Hi Gunner,
I have just recently gotten bitten by the "I need a new knife bug". You can catch it directly from The Forum via your keyboard. No cure as of yet, but there are many treatments of various lengths, scales, and styles.
As for your question, take a look at a Gerber EZ-out. The 440 version, which I have, is in the $20-30 range. It is easy to clean, grips well, and for the price you don't feel bad when you abuse it (there is a difference between abuse and mis-abuse, I do not recommend mis-abusing any knife). The 440 does a good job holding an edge, and sharpens easy. There is also an ATS-34 version if you are so inclined.
Are you partial to studs or holes? Sounds kind of personal, doesn't it! But, if you prefer studs you might take a look at some of the Cold Steel Voyagers.
Have fun researching. Good luck. Let me know what you choose, why, and how it works out.
Regards,
Mario