The two brands that come immediately to mind in the 'I don''t get it' department are Sebenzas and most Spydercos. With the Sebenzas, it's basically 'everything.' With the Spydercos, it's mostly the look of most of them, especially when open, and that big hole. In their case there ARE a few of exceptions to this--3 or 4 models I might like. I know Spydercos and Sebenzas are good knives though.
I like Spydercos based on their design as cutting tools. I almost don't even factor aesthetics into my consideration of a Spyderco... The Manix is probably ugly to some, but, in my hands, it's such a perfect cutting tool that I wouldn't care if it was pink and glittery. They put premium materials at an affordable price, and are often experimental with their designs and material choices. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but they've got something for every profession and for every collector (that doesn't mind a big hole in the blade).
Regarding Cold Steel, IMO they are probably the one brand with the broadest spectrum of "nice >> ugly." The Cold Steels I own I purchased because I like the look, utility and quality of them. However as you go down their line there are those which, to me, are either non-appealing or just plain ugly. At one time I bought into 'the whole line and brand is just cheaply constructed, weirdo crap' crap. Now that I own a few I realize how wrong I was.
For real. They don't help the perception with their over-the-top advertising and their mysteriously-marketed items like the Steven Segal Swordbreaker. Oh, great, I'm sure glad I have a defensive melee weapon in case someone breaks into my house with a Katana. Bonus that it's named after an arrogant tubby wash-up.
Again, though, still love a lot of their knives.
As far as Emersons are concerned I liken them to Harley-Davidsons. Lovers and haters, little in between. Me not being a carrot-slicer, it's the old, "If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand" thing. I respect the opinions of the honestly-held detractors however. No knife is for everyone. It's only those who have never owned one for any length of time yet denigrate them continuously that I am a bit suspect of. For Emerson bashers who want to talk about price:
Quality knives can be expensive, a relative term. How a Sebenza is worth two or more Emersons is the biggest mystery of all to me. In that case it's ME who doesn't understand.
If we're using Emerson as a comparison, I feel like it's reasonable to say that a Sebenza is worth twice as much. The quality control, materials, and warranty are arguably twice as good (although it's hard to reasonably put a number to that kind of thing.)
With the competing manufacturers churning out Ti framelocks with exceptional quality control, I would have a hard time arguing that the Sebenza's price tag is worth it - although, if you watch some videos on how they are made, you'll see why they charge what they charge. It's no run-and-done factory setup. There's some real precision and craftsmanship at work. They're production mid-techs, as far as I'm concerned - again, though, that doesn't make it "worth it."
