The $50-$100 price range leaves out any Bussekin. Otherwise, I would get a 411. Good size and weight so it's easy to carry. The handle and tang may not be conducive to batoning though. The only knives that I have personal knowledge of in your price range would be the Becker Knife and Tool made by Kbar in the USA. I think all of them are below $100. They have a full tang, a bit skeletonized, and come in two size ranges. Full sized models and three, #15, 16 and 17, that are smaller. They are all made in the USA and have a great warranty. I have several models and have been pleased with the performance of all of them. Depending on the size of your son's hand and the particular usage, I would say either one of the small or just about any of the rest of the line.