Spyderco UK Penknife is pretty much the closet to a modern-style folding knife that is UK legal for anyone to carry in public (sub-3 inch non-locking blade).

Word of warning: UK police have apparently confiscated these legal blades before because they thought that the Spyderco detent blade was a locking mechanism which it is not.

http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?13843-Arrested-with-my-Spyderco-UKPK

Check this out bro

https://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Penknife-Black-PlainEdge-Knife/dp/B0052HQV40

Made specifically to be legal in the UK.

Also swiss army knives are generally legal too since they're slip joints.

http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Penknife-Black-PlainEdge-Knife/dp/B0052HQV40

That's a great UK legal option. And quite under budget! You could also get him this http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Tri-Angle-Sharpmaker/dp/B004HIZKHE if you're fine with going a little over budget.

Bag

• Kit Bag
  
  

  Stationary
  

• Best Pen
  
• Backup Pens
  
• Ruler
  
• Notebook (personal)
  
• Notebook Cover
  
• Accordion File - for forms
  
  

  Tech/Media
  

• Pen Drive
  
• DVD/CDRs
  
• Radio Earpiece
  
• Power Bank + various leads/adaptors
  
  

  MOE
  

• Window Punch
  
• MICA Sheets
  
• Fireman's Drop Key
  
• FB Keys
  
  

  Traffic
  

• Tyre Depth Guage
  
• Traffic Law Book
  
• Duct Tape - so useful
  
  

  On-Person Kit
  

• Handcuff Key
  
• Key Holder
  
• Baton Clip
  
• Torch Holster
  
• Torch
  
• Back Support - not the same, mine's smaller, helps no end
  
• Glove Pouch
  
• CS Pouch
  
• Watch
  
• Boots
  
• Knife
  
  

  Comfort/Personal
  

• Flask
  
• IFAK - I made a L1 kit using this video out of the issued document pouch
  
• Gloves
  
• Patch
  
  I have a problem, although to be fair a lot of it is either stuff I always carry on me/use for other stuff, presents or "acquisitions" from colleagues at work who may be retiring, moving etc.
  
  I also need a decent pair of sunglasses that I can replace the lenses on easily, maybe add some leg restraints if we have a spare set at work.
  
  edit: Do I earn this?
  

In the Uk you are only allowed a 3 inch long, non-locking folding knife. This is about as 'manly' a knife you are allowed to carry https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spyderco-Lightweight-Leaf-Shaped-Plain-Knife/dp/B0052HQV40 .

Check out the Spyderco UKPK.

It was specifically made for the task.

https://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Penknife-Black-PlainEdge-Knife/dp/B0052HQV40

Since you're in New York, you need a non-locking, sub 3" blade. Also, because it's a knife-intolerant locale, you're going to want a non-threatening carry, preferably deep. Besides traditionals, the only quality knife I can think of that fits those criteria as well as your price range is the Spyderco UKPK ($50). Oh, and there's a harder to find titanium version that goes for at least twice as much.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0052HQV40/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485534522&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=spyderco&dpPl=1&dpID=416bQseRfeL&ref=plSrch
If you want to stay legal

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B004AWOLV8/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1485534784&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=spyderco&dpPl=1&dpID=41CRY-zVxCL&ref=plSrch
If you want a longer blade

Spyderco got some unusual optics, but IMO are great.

Or if you want a knife in Retro look, I'd strongly suggest Opinel, they got all kinds of lengths to choose from. I'd get the carbon steel variant.

Check out this list from Everyday Carry. The Spyderco UKPK is a good option specifically designed for this kind of use- good looking, non-intimidating, and won’t break the bank for about 60 bucks.

Was it a Pingo?

Was it a Byrd Tern?

Was it a UKPK?

Was it a Dragonfly?

If it was anything but the Tern, It is likely a good deal.