I'm grateful and impressed. Good recommendations all.
Boker Direkt:
Good knife that I have actually considered in the past. Blade length is 3 5/8 ", 4.2 Oz is good, blade steel 440C, and $38 online price (good value!). It rides pretty low for tipdown carry, but not quite invisible. Thoughts: It's a good value folder from a good company. If I can't find anything better, I might get it. Heck, at that price I might get it regardless.
Gerber Applegate-Fairbairn Covert:
It looks like a dagger and named after a very famous one to boot. Blade length 3.79", weight is 4.2 Oz, 154CM steel and priced at $96. Top of the clip is flush with the edge (pivot side). Thoughts: While the clip position is perfect, it's too much of a dagger for me.
Benchmade 740 Dejavoo:
Good design by a great designer. Blade length 3.95", 4.1 Oz weight, made of S30V and it costs $101. Top of clip is almost flush with pivot end, good enough. Thoughts: I'm concerned about reviews saying this knife tend to have weak liner lock, and it has no detent in closed position. I'm seriously considering it, but it's not gonna be my first pick.
Spyderco Calypso 3:
Classic design, the essential Spyderco. Blade length 3" (too short), it weighs 3 Oz, made of VG-10 and costs $94. Top of wire clip is almost flush with the folded point end (tip up carry), which is good enough. Thoughts: There's no doubt that this is a great folder, it's just too short for my purpose this time.
Al Mar SERE 2000:
Another design that's been around for a long time. Blade length 3.6", 6 Oz weight (heavy), VG-10 steel and costs $140. Top of clip is actually higher than the pivot end, better than perfect. Thoughts: It's heavier than what I'm prepared to carry, and $140 seems overpriced for VG-10.
Buck Vantage Pro:
New product from an old, reputable company. Blade length is 3.25", weights at 4 Oz, blade is S30V(!) and priced at $50(!!). Top of clip is flush with point end. Thoughts: It's a lot of knife for the price and I love the idea of Paul Bos heat treatment on S30V, but it's a bit short for this purpose. It's not first choice, but again I might buy it in addition to my 4 incher

.
Zero Tolerance 0500:
Award winning knife. Blade length is 3.75", official weight 4.9 Oz (actual 6.8 Oz according to cutter17), 154CM steel, and the price is $144. Clip is bayonet style that's higher than the handle, better than perfect. Thoughts: This is the strongest contender so far. It's a bit pricey and it might turn out to be too heavy, but it comes with many features (hawk-lock, sealed pivot, DLC coating and G10) and I trust Kershaw quality.
@amper124, excellent site with lots of pics of clips dude! Just what I need.
Keep 'em coming folks, much appreciated.