Benchmade is my go to. Spyderco is ok but the steel, I don't care for...it rusts.
Gerber...won't hold an edge.
Sog makes a good inexpensive fixed blade.
For daily carry on weekends, I like my lefty Spyderco Military (top). For work, in my pocket (I work in an office), I have a Delica4 with titanium bolsters and a Damascus blade (middle; big pic because it's so damn pretty). My best-made folder is probably my Benchmade Barrage with M390 Supersteel; it's a little thick and heavy, but really well-made (bottom).
For fixed blade, I like ESEE's; right balance of price and function.
BTW, Cutco and Kbar started in Tidioute, PA where i'm from. I still have a USA made Kbar hunting knife, and the Queen Steel kives are still made in Titusville, PA by true craftsmen.
I always have my Benchmade 530 plain edge drop point on me, jeans or dress pants it doesnt matter this knife goes with it all. I have had it for probably 6 years and the blade is still just about a sharp as the day I bought it.