I genuinely have to say spyderco. I never find myself a big fan of their blades because of the way they are shaped sometimes into a very standardized design, but lately i've been finding myself wanting to buy their knives a lot. Spyderco is very innovative in their locks, using different locks like the compression locks, ball locks, ect. Also the most innovative when it comes to steel choice. Rarely will you ever see a company other than perhaps Kershaw who will do so many steels. They do their research, have many collaborations with knife makers, especially their recent H1 Warrior and always listening to it's fan base. Not only that their innovative in their price points severing all kinds of users of different economic budgets. From their 3 dollar bug knives to the 200-300 dollar Temperance 2.
I think their the most respectful and innovative company, always giving credence to the designers that helped them make their knives like Emerson, Fred Perrin, Ed Schimp, ect. They also build their knives on a basis of pure practicality a lot of times. Nothing on the Endura 4 is anything less than perfect for its price point. High traction scales, good jimping, well design handle with good ergonomics, fast deployment, large thumb hole. and excellent steel choice.
The only thing is that I wish spyderco would open up a little more to the fixed blade market. The Temperance 2, aqua salt, H1 warrior and such are fantastic fixed blades, but I'd like to see them compete more along the lines of the 7 inch fighting knives with thick 3/16 spines. I especially would like a byrd style series of fixed blades that come out with useful and well designed fixed blades for a reasonable price.
