I spent many years collecting KABAR knives. The best on the market today is the ones made by KABAR. They have several different models, some stamped with either Army, Navy, Marine Corp on the blade, but those are new markings and never on issue knives. They have a "plain jane" version which is basically the same knife made during WWII, Korea, Vietnam. I think they retail for around $50-$60. You can try the internet for discount knife shops and perhaps do a bit better. Hope this helps you a bit and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Thanks for the input, I will get busy and start searching - this is one gift that I want "right", thanks again.