I used to think Cold Steel was high end too.
Glad I was not alone.

My primary user since the 80s was a Spanish Aitor brand knife model "Oso Blanco". That was from the old "everything was 440C R65" days. I still love the shape of that blade, it has a very deep re-curve like a yard hook on steroids, and because of that chops a treat, but 440C, at least tempered the way that thing is tempered has a lot to be desired in the sharpening and edge retention stakes.

Then I was given a Cold Steel SRK, which had the sharpest blade I'd ever owned after I sharpened it. That was the first time I'd experienced "scary sharp".
That was not big enough to be my field user, but at a gun show I found a Cold Steel from there "experimental" range (can't recall what they called that range then).
Sort of a cross between a huge deep bellied bowie and a small kukri which gave me the chopping power I wanted and that was my field blade for ages.

Then a few years ago my friend introduced me to the Bussekins.
I've not bought a fixed blade knife from another company since.