List of "favorite metal handled knives" is a subset of the list called "favorite custom folder makers":
Kit Carson (M16, M18)
Darrel Ralph (EDC, Apogee)
Chris Reeve (Sebbie)
Scott Cook (Lochsa)
Tom Mayo (TNT)
John W. Smith (Integral Lock folders)
I don't own a Brian Tighe knife, but have handled them are they are well made.
I like some of Pat & Wes Crawford's designs for self defense pieces...
the KFF, Point Guard, Shark, and Falcon all strike me as good designs for what they are intended for.
Production:
I liked the old Benchmade Pinnacle integral locks well enough for what they were/are.
Kershaw Vapor wins the "all metal cheapie" award for quality at a superduper low price ($20).
Microtech continues to build the best overall quality production folders going IMNSHO.