Favorite company? And why?

No pictures here but I've been a Spyderco collector and user since my first one in 92. Carried it once and I was hooked. I ended up with well over 100, and sold some on the local gun & knife circuit. The primary hook in my case is the performance first ethos Spyderco has. They will and have regularly gone out of their way to make knives requested by their customers. Their Mule team program is unparalleled in any industry, not just the cutlery. Last but not least is Sal. I have tremendous personal respect for Sal, As well as Eric, Kristy, and Gail and the rest of Spyderco's team. Even the people who have become regulars on their website are held high in my regard.

I am a knife guy as well and have spent more than my share on Kershaw/ZT. Thomas W. and the old Kershaw Mafia , which I deny ever existed were first rate knife guys and people as well. Some are just collectors now, some have moved into their own sales business, one at least makes very nice knives. Etc.

Lots of other knives. Benchmade, Ontario, KaBar, Bark River, Survive, Ferhman, Bussekin, etc. All have too much of my money.

Joe
 
Blues Bender said:
:rolleyes:

Anyways...

Spydercos and kershaws can be had for your budget price. The next step up would be the higher end kershaws and spydercos, along with benchmade, zero tolerance and quite a few others.

The more high end knives will be Chris Reeve knives, Hinderers, striders, customs/midtechs.

Stick around for a while and take a look, you'll see what we're carrying. There's alot more than what I mentioned. Don't let idiots like "that guy" bring you down, he probably can only afford a gerber anyways;)
Click to expand...

What he said.
 
Wow, that's a pretty broad question... with just as many responses. I'd separate discussion into folders and fixed blades because a lot of companies are better at one than the other and a lot of people like one type more than the other. That said, I'm mainly a fixed blade guy, although I have a handful of folders also. In the budget range: Buck (110), Ontario (SP series), Kabar, CRKT (various folders). In the mid-range: Ontario (RD series), Tops (various fixed blades suitable for tactical or survival use), Boker (some really nice folders, some made in Solingen Germany). Upper range: Bark River (Bravo series), Blackjack (model 14). Cold Steel makes all types in all ranges, some of which are as good as you'll find in the production knife world, e.g. Laredo Bowie, Natchez Bowie, Trail Master, Recon Scout, Spartan folder, Recon 1 folder, just to name a few. Peruse some of the major makers' websites and try to pick out one folder, one small fixed blade for utility use, and one large fixed blade for tactical/camping/survival use and go from there. If you're like most of us, you'll probably end up with dozens of knives that you like.
 
For years I carried CRKT and thought they were the cat's meow. Now days, not so much. I still am fond of a couple models they offer but, for the money,
you can do much better.

If I had to pick a favorite company for a budget blade it would have to be Kershaw. Street prices for their products are very good so most people can find something in the line up that is affordable. Also, Kershaw's use of Sandvik steel on many of their knives gives them an edge, IMHO, over most other companies they compete with. I am finding that I like Sandvik for a low end steel. For a budget dress knife or light duty EDC, Kershaw wins the blue ribbon with Victorinox following in second place.

Jump up one step and my vote has to be given to Benchmade. I have to admit that I am not real fond of most knives offered by Benchmade, I do, however, love the Axis locking system. I like their use of S30v and 154CM steels too. If I was forced to pick one folder for EDC field use, the Griptilian would be on my short list of knives to choose from. I don't really like the Griptilian but have found that it is designed well and is made with decent materials. Bottom line, it works.

I can't speak much about high end knives, so I will just not say anything. I have little experience with knives above $200 dollars.

But what if?

If a person was starting over and wanted to purchase knives made by one company to keep things uniform? Spyderco, no question ask. It is easy to understand why they have such a huge following. Dress knives, EDC, etc, Spyderco's offerings give you a common feature. The Spyder hole. Just think, no matter what knife was in your pocket, you would have simular ergonomics. Kind of a neat idea. Almost makes a person want to get rid of everything and start over. And, I can see why people swear by their FFG leaf blades.

With that being said, I have to tip my hat for Kershaw's parent company, KAI USA. When you look at all the offerings that KAI has on the table, Kershaw, ZT, and Shun, they get my vote for best over all company.
 
I have a wide range of knives and many of them are different companies. I wouldn't say im bias to any, I am always trying to get something differnt. I have never sold off any knives either. Benchmade, ZT, Spyderco are probably my favorite mid priced knives my only more high end knives are a Strider, and a Jason Brous silent soldier flipper. When it comes to kitchen knives Shun and Global are great.
 
Thank you all, I have learned a lot from all of you. So much help and information.

Btw I'm thinking that spyderco is my all around favorite. But I still love and have a huge respect for all the others too
 
Broad question, but I'll shoot from the hip and give you my answer.

Spyderco. Great products across all price ranges and styles, and Sal Glesser (the owner) is the epitome of class. ZT has great designs and their fit / finish / quality is also top notch. I own more ZTs right now, but "like" Spyderco more as a company...
 
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If you are interested in fixed blades I will warn you to stay out of the fiddleback forge forum. I've bought about 6 of them in the past few months. Very addicting.
 
I am also new to the forum as a member I have been reading and collecting for years but just recently joined. My favorites have all been mentioned. $50-$100 Kershaw I love there emerson collab $200-$300 Benchmade and ZT this one may be unpopular here but I do own a couple microtechs and enjoy them also. Past $300 Chris Reeves Todd Begg and Strider are a few of my favorites.
 
The now closed USA Camillius and Ulster/Schrade/IKC. They simply made great everyman knives. Great value for little money.

Of the current manufacturers it would be Victorinox for the same reason plus because their unmatched QC and incredible manufacturing innovations coupled with unmatched resource stewardship --- no one even comes close. No where near close.
 
Easily Spyderco.

Why? Grinds + steels.

So many options. Also in price range.

And they actually cut.

Also I find the Spydie hole the most comfortable opening mechanism.

(They invented the pocket clip and the opening hole by the way.)
 
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