Favorite Knife Brand?

These days I have to say its Randall.

They are the only ones I know of to offer big military-style fixed blades with deep hollow grinds and 0.5 mm thin edge bevel tops, without any of that convexing stuff...

Another plus is they are practically the only ones to offer forged stainless 440B (supposedly going on C on some batches)... These two factors makes them practically without competition, as 440C is my first choice of steel, and the thin edges are plenty strong enough, with the resulting small narrow bevels making them easy to sharpen to 10° per side for decades on end. (Only my 20 year out of production Al Mar Special Warfare combines similar attributes, but in Aus-6 (8?) and without the forging)

I hate Randall's uneven "swirly" finishes, symmetry issues and even sometimes untrue blade surfaces (although correctly centered primary bevels, but otherwise the roughest factory blades I know of, despite what most photos look like)...

I love far more my Vaugh Neeley SA9 and its "formal" absolute perfection (Randalls look made in the 13th century in comparison), but with 1.8 mm wide edge bevels, it took me weeks to take the Neeley's bevels well below 15° per side (a barely possible endeavor), and considering how hard it would be to use and then bring back to par, with that thick an edge base and such tall bevels, I think I'm only throwing away that work when the sky is falling...

Gaston
 
Even my favorite manufacturers turn out some duds, either designs I don't like or just those that didn't meet my expectations, but KAI (both Kershaw and ZT) and Ontario are probably responsible for more hits than misses in my book. Most of my favorite folders are discontinued Kershaw models such as the Lahar, Cyclone (full-sized tanto specifically) and Groove, while I find some of Ontario's fixed blades to really cover a lot of ground in terms of utility use. Some of their Spec Plus models are a sheath upgrade away from perfection as far as my needs go.
 
Given that when it comes to firearms, I prefer blued-steel-and-walnut to black-steel-and-plastic, it will come as no surprise that although I have no favorite brand, every knife I carry regularly is a traditional pattern one.

Just how it is for me.
 
Well, my pocket time is split between Benchmade and Spyderco, they both have aspects that I love. As far as my favorite knife goes, it's a Bradford Guardian3, so while I can't say they're my favorite maker (I only own 1 so far) they are certainly top 5.
 
I'm fairly brand agnostic, though some brands make more stuff I like than others. That said, Spyderco makes it very hard for me not to have at least a little brand loyalty. Their transparency and ethics are just impressive.
 
Lots of Spyderco love in this thread!

I recently found a PM2 that I thought was lost forever or that I had sold and forgot (but still had the box, so that didn't make sense) but it was in my center console of my truck.
I've been pretty happy playing with that PM2 lately since I've found it.

That being said, I own the most folders from Strider, mostly SMF's, my favorite being GG models.
For fixed blades I've really been into Winkler II lately, but my all time favorite fixed blade is a Busse Ash1 so they definitely deserve recognition for that model.
Tomahawks = RMJ all the way!!
Multitools = Sog just recently bought a backup powerlock that probably won't see much use.

I know, I cheated by naming a different company for different types so to be fair I'd have to judge it by what I get the most every day use out of and that would be my Strider folders.
 
For production folders....Benchmade and Spyderco. Benchmade's Axis lock is the best thing since sliced bread. Spydies have a cool design appeal and, of course, their quality is outstanding.

Fixed blades....BECKER! price vs. benefit is amazing. Also, there's nothing better than making a Becker "yours".

The blade I'd love to own but will probably never get, Brous Silent Soldier folder. Fondled one and it became THE knife.
 
My favorite knives come from all over, but i would have to say My favorite "brand" is Kersaw followed by Buck... Spyderco is a great co. And makes great knives, and there really is a spydie for every budget, and they do seem to use every steel, but for me personally, I feel their designs are lacking and somewhat monotonous. I like various sleak lines and wood handles/inlays, as well as tactical styles and unique profiles and finishes...
 
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Buck followed by Benchmade.

Buck has excellent customer service. Before I was into knives, I broke a tip off of a Buck using it as a prybar. Years later, when I was more into knives and found out it had a lifetime warranty and I could send it in, I did. Sent them the knife and a note telling them I broke it using it as a prybar and it was totally my fault. Sent them the knife and my phone number and email address and told them to contact me and I would pay over the phone or check just to let me know. A few days later, the knife came back free of charge with a new blade and a discount card for something like 50% off my next Buck purchase from their website. I called them to try to pay and they wouldn't take any money.
I only have 2 Benchmades and they seem like great knives as well. Never used their customer service, but have heard great things from friends that have used their customer service.
 
BUCK knives so far.

All of mine are Made in the USA.

Buck Ranger Skinner FB Knife

Buck 110 Folding Hunter
Buck The 55
Buck Vanguard

(The Vanguard is one that I owned and gifted to my husband. He wanted me to have it back for my woods/wilderness use. He has several knives like this one and I did not.)

I have never had to use the Buck customer service department. I am kind of a Newbie in Buck knives. (I no longer carry what I used to carry as a young lady in knives due to my arthritis.)

I like the looks of my Buck knives and how they feel in my hands.

I like the Buck name, their quality and their reputation even if they are not as expensive as a few of my husband's production and custom made knives.

We carry and/or use what we own. We do not have collections or safe queens. I am not knocking people who choose to collect knives when I say this.

I like Canadian Belt knives too. Cold Steel and Grohmann/Russell #1.

Cate
 
in order #1 Randall #1 7'' 0-1 leather...#2..any Barkie #3..Northwoods forest jack..#4..Gec #99

#5 Gec #76


2Panther
 
No favorite here. No single brand produces a sufficient variety to keep me occupied. ;)

I have settled on one brand though to semi-seriously collect, original USA Old Timers.

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I have been really liking Protech for a few years now. Especially the TR-4 and Rockeye.
 
Kershaw- fits the bill with alot of their budget oriented knives, most of my purchases that i frequently make (a few times a month) are under $75, generally in the $40-$65 range. I work a part time job making minimum wage, so as much as i would love to buy customs & midtechs frequently, im prevented due to my earnings so kershaw steps in pretty frequently.

Spyderco- i love the designs, materials, and innovation. All though the spydie hole isnt my preferred deployment method, i still dont have a problem with it. I too like their sprint runs, although most are above what im comfortable with spending without a certain occasion in mind; i can afford some that are in my comfort zone like the purple DF2 i recently picked up.

ZT- to follow after spyderco, i love the designs, materials, and the eye candy their LEs can be. I only own the 0561 as of now, but i have my eye on a 0200, 0550, 0620, and 0770. One day i will own a 0801CFM390 copperhead.

Benchmade- i like their designs , but i really like the axis lock and how smooth every benchmade ive held has came out of the box.

Buck- i love the lines on their knives, to me most of them look very nice.

Crkt- i dont like all their knives but i like how they make a wide range of knives that are budget oriented, and how they do alot of collabs. Those collabs open the doors to that designers custom work, and gives you a sorta taste of things to come ex: the minimalist.
 
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