With caveats like 'funds are low' and such - you're not going to find a whole helluva lot that isn't made overseas...
However - not all of the overseas-made stuff is of low quality, and you may want to reconsider, if you're serious about finding a good knife at a fairly reasonable cost.
Take a look at 'Atlanta Cutlery Company' and their offerings at
www.atlantacutlery.comThere may be something there that you can use, and since they seem to be the supplier to several sutlers and dealers - their prices aren't marked up quite as high as you can find elsewhere.
Alternatively - give some thought to one of the most commonly-used knives on the American Frontier - the simple butcher knife or skinning knife.
Thousands upon thousands were sold and traded and they were a staple to be found pretty much everywhere.
You'll find them today in thrift stores and flea markets, so look for one in good shape, with a blade style that'll actually be 'useful', since the bigger Bowies were somewhat limited in their actual 'usability' and the Toothpicks were a sort of one-trick pony.
All 'you' need to do, is to build (or have made) an appropriate beaded scabbard, and you're set.
You can wrap some rawhide on the handle - you can add brass pins - or you can leave it unadorned - but if you really want something low-cost, carbon steel and 'Made in America' - then this may prove to be the best option.
You'll see illustrations of them in Remington's and Russell's artwork - and you'll see them being worn by both cowboys as well as soldiers.
Good Luck!
Vaya,
Scouts Out!