Need some knife suggestions

[NoCams]

Get one of those magnets on wheels that roofers use for clean up and roll it very slowly over the path you took that day if possible ?

If you do not have a metal detector the really cheap ones would be strong enough to find something as big as a knife on top of the ground or slightly under some leaf litter. You also have the added benefit of never losing another arrow under the grass in the yard if you shoot a field tip instead of a judo like we do sometimes. I think the one we have was around $60 and as much as arrows cost these days you can pay for it real soon with lost arrows and knives too.....  

[Flying Dutchman]

Another vote for Bark River but they are above the budget Joe is asking for. I would go for a Kabar 3/4, with our without serrations, in either a more traditonal leather sheath/grip or an indestructable kraton grip and hard shell multiple mounting sheath.
The 5 1/4" blade is made of very good 1095 carbon steel which holds an edge and is easy to sharpen. Proudly made in the US and runs for about 50. I own lots of knives an really use them among which several KABARS and they have served/are serving me always very well!

I can recommend this retailer and you can take a look at the different versions too:      http://www.tomarskabars.com/3_Quarter_KA-BAR_P2.html  

If you want a thicker blade you can go for the Becker/Ka-Bar "Campanian" which has a 1/4" thick blade and runs around the 60:
 http://www.tomarskabars.com/BK-2_INFO.html

[Flying Dutchman]

Mistake

[slowbowjoe]

Thanks all, for so much helpful input. After a night of looking at most of what's been suggested, I went out to look for the Puma, trying to re-create my path in the area I last remembered using it. Took my bow and a judo, thinking it would help seeing the same targets ( and I could get a few shots in ). Went in a circle or two that I best recalled, and sure enough the knife was where I had set it down after loosening a judo from a stump. Never put it back in it's sheath. Duh.
Feel a whole lot better getting that one back, it's a great knife for me. Pretty lucky.

[Fanto]

if you want a good blade for a very modest price, there is always Mora knives. $25 bucks , made in sweden, laminated stainless scandi blade will dig arrows all day

cheers

[Rusty in Fla.]

My son has been carrying a K-bar for several years for just what is was designed for, a utility knife. Good for digging, prying, chopping, and hammering. Takes a lickin and keeps on, well you know. Nothing fancy but it does the job.