Paradigm
I carry a Buck Paradigm from time to time.
While it has a lock, the locking ("shift lock") mechanism is actuated with the thumb while the fingertip initiates the blade opening. Once the blade is opened, the thumb returns the lock panel to its original position.
The lock is engaged by default. The opening procedure is a smooth thumb-shift-finger-nudge action. Took me only minutes to master it. Sucker snaps open with authority. "Energetic" is a good word for it.
So, even though there is a lock, I will offer it for consideration because opening the knife is a single combined action as opposed to two distinct actions.
Knife is big enough for most work, has a good blade shape, and is thin enough for kitchen duty.
On the other hand, I also carry the Buck Vantage (Avid = Sandvik 13c26 steel). The Vantage is a one-hand-opener (not assisted) with a liner lock.
The Vantage is the same size and shape as the Paradigm, but it's a bit lighter. Essentially the same blade (but with a thumb hole). I generally prefer to carry the Vantage, because the mechanism is mechanically simpler (less to go wrong), and there are three different ways I can open it one-handed, one of which is a finger-push-wrist-flick that snaps the blade open as fast as an assist.
It is becoming my favorite general purpose carry knife. Big enough for most everything, thin enough for pocket carry, high-and-gradual grind suitable for kitchen duty, good edge, good edge retention, good sharpening behavior, and a good general-purpose blade shape.
Oh, and since you're a pocket clip fan: The pocket clip is tail-mounted for tip-up carry. Clip can be swapped to the other side, or removed. I have one with the clip on, one with the clip off for in-pocket carry. The tail-mount clip lets the knife pretty much disappear into the pocket. (Paradigm has the same clip.)
