American pickpocket - I agree on the Seki City Japan blades. VG-10 is phenomenal. I ended up with 4 Spydercos. An Endura, 2 Delicas, and a Tenacious. I always pack a Spyderco and something else, normally a small traditional slip joint to use if sensitive snowflakes are present.
FergusonTO35 - I remember you mentioning looking at new Case knives then later like 2 years you mentioned carrying them. Are they holding up well?
Stik - Did you end up getting a fixed blade?
Jeffchance - The USMC Kabar is a classic. I ended up with an Ontario SP6-95 which is a similar but larger blade. It is a sexy beast!
I remember the old Camillus New York being mentioned. I got a #51 Barlow and it is a superior blade to most I've used under $70. They used really great carbon steels!
Honestly, the absolute best option is to get on eBay or hit the flea market and grab a vintage Barlow or other traditional knife for under $5. They are made in the USA and excellent carbon steel. They are also easy to sharpen. I've picked up about a dozen so far for as low as $2 and maybe an hour of time to clean them up and sharpen. They'll all outlast me.
That being said, I still have some more expensive stuff, though I think $70 is the upper limit. I used to think go cheap on a knife and if you want to spend $200 get a gun instead. Now I see that a knife that expensive can be a good buy if you get enjoyment from it. Much like a RIA 1911 is like a $30 knife, more functional less fancy, yet some people go for a $3000 Nighthawk Custom 1911 anyway.
For me I'm still looking for the best bang for the buck, so if I can get an S35VN super steel for $150 then I won't consider paying more, so that's probably my upper limit. I am looking at maybe a used Paramilitary 2 if I can score it for $80
