Well, I picked up a couple of knives over the last few months. Thought I'd share them with you.

Spyderco Bill Moran drop point hunter (FB02). Great 4 inch blade, 1/8" thick (wish it were thinner, like 0.100 range), of nice-to-sharpen VG10 steel. A razor with a black handle.
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=SPFB02

One of the last Benchmade 190 , 4" drop point hunter (blue box) in 440C steel. They've gone to D2 steel now. I got it just in time. Takes a great edge, and feels "petite" on the belt. Nice knife. Wow, they've gone up in price too, this past year. Got mine at the right time I guess.
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=BM190

Queen Cutlery Premium Hunter, drop point blade, in D2 steel. One tough blade to sharpen, but when you get it done right, it's got a great edge. Needed to use a diamond stone (medium), to fine, then used Spyderco medium grit ceramic bench stone. Great knife for $40.
http://www.cumberlandknifeworks.com/cgi-bin/store/comme...ers&keywords=&next=3

Picked up two Frost's of Sweden. One a carbon steel blade, the other a stainless hi-carbon blade at a sporting goods store sell off. Couldn't leave them in the store for $6 each. I tell you, if you needed a good useful knife, and money was tight, I would be very satisfied with either of these inexpensive knives. I refuse to call them "cheap" because they are not "cheap", but well made. Full, man-sized handles, and well designed blade. Everyone should one at least one of these guys.
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=FT760


My latest, a Northwoods knives Canadian skinner in 52100 steel. I love this knife. Easy to sharpen, and does it ever take a fine edge! Nice full handle, and good size at ~ 9 inchs overall for a "big, but not too big knife."
http://www.dlttradingcompany.com/product_info.php?cPath=73_102&products_id=450

I am really impressed with those Frost's of Sweden knifes. The simple black sheath isn't much, but it is functional.

I also stongly recommend the Spyderco medium (brown) grit ceramic sharpening bench stone. It really puts a fine working edge on any blade, including the hard D2 steel.
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?ttl=...AT_3datarq%3Dceramic

Also, the bottom of a ceramic mug (unglazed ring) will do well in a pinch too.

Just thought I'd share some of my purchases and thoughts. Hope they are helpful.

I have lots of Frosts knives (I'm in Sweden and they are so cheap as to be considered almost disposable here!). Great value.

I also have the Spyderco Bill Moran. I almost didn't buy it becuause of the funny looking handle, but it is really comfortable! The Kraton inserts in the handle really make it slip-resistant. This knife stays sharp so well I've started to use it in my kitchen!

John