So I've been updating my kitchenware, and came across two makers that I didn't know of before and have been very positively surprised by:

Paderno.it: Italian stainless steel. A local specialist kitchenware store was carrying the brand which is how I learned of it, and their online store was one of the few places where I could find a shallow pot/casserole/saute pan but with handles/mini-rondeau-ish thing. Which I now absolutely adore.

Triangle-tools.de: German kitchen tools. Went in for a fish spatula, also got a fantastic silicone licker and a swivel peeler (with detachable blade they sell spares for, but more importantly can be detached for sharpening!).

Also shoutouts to Demeyere for Belgian rivetless stainless steel at prices that will make you cry (I have held your sateuse... soon™ it will be mine) and Heirol Finnish kitchenware for basic+ quality basic stuff.

German company https://www.emsa.com/ also delivers a broad range of kitchen ware. Their stuff is very sturdy. Can be found in a lot of shops in Germany.