The absolute best quality spyderco for the least amount of $ with following crit....

Option B...go with b.

 

Manix 2 or Manix XL if it is not too big for you...

 

The Manix2 is a mighty fine knife. I think you'll find that if the slide button (currently black, formerly clear) breaks Spyderco can fix it. I have three variations on the Manix2 and the only downside to the design is that to close it one handed you'll probably have to use a pinch grip to unlock the blade (a thumb and forefinger on each side of the knife to slide the lock button) and then push the blade closed against something.
The hollow grind excels at slicing soft or flexible materials where the rapid increase in blade thickness at the spine is not an issue. I believe that hollow grinds give improved results on the CATRA wear resistance test due to the thinner edge. The hollow grind is the only reason that my Gayle Bradley doesn't get more use, since my pocketknife mostly cuts cardboard at work and I find that hollow grinds bind up more cutting stiff material and do not tend to cut as straight.
I prefer a flat grind for longer cuts through hard or rigid materials (like cardboard) since the thickness profile is linear and the resistance is smoother through the cut.

 

Check out the Breeden Rescue. Pretty sweet but unnoticed blade for around $100

 

The Manix and Native lines are my favorite Spyderco knives after the Southard, which is currently my favorite knife bar none.

 

Yup Manix2 is great. G10 handle is easily the best quality and best feel IMO.

Also , the Yojimbo2 is only $104.95 and in stock RIGHT NOW at KW. The blade is thicker than the Manix2 but the knife as a whole is smaller and lighter. It is a work of art.

 

KW is an acronym

 

Add yet another vote for the G10 Manix2. Although I like larger folders, my S30V Manix2 is the perfect edc. Highly recommended.

 

I got a Y2 at KW recently. In what you have written you have expressed the truth. I have about 40 folding knives, most of them Spydercos, and I regard the Y2 to be unique even among that august assembly. Anyone interested should consult Michael Janich's video(s) on the Yojimbo2.

 

This stupid thread is making me think about buying a Sage 3... Must resist... Must resist...

 

I'm carrying the translucent blue Manix right now. Honestly my favorite knife... I think there was a blue G-10 version a couple years back. If not and you really want it there are people that make scales for knives

 

Delica

 

Blue Tenacious
What's wrong with Spyderco 8Cr? You've had cheaper before, and seems to like the design enough to get Ambitious & Persistence.

It's blue ... blue ... blue

 

My vote would be a Para2 or Native 5. You might be waiting awhile on the Para2 b/c of the darn drought

 

just for the record, the manix 2 lightweight handle is fiberglass reinforced copolymer; different than FRN but still plastic feeling the g10 is awsome.

 

I agree that the best knife that matches all your criteria is the Manix 2. It's a chunky knife, it has G-10 handles, it isn't a liner lock, it's in your target price range and it has better steel. In fact, you have the choice of two steels in the regular Manix 2. The older ones had 154-CM, and the newer ones have CPM S30V. I LOVE my Sage series, but they are definitely mid-sized knives. I wouldn't consider them a beefy knife at all.