What do you define as your “break the bank” price?
You looking for a $20 knife? or can you do $200? The combination of high wear resistance and toughness that you’re wanting is really attainable if you’re open to a $130-$200 knife. Knives with good heat treatments in A2, AEB-L, Nitro V, 14C28N, 52100, 80CRV2, will all be good options.
If you ever decide that you’re fine spending a bit more, the absolute toughest options out there are gonna be knives in S7 or CPM 1V. Those two steels will give you the toughest knife.
If you’re looking for just the most affordable option, I’d say forget about getting a really really tough knife and just go for something replaceable. A $20 Mora Robust will definitely get the job done if you’re wanting a really low-cost option.
