I can remember similar thoughts of my own! Well, the only Cold Steel I ever bought was an SRK, and it's stood up to some good beatings. It was a beater knife to me. As for SOG, they used to be "my" knife company. I must say though, I have an old SOG Tech II and I don't think I have any other knives that compare when it comes to grind quality and just downright beauty in a knife. I have an old Pentagon, too which has a soldered cross guard. There is an attention to detail on those knives that I've found hard for other production knives to meet. Unfortunately, I think those days for SOG are now in the past. Fortunately, I'm in the Yard now, and Dan brings forth some fine knives.