Going inexpensive first: The Case Mid Folding Hunter is a fine knife and a one hand opening and closing locking folder. It may not please everyone but it does have a pocket clip and I do like it and have two of them. One of my favorite production folders currently is one of these little gems in the CV steel Case is famous for using. I really like it. I know its not for everyone but for me it did sit well. The clip is tip down though and although I rarely use that mode of carry I do manage. These are old school because it is still technically a back spring slip joint (albeit a weaker spring to ease one hand opening via the thumb stud) only its got a lock built in (liner type). I managed to get two that lock up pretty good but as is typical of old school you can sometimes manage to get one that allows the blade to move some vertically which is why I'd recommend buying this one hands on at a Case dealer (brick and mortar) local so you know what you are getting.
Most of the carbon folders, the good ones I mean are slip joints, or so it seems. Now going higher dollar: Bob Dozier is making some super knives that are technically carbon steel, even though D2 is on the middle ground and the most stainless of the 'non stainless' steels. So, technically speaking you can find some good carbon steel locking folders in D2 like the Spyderco Military and Para Military for example. D2 is a super nice carbon steel even if it does exhibit a lot of stainless qualities. Some of Kershaw's new CPM D2 knives are also carbon steel. The Tyrade for example is a super nice heavy duty folder.
STR
