I got $300 to spend...

Good one. Technically it's a linerlock but a solid one at that. Hes up to v6 now. My only complaint with mine was a rotating pocket clip but now they have two screws and solved that.
I am talking specifically about the FRAMELOCK version. He makes both frame and liner locks. Check his site
 
Project x is the current Hinderer flavor dropping at dealers now. Perfect blend of xm18 and 24. $500 at drop and may be their best knife to date in my opinion. Well worth it in magnacut. Don’t think dlt has dropped theirs yet. Got mine off Hinderer site.
 
American Blade Works Model 1 is one that comes to mind. It punches way above its weight class(price point). Premium steel and premium materials used, all made in USA, great customer service as it’s a relatively small shop. They retail for $200 but I’ve seen many on the forum for $130-$170 in new condition.

Also, side note, I absolutely love my Spyderco GB 2 with Micarta Scales. However, this doesn’t meet your requirements. If you could get away from a flipper tab and would be ok with a liner lock, this is a legendary EDC for so many reasons.
 
Upgrade from micarta to fat carbon and get a Varga VBR. They are currently out of stock but you can easily find them for sale here or on reddit for around $300

Fat carbon and other forms of carbon fiber can certainly look amazing. I'm glad for what I have and I'm glad that I got to experience it. Much like damascus blades, it's just not what I'm going to choose most days for carry.

For the feel and joy of use, micarta in various forms will remain my first choice. I like wood in various forms and I tend to go there before carbon fiber.

Morning choices can be hard... Talk about first world problems.
 
I realize they aren’t 100% what you asked for but try the Hogue Ritter and Spyderco GB2.
 
With that said, we got the ZT0308, and is the Hinderer worth the price to be part of the argument here, and if so, which one.

Find a ZT056[01] or ZT0562 (depending on size requirements), and add a 3rd party micarta scale. Should come in around $300. Might be Elmax, but difference to 20CV is not huge.
 
I'd take a look at Jim Skelton's new Caladan Flipper. Designed by Skelton, manufactured by Tuya Knife. Comes in s90v with jigged Ti or cf handles. Not sure if there's going to be a micarta version. Seems to be a very good deal at $250-285. Looks like you have to contact Skelton directly to buy one. I'd pick one up myself but I'm not a fan of flipper-only knives.

 
There's a ton of stuff I'd recommend in the $400-500 range. At $300 it will be trickier. I realize it doesn't tick a lot of your boxes, but have you considered a Protech Malibu? Get a newer textured variant, available in 20cv and magnacut, the textured aluminum is super grippy, it's an incredible flipper with a reliable button lock, very easy to operate with either hand. Should be able to pick one up new for around $250 and have money to spare.
 
I haven’t read all the posts, but I think a 0393 would be perfect for him. The 0308 is insanely large, compared to a Grip.
The 0452 is pretty damn big too, also, it has CF, w/no option for anything else.

The 0393 is more in the same size ballpark, has what I consider a real frame lock (YMMV), and there are Plenty of aftermarket scales for them.

They just took a major price hike at most places (from $280-$340), but If you look around you can find one on the exchange for $100 off I’ll bet.

Ok, sorry for the delay, at work and honestly thought this was gonna get buried. With that said...

Concerning blade styles, I am not partial to any specifically. However I am looking for a 'full size' knife, so I think that eliminates the WE.

I am intrigued with the ZT, and while looking at the Hinderer website I am definitely enjoying what I see.

Now, in regards to price, I was given that number as a present budget, and I am sure that I could simply put it towards a knife. I am not in need of a knife, I simply really want one.

If I am told something is above the listed budget, but if it falls into the category of 'shut up buy it be happy use it for life and then give it to your grandkids on your deathbed', then I will definitely consider saving and waiting. Definitely in the group of buy once cry once.

With that said, we got the ZT0308, and is the Hinderer worth the price to be part of the argument here, and if so, which one.
If you’re asking if a Hinderer is “worth” $100+ more than a 0308 (or 0393), the simple easy answer, is NO….
But, RHK makes a knife for just about every person on the planet, blade shapes, steels, different sizes, you name it…plus all the aftermarket stuff.
The 0308 is a poor man’s XM-24.
0393 is a poor man’s Eklipse…
One blade shape, one steel, half price tho…(or let’s just say much less)
If you like the aesthetics of the 0308 or 0393 as much as any Hinderer, you shouldn’t feel like you’re missing out on anything…
Coming from a long time ZT and Hinderer fan/customer. Good luck with whichever you choose, and you can’t go wrong with either the 0393 or 0308 of you ask me
 
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I like the 0308. But it's big, might not be for the OP.

The 056[01] is still large but more manageable.

i-7jJf3c8-X2.jpg
 
Remember that modding is a thing. Sometimes you see a knife and want something to be different. Sometimes, it can be done. There are people out there who can help you with that.

Here is my WE Snick. It used to look like the stock picture I shared previously. Now it looks like this. It'll probably change again if/when I get around to dyeing the micarta.

VylIUh6.jpg
 
Looking for a new knife to replace my 556-1 mini grip. Used that for everything through multiple jobs and many years of abuse. Think first car level of abuse. A lot has changed in the knife world in the past 5-6 years, so I come to the forums to see if I missed something with my Google Fu.

Looking for 'around' 20cv steel. Well aware that modern steel is insane, 20cv is simply what I oddly have the most experience with. Preferably stay in the rust less than more category.

The G10 got a bit slick over time, so was looking for something with canvas micarta.

Framelock, exposed, or shrouded, but not a liner lock. With deployment being a traditional flipper. If exposed the micarta on the show side is more than fine.

Concerning clip, either deep carry or I'll just take it off to grandpa carry it, not a deal breaker at all.

Jokes about first post aside, if this post is out of line or a problem, I will delete or a mod surely can. Asking for some advice, not trying to make a vast community instantly mad. I figured more detail would be better than less.
The Pena Bravo looks as if it may fit what you are looking for…Micarta, m390 (chemically same as 20cv) & 274 retail. It is out of stock at the Pena site but I haven’t searched other sites.

It is not a traditional flipper, but it is a front flipper & has thumb studs. Peña does a lot of front flippers & he does it right.

That’s the only thing to come to mind, but I’m mostly a Ti guy…

 
I wish they made the Snick in a button lock. I have the Cogent and really love that blade shape, an upgraded version would be dreamy
 
I wish they made the Snick in a button lock. I have the Cogent and really love that blade shape, an upgraded version would be dreamy

You never know. We've been seeing the return of existing designs with button locks from a few companies now that the craze has caught on...
 
When the OP spaces out for a day and then checks back in on the thread...

Many options coming out of the woodwork to say the least, and to those curious, I have no problem with aftermarket/modifying as long as it's plug and play (not gonna grab a dremel).

Is it bad to say that once looking enough at XM's that I almost...like...the choil. I'll raise my hand and say I'm crazy, no need to flame.

Also, not to open a can of worms, should I just leave alone all I saw on the internet about the negative stuff people are saying about Rick Hinderer, chalk it up to internet BS, and worry about the knives?
 
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