Welcome Pat, choosing a 'next :spyder: ' is not that easy.
First there is (for me it is) the 'how much can I spend'-issue.
After that lots of problematica follow. You solved one for yourself already;
not longer 3.75 inches period However that still includes a lot Spydies
Let's continue with a few questions:
-what bladform do you prefer?
-what lock-type do you want?
-what steeltype do you wanna check out now?
-FRN, G10, CF or maybe Ti?
IMHO I can recommend a few very fine under 3.75'' :spyder: :spyder: like indeed the mentioned Gayle Bradley (exotic steel + FAT linerlock + custom collaboration). This is one of my most favorite ever!
There is one that (again IMHO) embodies the whole philosophy of the Spyderco-company and that is the Caly 3 or the Caly 3.5
These two knives are designed by Sal Glesser and somehow I can not explain why I keep being attracted to these. As we speak I am holding a little Temp (disco'd, highly sought :spyder :) that came in the mail yesterday but in the background there always is my Caly. The form, the steel, the design, the grind, the ergo's, the carrying-aspects etc. For me this is a Spyderco-knife that has it ALL. Therefore I can highly recommend you one!
Let us know what's it gonna be!
Cheers, Tomas