I own several CS knives. All were purchased MANY years ago.
Tanto San Mai is a favorite for camp work, mini tanto is a great belt knife.
For folders, Spyderco is hard to beat - depending upon the model. I love the MeerKat for a pocket knife.
Best folder I have ever owned is SOG - hands down.
Very well made, fit and finish is outstanding. I have a Lakota I picked up somewhere over the years (don't remember where) that is a top quality knife as well.
For a cheapie, the Buck 110 still holds merit (to some) for it's price range for everyday use. I got a poly handled Buck 110 (or whatever model it is) several years ago as a freebie from a vendor. It isn't anything special, but it works everytime - kinda like the Glock of knives.
The owner at CS (in my opinion) can be a whiney assed cry baby. I met him at a show once, he wasn't promoting his product, he was asking people to sign a petition to forward to Blade magazine demanding more CS articles, so 'his' products could be given due credit and expose the rest of the worlds knife mfrs. for the garbage they truly are (paraphrased).
It seems he got cross with some Blade editor (I think) and there was some personality conflicts between them (go figure).
Overall I like their products. Not the cheapest by far, but far from a bad purchase, at least with the ones I own.
BigSlick