Woof Tom:
Perhaps people are reluctant to commit to writing what they own? Anyway, I was sitting back in case my posting might cause others to self-stifle, but such appears not to be the case
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so herewith some thoughts:
You don't specify, but I'm guessing that your interest is of personal protection. With that assumption in place , , ,
Knife selection is quite personal. What feels right to me may not feel right to you and vice versa.
That said, I would offer that many people tend to look at the blade instead of feeling the handle. Would you want to slash at something hard with it- or would you be concerned that you might knock of your hand upon contact? Would you be willing to thrust hard with it with the risk of hitting something hard- or would you be concerned that your hand would slide up the blade?
MAny people place great importance on the edge holding quality of the steel. Personally I don't care too much, but that's just me. Unlike a work knife, a personal protection knife needs hold its edge for only one use at a time so I see no point
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in spending a lot of money for super grade steels.
Many people like folders. Others do not. Will you be able to open you folder under the intense adrenal conditions of self-defense with a knife?
Big question: How will you carry and draw it? Will this carry work with all clothes? If not, then what?
Yoy may wish to consider what is legal where you live.
As Kyle notes, Benchmade and Syderco are well-regarded companies. I used to carry a Syderco Police model when it first came out in the mid-80s when its design was cutting
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edge, but came to doubt MY ability to pinch-grab the hole and draw under adrenal conditions-- but that's just me. I would also draw your attention to Emerson. I recently handled a CRKT that impressed me greatly in terms of my criteria (see above)-- and its price was quite reasonable. You mention Cold Steel-- I have heard some people say that Cold Steel knives are not what they used to be. I only can say that the last one that I handled (this would go back a few years) was a Tanto folder and the opening action seemed to me to be extremely stiff. They do have a good rep for sharp edges.
Hope this helps and hope others chime in.
Woof,
Crafty Dog