I think Spyderco produces some nearly-flawless folding blades at amazingly low prices. I only wish they'd venture into the realm of non-stainless fixed blades. I carry a Spyderco P'Kal with me whenever I'm wearing a pair of pants -- and, on most days, have a Native, Tenacious, Chinook, or Ti-Military as its wingman.
Of all the multi-tools I've owned I think Victorinox makes the best product -- functional, and just downright beautiful; but -- I've also been impressed with how functional my 20-dollar-beater Schrade multi-tool has held up.
...And I'll also come out and say that I'm an unabashed fan of Cold Steel; even if they are completely over-the-top with their marketing -- I think they make a few truly exceptional products, especially given their price-point (think about their kukri machete -- or stupidly-enormous ~70-dollar 6" Voyager). Say what you will about Lynn Thompson's, often unnecessarily harsh, remarks about 'his competitors' -- but the company does not give a rats-ass about being politically correct in their designs -- and from a practical self-defense standpoint are really hard to beat. And not just in knives...Do any of you guys actually OWN a Cold Steel Torpedo? It's a goddamn lawn-dart from the depths of Mordor -- and bless his heart -- Lynn thought to make a dollar-and-a-cent by selling these babies at fifteen dollars a pop. I bought half a dozen. Gave some to friends. Chicks do -- indeed -- love the Torpedo; and giving them away to gals -- if you play your cards right -- I would wager -- just might get you laid. They should add that to the video where the serviceman talks about killing an insurgent with his Cold Steel folder. Bless you Lynn Thompson -- and God Bless Cold Steel.
(It's been a long night.)