I like this one. https://amtacblades.com/

case yellow handled stockman with the CV blades

Puma made in Germany, Case XX Tested from the 1930s, or something custom.
Life is too short to carry a cheap knife.

Case Peanuts are great choices.

I carried a cheap, Chinese made Kershaw for years. It was carried all over Alaska hunting and backpacking and it always did fine.
Since then I've received a Chris Reeves small inkosi knife with the insingo blade shape. That's what I carry now. I was a bit paranoid to carry it at first but I figured if I'm not going to use it I might as well not have it.

Have you noticed the difference between a China blade and that high end tool steel blade. From there sight (Constructed from durable CPM MagnaCut steel, heat-treated to a hardness of 63-64 RC). My bet with 63 RC hardness would be a little more work sharpening but edge would last forever compared to what you where carrying. Cut a few sheets on cardboard and see which knife will still shave hair.

Buck 112 is what I've carried since I was about 13 or 14. I've still got my original one (found on a logging road behind my house) but it rides in the glovebox now as a spare. The blade had the tip broken off a couple times (don't use as a screwdriver) and ground down, I actually got so used to it I preferred that blade profile. And it had been sharpened so much there was a good 1/8" of daylight between the blade and handle when closed. But the reason I quit carrying it every day is because the brass of the handle actually cracked through and it flexes so much that the locking mechanism no longer locks the blade. I think the only thing holding it together are actually the wood inserts in the handle. Still it lasted me almost 30 years and I got another just like it. I couldn't tell you the number of elk that little knife has skinned and quartered, not to mention everything else it has skinned.

The model I carry is probably thicker than you want, and doesn't have the pocket clip (personally I don't like a pocket clip, not only are they not comfortable in the hand when using the knife in odd positions but they will catch on brush and things when pushing through tight places and pull out of your pocket). I've seen TWO knifes with pocket clips hanging in horses tails over the years, from guys walking around the horse and the tail hanging the clip and pulling it out of the guys pocket, and I'm seldom around horses. They make it in thinner, lighter versions and with a pocket clip though if that is your desire, same blade and function, just different styles and materials of handles.

/\ /\ ditto on pocket clips, I dislike /\ /\

The edge on the Chris Reeves knife definitely lasts longer. And yes, it's also a bit harder to sharpen. Two sides of the same coin I guess. I appreciate having a knife that doesn't need much attention and stays fairly sharp.

My EDC is first with clip and has advantages and disadvantages. What I like is not wearing a hole in pants pocket there knife rest.

I just got myself a new Gunstock Trapper today and I remembered this post. Just curious if you made a choice?

I ended up buying this one : https://www.crkt.com/knife/ceo-compact-folding-knife-with-liner-lock?sku=7095KX
It's super nice but still not exactly what I wanted. That's what I hate about ordering online. Also a little expensive for a small pocket knife. Maybe it will grow on me.

I got the upgraded steel and handle material

Well, it's not my style of knife but that's why they make so many so there's something for everyone's taste.

If it don't grow on you, so you like it really well, you'll never lose it either, lol. The ones you love will be gone missing in a couple weeks.

Yep that's how it goes for me too. Also bought these 2 at Walmart because they were $5 a piece. Cheap but for $5 I can chuck them in the truck, boat, garden, ect and not care what happens to them.