I bought my first Springfield Armory Inc rifle back in 1994. It was a dealer new M1A. I've had a ton of their products over the years, and personally wouldn't own any firearm actually made by Springfield.
I don't feel the same way about the gun they import and "brand" as their own. I had...
My preferences are ...
Best Folders = Emerson
Budget Folders = Spyderco
Best Fixed = Busse family (Busse Combat, Swamp Rat, ScrapYard)
Budget Fixed = ESEE
Scrap Yard
Swamp Rat
Busse Combat
ESEE
Victorinox (I like SAK's :dunno: )
Busse would be first on the list if they were more affordable.
I have "several" SYKCO and SRKW blades - and they are awesome.
The couple of ESEE knives I've owned were good performers too, but I wouldn't put them...
I have a Katadyn Pocket Filter that I bought during the lead up to Y2K. I haven't used it much during the past 12 years, but its a heavy / solid piece of kit. You do have to be careful to NOT crack the ceramic element.
My "training filter" is a Katadyn Hiker Pro. In fact, my wife's filter is...