Right under $30, blade is 2.25 inches.) Or, save up a few extra bucks and go with the Persistence (Just under $35, blade is 2.75 in). The Byrd line is designed by Spyderco, but made by other companies under Spyderco's direction. I'm sure they are a decent value, but if that's what you want, I think you'd probably be better off, and happier, saving your money and getting a Delica 4.

You may also want to look into the Buck Vantage. It's a flipper, so easy opening is there. I think it's a liner lock as well. The steel is okay, but expect to be sharpening it fairly often (maybe once a week if you want to keep it razor sharp).

Another option is the Ka-Bar Dozier. It uses AUS-8A steel, which is pretty good for the price range (in my opinion). Thumb stud, lockback. This one's $20, so a little below your budget actually. Could use some of the money saved to get some sort of sharpening system (DMT Card maybe?)

Blue Ridge Zancudo, designed by the same people behind the RAT series. Pretty much the same idea, but I think the blade shape on the Zancudo is a little better if you need to be able to pierce things.

Last one, the Kershaw Shuffle. A little smaller, at 2.4 in blade length. But has a bottle opener, if you're into that sort of thing. Also, cheaper than any of the rest of the options here. I also think that this one probably has the best blade-shape, in my opinion. It's almost all belly.

Personally, I have found that having the longest knife you have is good, but a lot of the time most of that edge isn't put to good use. Sometimes it's too long, which makes it cumbersome. If you're mostly opening boxes and mail and stuff like that, something closer to a 2.5 inch blade might be more the ticket. I find that it makes it easier to make precise cuts.

It's great! Small yet feels great in the hand. Its my first Spyderco and I couldn't be happier!

It's also only $33 on Amazon.

For the record, I feel the same that the Cryo is too slippery - which is why I'm super glad Kershaw released a G10 version of it last year.

I also agree that the Tenacious is just a bit too big for EDC - and they do make the Persistence, which is a shrunken version of the Tenacious, with a 2.75 inch blade vs the Tenacious' 3-3/8 inch blade. If you wanna go even smaller, the Ambitious has a 2.25" blade. All 3 knives share a similar design (though the Ambitious is small enough that the proportions might look a little weird to some).

A few other knives of note that are standouts in the sub-$50 price range:

• CRKT Ripple - Ken Onion design with a more-traditional drop point blade, IKBS, 8Cr14MoV. Usually on most people's "Under $50" list.
  
  
• Kershaw Leek - Again, a little slippery and still Speedsafe but a slightly weaker torsion bar so not as forceful. Some people have issues with broken tips since they're a little thin, but this thing was the best under $50 when it came out.
  
  
• Ontario RAT 1 - At $25 this thing is a pretty great package, if not a little big. 3.5" blade, but it's AUS-8 if you don't like the 8Cr China steels (even if they are pretty similar).
  
  
• SOG Flash II - again, a 3.5 inch, AUS-8 blade. Assisted opening, but much less forceful than Speedsafe.
  
  
• The Kershaw Emerson CQC-6K has blown up since it's release and a lot of high speed low drag tactical types love it for EDC use. $25 makes it a pretty appealing choice and rock solid under $30.
  
  
• The Spyderco Delica 4 is just a touch over $50, averaging about $60, but it's also a go-to knife in the $50 for many people. VG-10 steel on this one is a big selling point.
  
  
• On the same hand, the Kershaw Blur is usually available for about $60, and for those looking for a big folder (seriously this thing is large) it's a great choice. Sandvik 14C28N as standard steel, also available with S30V for about $75.
  
  A few notes here
  
  
• You'll see a lot of sub $50 knives using 8Cr13MoV or 8Cr14MoV. The main difference is a little more Chromium in the 8Cr14MoV, leading to a little more corrosion resistance. A lot of people loved the Skyline, but there were a few issues with minor rust spots on the knives, leading to many companies switching to 8Cr14MoV for some of their knives (most of the budget Kershaws are 8Cr14MoV now).
  
  
• Kershaw has many many options for budget folders under $50, for all kinds of aesthetic tastes. The Chill, Thermite, Link, Oso Sweet, etc. I've owned a handful of Kershaws, and loved all of them, especially for the price.
  
  
• The 8Cr steels (13MoV and 14MoV) are pretty much on par with AUS-8, especially from CRKT, Spyderco, and Kershaw who all do a good job on their heat treats. There's a slight difference in hardness (3 to 4 HRC difference by most counts), but really they're nearly identical for all intents and purposes, mainly sharpening and edge retention. Some people just prefer AUS-8 because they don't like so called "China steel."
  
  
  ETA a few more links and some clarification of my still-awake-at-5am rambling.

Spyderco Ambitious Folding Knife - Black G-10 Handle with PlainEdge, Full-Flat Grind, 8Cr13MoV Steel Blade and LinerLock - C148GP https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MMSDHO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0XoKDb340M13P

These guys go on sale and can easily be had in the sub-$40 range. Super solid for the money.

Well heres a list of some from amazon.

• Opinel No8 Carbon Pocket Knife | $12 | 4.6 Stars
  
  
• Kershaw Chill Serrated Pocket Knife | $21 | 4.8 Stars
  
  
• Kershaw Brawler Speedsafe Knife | $23 | 4.5 Stars
  
  
• Ontario RAT Folding Knife | $27 | 4.8 Stars
  
  
• Kershaw Cryo Speed Safe Folding Knife | $30 | 4.4 Stars
  
  
• Spyderco Ambitious Plain Edge Knife | $33 | 4.5 Stars
  
  
• Spyderco Tenacious Plain Edge Knife | $34 | 4.7 Stars
  
  
• Camillus Carbonitride Titanium Folding Knife | $37 | 4.8 Stars
  
  
• Kershaw Ken Onion Leek Folding Knife with Speed Safe | $39 | 4.7 Stars
  
  Hope that helps!
  
  PS if you aren't sure about your knife laws check out this PDF just scroll to your state and check. Also /r/Knives can probably help you if you have more specific questions about knives. Although going to that sub-reddit will also probably mean spending more than $30 so be forewarned.

Another option, the Spyderco Ambitious. A lot along same lines, in your price range and offers some good quality for budget. It is not assisted like you like, but once you get the flick down using spyder hole, it is a fun little blade.
http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Ambitious-Black-PlainEdge-Knife/dp/B004MMSDHO

If you want a knife, take a look at the Kershaw Leek it's an awesome, medium sized folder, it is a great value for what you get. Amazon puts them on sale for sub $35 sometimes, so keep an eye out for that. It also has some different colored handle scales if you want to personalize it more to your liking.

If you want something a little smaller than the Leek, you could take a look at the Spyderco Ambitious, which is also a high value knife (less so than it's $35 bigger brother the Tenacious).

If you want an even smaller blade, take a look at the Spyderco Ladybug, it sports a 1.94 inch blade, so very inconspicuous and not "scary looking" at all. It'll look even more fun if you get yellow handle scales on it. They also have a purple version.

These are just a few options for you to look at, it really is only the tip of the iceberg. These are low cost, high value for what you get, I'm recommending the lower cost knives specifically because someone who isn't into knives might not value them as much (and thus not willing to pay higher amounts of money) compared to a person who is into knives. A lot of people think "What do I need a knife for?", well buy one, carry it on your person for a month and get back to me, you will see what a useful tool it is after carrying one for a decent amount of time.

I carry daily carry a Spyderco Ambitious, and it is perfect because even after a few years of use it is impossible to "flip" open using "centrifugal force" as referred to in NY Penal Law § 265 (5) yet it is very useful as an EDC because of its blade shape. It is only a 2.25 inch blade, but for using it as a tool it is more than adequate, and I would recommend it to anyone carrying in NYC. It cannon be flipped open because of the short blade and the low moment of inertia of the blade, as well as the high quality slip joint mechanism holding the blade in place while closed. You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Ambitious-Black-PlainEdge-Knife/dp/B004MMSDHO/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1415218781&sr=8-8&keywords=spyderco

I would recommend a Spyderco Tenacious I have one, and it is probably the most sturdy folder I have. If that is a little big, you could always go with the Ambitious for less length. Finally, if you want to go still smaller, a Kershaw Cryo 2 may fit the bill. But I only have personal experience with the Tenacious.

Spyderco

Docs

Spyderco Ambitious sounds like it would fit.

Edit: Or maybe a Cold Steel Tuff Lite

http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Ambitious-Black-PlainEdge-Knife/dp/B004MMSDHO

I respect your position coming into this and the responses you've given; very level overall and a nice reprieve from the folks that 'really want a karambit' for 'self defense' and 'because it looks cool'.

I'd say you should still take a look at the sidebar for knife choices if you'd be interested in carrying one. While it is an inferior self defense tool in many cases compared to a lot of alternatives (pepper spray + tied laces), it's still a fantastic tool for a bunch of crap that's significantly more likely to happen than you needing it for self defense. I've carried a knife on me daily for over half my life and at this point leaving home without one is like declawing a cat - I just feel like I'm missing something key.

If you're looking for a smaller sized knife there are a good amount of options, but the Kershaw Chill is a great knife overall, even moreso at a $20 price point. If you're ok with spending a bit more, the Kershaw Skyline is another well-loved, low-impact carry. You can also look at Spyderco's Ambitious, or the slightly larger Tenacious. A Tenacious was my first Spyderco knife and I still love the thing. Some other alternatives are the Ontario Rat 1, the smaller Rat 2.

Hopefully this helps - if you have any questions at all, please feel free to respond.

https://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Ambitious-Black-PlainEdge-Knife/dp/B004MMSDHO/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1541692271&sr=8-7&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=spyderco&dpPl=1&dpID=41ei%2BUu8zaL&ref=plSrch

In that price range, from lowest to highest price, I found these in a quick search on Amazon:

• Spyderco Ambitious - 2.25" blade, $26.20
  
• Spyderco Tenacious - 3-3/8" blade, $30.13
  
• Spyderco Persistence - 2.75" blade, $31.89
  
• Spyderco Resilience - 4.25" blade, $42.87
  
  All of these use pretty much identical materials, and have identical features and quality. So go with whichever you like best.
  
  The steel used on these is middle of the road (the same as used in your Tremor), but overall quality is outstanding for the price. All around these will outperform and feel nicer than any Kershaws in the same price class, though I have nothing against Kershaw's better knives.

Spyderco Tenacious family are all in the $25-35 range if you want a real Spyderco.

Tenacious 3 3/8" blade

Persistence 2 3/4" blade

Ambitious 2 1/4" blade

I only collect Spyderco knives so I'm a bit biased, but in that price range I would recommend one from their budget line. Either the Tenacious $42, Persistence $38, or Ambitious $29, listed from largest to smallest. Also check out the sidebar at /r/knifeclub for more suggestions.

If you want something similar in size to the Shuffle, take a look at the Spyderco Ambitious.

Check out the Spyderco Tenacious line. I've been carrying the Ambitious and its very good for the price.

http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Sandvik-Military-4-1-Inch/dp/B009NZVZ3E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1382540279&sr=8-2&keywords=mora+knife

http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Ambitious-Black-PlainEdge-Knife/dp/B004MMSDHO/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1382540355&sr=8-9&keywords=spyderco+tenacious

http://www.amazon.com/Opinel-No8-Carbon-Pocket-Knife/dp/B002SCUO04/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1382540386&sr=8-2&keywords=opinel

http://www.amazon.com/Svord-Peasant-Knives-Knife-Handles/dp/B004HV3A3W/ref=pd_sim_hg_15

All good quality knives under $30

Blade steel is fine for an EDC, and handle material looks close to G-10, which I would say is the best handle quality for grip. 3 inch blade, looks like it can be opened one handed from thumb stud.

Before making a purchase, check out the cheaper brands from Spyderco and Kershaw, they have $25 EDCs on sale, with same or better quality blade steel.

Here's a few that might be worth a look:

http://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-Onion-Chive-Pocket-Knife/dp/B0009VC9RW/ref=pd_sim_sg_4

http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Ambitious-Black-PlainEdge-Knife/dp/B004MMSDHO/ref=sr_1_10?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1313769769&sr=1-10

http://www.amazon.com/Magnum-Folder-Black-Handle-Blade/dp/B0017KTOV8/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1313769793&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-31-000674-MP450-Compact-Paraframe/dp/B003LY43FA/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1313769825&sr=1-5

Good luck with your purchase :)

Okay here are some suggestions

1. Wallet. I have not ordered it yet but [this] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002P4Y9EW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A28SBX2GB3VZCT) cigarette case could work.
   
2. Knife: [Spyderco tenacious] (http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Tenacious-Handle-Folding-Plain/dp/B001EI7578/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1370136756&sr=1-1&keywords=spyderco) is $32 and a little more than 3 inches or the [Spyderco ambitious] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MMSDHO/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER) which is a baby tenacious with a 2 1/4 inch blade and $29.
   While they are not tactical opinels are really nice and are near $10 and come in lots of sizes.
   
   
3. Pens: I have a [zerbra 701] (http://www.amazon.com/Zebra-F-701-Stainless-Ballpoint-Retractable/dp/B002L6RB80) and a [Fisher space bullet pen] (http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Space-Pen-Bullet-400/dp/B000095K9D/ref=sr_1_sc_2?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1370136956&sr=1-2-spell&keywords=fisher+space+ben). For the money the zebra is excellent, the bullet pen is nice but there is a tutorial on how to mode the zebra to take space pen refills which is the best of both.
   
4. I know you got the wave but I suggest getting a small mt like a sak or a leatherman ps4 or micra. The victorinox classic sd is good and about $10
   
   Also with all the stuff you want to carry, It might be wise to invest in a maxpediton micro pocket organizer which is about $15
   If you got any questions just ask.

I'd recommend a Spyderco Ambitious. Small, about $30, and won't be difficult to get used to carrying around.

http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Ambitious-Black-PlainEdge-Knife/dp/B004MMSDHO

Spyderco Ambitious

I carry mine in that little pocket or on my belt depending on the day. Its been 4+ years and its amazing.

This is a good knife for regular daily use.