Help me find a new bushcraft knife.

[3wolves]

Rat-5 seems to fit the bill, 5 inch blade, micarta scales, about the same thickness as you want, can be has shipped for about 85 bucks, and it has a guard and finger coil. It is kind of tactical, you could strip the black coating though.

Yes I was seriously considering the rat-5 and wanted to strip the coating and put some nice wood scales on it but then the sueing Rat cutlery buisiness popped up and I don't really want to support them. And one more thing, I want a simple drop or clip point.

 

[sodak]

I'll second the Buck Vanguard. If price were no object, check out the Dozier Pro Guide. I just got one, and it really satisfies your requirements very well. Very impressive knife.