Jim, I think this is a worthwhile thread. Here's this week's picks for me in no particular order:
*Victorinox-- Not only do they make the SAKs that so many of us carry daily, but they make my favorite kitchen knife series in the Fibrox handled series imported by Forschner
Next is a tie between *Frost's of Sweden* and *KJ Erikson*. They both make really great, amazingly inexpensive using knives that are easily the equal of knives costing far more. I have a slight preference for KJ Erikson Mora knives, but only a slight preference. The Mora 2000 is one of the best sleeper bargains on the planet, as far as I'm concerned.
*Spyderco--- I don't like all their models, but they are primarily responsible for the hole opening, lightweight pocketclip folder and for bringing the Santoku shape to the attention of American cooks. Also, I'd bet that a good many of us got started in our accumulation of "better than hardware store brand" knives with Spydercos. ;-)
*Blackjack Knives--- They may be deceased, but they were the first co. that I know of to bring an assortment of previously "custom only" steels and shapes into the realm of production knives at affordable prices.
Lastly is a tie between *Cold Steel and *Ontario Knives. --- The reason is that both companies offer huge selections of good strong useful shapes and both companies still offer carbon steel knives at reasonable prices. Say what you want about Lynn Thompson, but he has been willing to bring various shapes and tools to the public that nobody else seems willing to attempt.
Well, OK, I cheated. That's more than 5 brands. ;-)
mps