Just for fun I went into Arizona custom knives and entered what is available for $500-$700. There are some really great knives available including some excellent customs which are in that price bracket.
As you get closer to $1K the choice expands exponentially. I would look at all the well known dealer site's to check out preowned prices. If you are going to the price point you indicate I would definitely look at a full custom.
Here is an example of what $850 will buy.......
This Gordian Knot by Allen Elishewitz features satin finished recurve blade with notched thumbrest, false top edge and a single thumbstud. The handle has stipled and textured bronze bolsters, ironwood scales, "crushed ice" finished and anodized titanium liners, tip up carbon fiber clip, and...
www.arizonacustomknives.com
This is a custom knife from one of the O.G. makers of tacticals. (Mods I hope it's ok to post the link to this)
Here is one for sale on the forum now........
Closed
www.bladeforums.com