I'll start off by saying that I'm a big fan of the Spyderco Delica, and have 2 of them. I've been wanting to get the Kahr model for the 2.5" blade, or possibly having the blade on one of my Delicas shortened and reshaped to 2.5". I don't think you can go wrong with the Delica.

I don't know if it's still available, but I know Emerson made a knife with a sub-3" blade and a full size handle. I think it was called the Snubby. Emerson's can be pricey, though.

Do you have a budget in mind? What kind of tasks do you think you'll need it for? That can help refine the search.