I have a Tijuana stiletto and a very old mother of pearl handled switchblade, both with useless steel. Last year I got a Lightning OTF knife and have carried it daily. It takes a great edge and holds it. Some knife reviewer was amazed at the quality for $30 or so. Make sure you get the made in Taiwan steel, not the later China made.
Every time I open it around somebody, they jump in surprise. Then they look at it and like it. That initial snap is an attention getter.
Somewhere I have a Hubectus side flip I bought in Germany years ago. I think I got if for around $80. The last time I looked it up, it was going for $200 or so.