I'm looking for an economical replacement for my SOG Trident, may she rest in peace.  I'm not a knife guru and the market is overwhelming so I'm hoping there are a few around here that can chime in.  For EDC use in my strongside (right) back pocket.

Here's what I liked about the Trident:
Size/Shape
Simplicity
Deep pocket carry
Small yet functional clip
Clip location (blade up carry and very low vis when clipped to my pocket)
Weight- enough to know it's there but not so much that it pulled my pants down

Here's what I didn't like:
Blade nicked somewhat easily IMO
The safety - it would engage in my pocket so I'd have to fiddle with it every time I used the knife
Lack of stud on the back that I could use to open with my index finger (I'm sure there's a technical term)
Kind of a sluggish assisted opening
Never used the cutout for cutting rope, seatbelts or whatever.  It tended to get hung up on my pocket when pulling it out.

Wants:
Assisted opening
Relatively thin
Functional blade (not tanto)
Around 3.75" blade
Somewhat low profile clip

Budget: $90  $150 ... I've been doing some research and do want a quality knife

Thanks for your help!!

ZT 0770 aluminum handle, elmax blade steel.  On sale $119 at blade hq right now.  I finally got one when i saw that price.  Seems to fit your needs.

http://www.bladehq.com/item--Zero-Tolerance-0770-Knife-Aluminum--15193

http://www.bladehq.com/item--Benchmade-Barrage-AXIS-Assist-Knife--33667

I like the barrage, the blade is a little bigger, assisted and axis lock. If that clip isn't deep enough I'm pretty sure it can be easily swapped with their other one.

This.

I have the griptillian (personally issued, thanks U.S. taxpayer) but never carry it because of that clip - are you saying there is another clip available?  Maybe I could just get a deeper clip for my griptillian.

They have a few different types of clips, but I know of just 1 that's for deep carry.  I've heard benchmade is pretty cool about it if you contact them directly but I've never done it.  Maybe someone who has will chime in.

I like my ZT 0566 and the spyderco paramilitary

Call Benchmade and request a clip for an 810 Contego, in our choice of black or stainless. It's a fold over deep carry clip and is can just use two of the screws for your Grip clip.

Yes they will send you the clip for free in my experience. I emailed them. They sent clips w/screws for all three of my B.M.s