I don't have a favorite brand, Spyderco, Benchmade, Kershaw, CRKT all make good knives. I have good knives from all these brands.
Although I have more Spydercos than any other brand.
Ken, I like the Tenacious for the price.
Of course if price is no object, I just bought a Benchmade Griptilian gold class with a Krein regrind. Can't wait for that to arrive.