Here's a list of the few brands I've handled/owned/etc and my feelings on them, in no particular order. Can't really say how they compare to Spydercos, because most are aimed at different markets.
Benchmade- Makes great knives, but
to me they all seem to look the same. They're too "tactical" for my taste. Their Balis are top notch, though I wish they'd use a different handle style once in a while(the 32 was a breath of fresh air) A little overpriced for me, and I don't like the price fixing they utilize.
Blackjack- I'm one of the few who actually likes Blackjack's knives, I had an old Stalker that was beat to **** and back when I was younger, than it went through a saltwater corrosion test(did remarkably well), so I've had good experiences with Blackjack.
Boker- SUBCOM notwithstanding(we all know how good they are) Boker has some really good stuff, but you'll have to look carefully for the deals. Their high end stuff can get pricey real quickly.
Bradley- I disagree with the "Sebenza ripoff" opinion, but that's probably because I've only bought the Mayhem(Bali). Very pleased with the construction of that one. If the rest of the line is as good, it'll be a great manufacturer.
Chris Reeve- Haven't gotten one yet, they're so expensive they need to be a "goal" purchase, and most of my purchases are on impulse. Can't comment.
Cold Steel:- All across the board, for them it really depends on what you buy. I've bought three of the same knife with mixed results. Some were exceptional, some were rejects. Good Cold Steel is excellent, on par with most other production companies, but when it's bad Cold Steel, it's deserving of the reputation. Inconsistency is my only complaint with them. I do wonder how they come up with some of their prices though.
CRKT- Not my style of knives, but they are well built, and great value for what they cost. I think their low end stuff is better than the high end, simply because of price point. The high end CRKT is priced around the same as other companies. For low cost stuff though, they're excellent.
Emerson- Haven't handled any, because they're all liner locks, and getting a left handed version involves extra money and a long wait. Both things I'm not willing to do.
Kershaw- I like Kershaw(wish they'd make a Bali). They have a good product mix of low and high end items. They've even got a decent ambi lock(extra points in my book). Decent prices, and great quality in my experience. They're quite durable as well, I've sharpened quite a few Kershaws for coworkers, and I'm shocked at how well most of them hold up to the abuse they're put through. My only complaint is that most of the blades look the same to my untrained eyes. Probably number 2 or 3 on my list of favorites.
Microtech- Superb knives, superior fit and finish, and one of the only companies whose out of the box sharpness rivals Spyderco. Downside is they are freakishly expensive, and way too rich for my wallet. I've only owned one, and it cost me an arm and a leg to get, and was eventually sold to raise money.
Ontario- I've had one bad experience with them, with a knife that came duller than my fingernail, and the sheath fell apart on me. I've heard mostly good things about them, and they're great value.
SOG- While they may not use the latest steel(AUS-6 on most) they do make solid knives, and they are quite sharp(Desert Dagger I used to have was the sharpest knife I've ever owned)
Strider- Haven't handled one of these either, never have the money, and the lock is on the wrong side. I doubt there will be any left handed Striders in the near future.
I can go on into semi-custom manufacturers as well
