If I were going to spend that amount, I'd go with a
Spyderco Chinook 3. A guy I work with has one and it's a beautiful beast.
Made in USA, CPM-S30V blade, tip up or tip down carry, G-10 handle with
curves at each end to keep it firmly in hand, and (quoting from the 2008
Spyderco Catalog) "...the thickest, hard use back lock Spyderco makes..."
Around $130.00.