Its rather funny that none here can answer, when magasines like askmen, fhm and even newspapers like NYC times can draw a picture of what is best or not.
Of course its highly subjective, but hey: its a knife. Not a spaceshuttle.
Is a Devin Thomas custom better than a Global?
Well all about preferences, and when someone asks its often to get some directions of where to buy a knife. If I enter a car lovers forum, I would get some ideas of what is the best and yes I rather own a Ferrari than a Trabant, at least should I dream more about owning a ferrari.
When asking for the best out there, it would more likely be an expensive knife rather than a 5 USD Victorinox. And if some you dont have the ability to tell if a knife is good or not when using it, then Im shocked. I have my preferences, based of how the knife preforms under my use. I like the way I can hold it, and I can spot rather fast if I like the profile or not.
Anyway my top list based on experience and expectations (and in no particular order):
1. Devin Thomas
For me Devin is the best damsus maker out there, doing a huge range of different patterns. I like his logo, and I like his profile and geometry. As Devin also experience with lots of different steels makes him rather unique. I also like his sanmai, and his eager to become better. I like devin as a person to, as he is polite and listen to his customers. I would recommend Devin to anyone. He also experience with lots of different handles, and I love his bolsters. For me a DT is a great knife, maybe one of the best Ive ever tried.
2. Bill Burke
The true master of sanmai and 52100. Bill is known for his HT as well as making really great knives. I first noticed him by Colins Knife and the review he did on it. I wanted one of my own and will next week hold a BB for the first time. I love Bills handles and expect them to be one of the best Ive hold. I love his profile on his customs and expect high on his geometry. Probably one of the top makers, however I need to try before I can tell for sure. But based on what Ive read and seen, I got some insane high expectations. I also like Bill as a person and have had the pleasure of talking with him for a couple of years now.
3. Murray Carter
The pimp providing the girls you like to go dirty with. I have one and its an amazing cutter. Murray cant make a good handle, but his lowend knives does the work for me. And I need those slutty girls to do the real dirty jobs. You get what you pay, a great cutter for low price.
4. Marko Tsourkan
Amazing profile and geometry. He makes some awesome handles as well, and the knife preforms beyon most top makers out there. I love everything about it.
omst likely the one that gives most bang for the bucks atm.
I dont buy from others.. and Im fine with that