I'm more into bushcraft knives than pocket or tactical knives. Having said that, I don't know if I have a favorite brand for pocketknives. Spyderco is pretty consistent with their quality but can be overpriced, since, in my opinion, they aren't elite, top of the line knives, but they do have almost elite pricing in some of their products.
Kershaw on the other hand, is not as consistent and some of them are made in china but they do have some good knives and their prices are pretty good. In my opinion, you get more bang for your buck, but it will depend largely on what you need it for. Say, a $30 kershaw knife can be great for EDC and to keep it in your car for whatever light use you need in your day to day. But if you plan on using it outside, say construction, outdoors or more heavy work, I would not consider a Kershaw the best option. The good thing is that there are many brands and models to choose from depending on your needs.
I've kept a black swiss army Huntsman in my car for almost 10 years and still going strong, and carry a smith & wesson Freelancer as my EDC and this setup it's good enough for me. To be honest, it's almost overkill since I don't use neither that much, it can go a few days without me using either, but I'm of the mindset that I rather have them and not use them, than need them and not have them. There is no inconvenience in having them with me or in my car anyway.