Need a New EDC Pocketknife

This or another Kershaw flipper is always in my pocket, without the clip, not the serrated version though, not 440 class steel either
Kershaw Link 1776, kind of big, it fills your hand, something I like:
https://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-1776...rd_wg=Hk6F6&psc=1&refRID=VZYNBCG14TP938V4GTY2

I prefer a hand filling rounded handle profile for better control over a slab sided knife.
I usually add some jibbing for a better grip too:

just me though,

Spyderco Delica 4 would be my recommendation. Meets your size requirement with much better steel and overall build quality in comparison to a Chinese Buck. It may cost a few dollars more than 50 though.

Now some people don't like the looks of Spydercos. Usually these people have never actually handled one. The opening method is super intuitive, and the accompanying thumb ramp makes for very secure handling. Handle is plastic, but the texturing is very well done.

Kershaw Skyline wound be my next pick. Grippy G10 and the deep finger choil make it very nice to work with. Flipping action is pretty good, but not great. The blade steel is a notch below the VG10 of the Delica, but the price is right and it is even made in America.

Edit: Delica review video link added. Seems to me like a well rounded non-biased opinion.

This model Kershaw Leek has 3" blade of good steel, serrated edge, flipper, locks open and closed, and can be found in your price range. While it doesn't have a rubber grip, it's bead blasted and does not feel slippery.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...660CKTST.TRS0&_nkw=kershaw+1660CKTST&_sacat=0

Tilos said:

This or another Kershaw flipper is always in my pocket, without the clip, not the serrated version though, not 440 class steel either
Kind of big, it fills your hand, something I like:
https://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-1776...rd_wg=Hk6F6&psc=1&refRID=VZYNBCG14TP938V4GTY2

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I have that knife and it is a goodun

It exceeds your price limit, but the Kershaw Blur would be a good choice. Its a solid knife that would seem to fulfill your other requirements pretty well. Kershaw makes a few other assisted-opening knives that would likely be good choices as well and are also assisted opening, but one potentially strong "pro" that might overcome the price issue is that the Blur is made in the USA.

I hasten to add that I make that recommendation entirely off of personal experience, though the Blur is a very popular knife. I basically carry either that or a Spyderco Endura as they are my two personal favorite EDC knives. You may have a different opinion, which is cool.

I would give the Buck Vantage a look, several models/levels with different steels and handle materials.

I'll go through your points, provide a few answers, and ask a few questions. Hopefully this will help me or someone else here give you a more solid recommendation.

GConn said:

2. Double-locking (Locks open AND closed - I really almost "need" this)

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Do you need the blade to be locked closed, or would a strong bias toward closure work for you?

GConn said:

4. Easy "flip-open" wheel action (or whatever Buck calls it)

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As HSO already noted, that exact mechanism isn't at all common. Are you open to more readily available methods of quick opening?

GConn said:

2. 420HC steel (I think would prefer something in the 440 class or "better").

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Buck's heat treat on their 420HC gives it surprisingly good performance. 440A and 440B (and equivalents like AUS8, 8cr13, etc) are a step up, but not the big step up like 440C is.

Also, what's your blade sharpness type preference? Some folks like highly polished razor blade type edges, while others, myself included, like steels that work well when stopped short of a high polish and left a bit toothy but still with a shaving sharp working edge.

GConn said:

5. Cost only about $35 ... would "like" to stay under $50.

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I understand not wanting to spend too much money, but if you can bump that budget up to $50-$100 it really will open up a vast selection of much higher quality knives with better blade steels and nicer handle materials.

GConn said:

1. Rubbery Grip

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That's also going to be hard in meeting your desire for a higher quality knife. Rubber isn't used much because it tends to cling to the inside of pockets, it's hard to clean, and it wears out rather quickly. Materials like G10 and textured high quality plastics provide great grip without the cleaning and wear issues of rubber. Are you open to these alternatives?

I carry the Spyderco Endura.

I like that Buck knife. I put it on my order folder for later.

I bought an interesting knife for $15 some time ago. It's a Colt CT591 and it has a D2 steel blade. Stupid sharp out of the box. It is light thought and the blade is thinner than you would like but it's pretty solid.

Something you can use for light duty.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Colt-Kni...ith-Black-G-10-Handles-Multi-Colored/35848087

you can take a look at these, might tickle your fancy. particularly the m16.

kershaw dividend, blur or am4.
spyderco tenacious/persistance/resiliance (same design, different sizes)
sog flash ii
H&K pika 2
crkt m16
boker kalashnikov button lock