Reddit mentions of Benchmade 707 Sequel McHenry & Williams Design Knife

Wow, perfect timing. I just got a knife that meets this description perfectly. You'd have to go a little more than $100 (Amazon has is for $110-ish), but I'm loving it so far.

It's the Benchmade 707 Sequel. It has a 2.95" 154CM blade, manual single-handed opening w/ AXIS lock, and it's 2.6 oz.

Here's the link to the gallery/review of the knife: http://imgur.com/a/AWt08#0

That said, those Spyderco offerings that others are recommending are very good as well. You can't really go wrong here.

EDIT: Depending on your needs, you may prefer the Mini-Griptilian to the Sequel. The Mini-Grip has an almost identical blade (unless you opt for a non-standard configuration with a different blade shape or steel; you can get a black tanto combo-edge in S30V if you like, but it'll cost more) and it's cheaper than the 707. It's more of a practical, kick-ass outside knife, while the Sequel is a classy but capable EDC. Once again, these knives are all EXCELLENT offerings.

EDIT 2: Linked both knives for you.

Looks like the Sequel

Check your local laws on knife size. A lot of states and even some municipalities ban blades over 3 inches for carrying around concealed in your jeans pocket.

I sub to /r/knives and yeah, it is a scary part of the hivemind a lot of the time. Baseless brand loyalty and inane comments daily I'm not really sure about the fetish for wrapping knives they have at the moment. I personally carry a Benchmade on my person daily. Its a utility knife and I am not afraid to beat it up. The shape is good for a variety of tasks I encounter on a daily basis, box cutting, rope cutting, cutting fruit, punching through drywall when running cables, opening things, and the handle subs as a nice bottle opener.

Find a knife that you like the blade shape for your general applications and that fits well in your hand. As far as steel goes, you will want stainless for low maintenance. Carbon steels are great but upkeep on a daily carry can get rough. There are many locking technologies but you want to be sure you get a good one as having a folder collapse on your hand is not a fun thought. I personally like a lot that Spyderco offers, as well as Kershaw. Benchmades Axis lock inspires confidence that the blade wont snap out of place. I had to downsize from a Kershaw I was using when my state passed a law banning knives over 3 inches long or with assisted opening. You really cant go wrong with Spyder, benchmade, or Kershaw. They all are built to last and while there are other better/higher priced knives, generally those are not suited to a DIY utility purpose.

A couple of suggestions before I leave...

Kershaw Blur-Good Value

Benchmade Rift-Axis Lock/Tough

Finding your perfect pocket knife can be as hard or as easy as you like. I see no reason you cant go to Gander Mountain/Cabelas and find one that suits you right. If money is no object like you say, try a few knives out. You wont know until you feel it in your hand.

You may not consider it a "gadget", but let me say this:

To everyone out there. Buy this knife:
http://www.amazon.com/Benchmade-707-Sequel-McHenry-Williams/dp/B000BYLIFQ
It is the perfect size and of an excellent company where you can send it back for sharpening/tuning for $5.

i keep this knife on me daily and use it daily. It is my Every Day Carry (EDC).