I have always used SOG or Gerber while i was in the military they never failed me.

Kershaw, Buck, Custom Huey and Havalon... hands down the most effective knife I own

Benchmade all the way for me. I had a Reflex that was issued years ago break a spring I e mailed them and sent it back. It came back a couple weeks later with a new spring and new edge. All I had to do was pay postage 1 way. Great company. I like my fixed blade KaBar but when it does go dull its a chore to get it shaving again. The high end gerbers are nice but I have had bad luck with their lower end stuff.

gerber, cold steel, and my nwtf thing i have are my favorites in order

Thank you for your service