I had a hell of a time finding winter tires I liked, but finally bought some US made Toyo M-55s. I had to drive down from Montreal to the US to pick them up, but it was well worth it since the US made M-55s are pinned for studs. These tires are used extensively by commercial fleets and working pickup trucks out west and up north. They easily last 80k or more and many owners sipe them. There are siping machines that exist, but there none in Montreal, so I had to hand-sipe mine. Hand-siping also does a better job, supposedly, because you can stay away from the edges of the lugs. Automated siping machines are just a big cork-screw cutter that cuts 1/2" wide sipes along the tread circumference.