Mr Gibbs,
I feel I must offer
you a correction as well:
"
Jack of all Knives....
Master of None!"
That couldn't be further from the truth.
I'm curious, what kind of equipment are those cutlers using over there? Is it more or less mechanized/computerized , or do they still do a lot of hands on work? I've been wondering about that for a while, especially since everything else over there seems to have been so modernized in recent years.
Interesting question!
As everywhere, there is significant diversity.
There are some larger factories that can produce significant volume at impressive prices.
They have CNC grinders much like the rest of the planets Cutlery industry.
Most of those may produce the type of quality one would expect to find at gas stations & flea markets.
Don't blame them, someone over here ordered knives like that.
At the other end of the spectrum is "cottage industry".
Very small companies, or families, that specialize in one product or even one operation (mold a handle or heat treat a part).
If A.G.'s makers do not have a capability that is needed, then the job can be subcontracted to a different industry.
For example, most of the folding knife components are cut with wire EDMs by tool makers.
I can tell you from experience that making knives for A.G. Russell is challenging, having done so at Camillus Cutlery Company for many years.
He wants it better & is prepared to pay for it.
It pushes a Company to improve quality.
I can honestly state that making knives for A.G. improved Camillus Cutlery quality.
I know enough folks in the remaining American knife factories to confidently tell you that was NOT a unique occurrence.
Ladies & Gentleman,
I understand most of the emotions & realities of Chinese imports & the current status of American industry, having been astonishingly fortunate enough to have been salvaged from the smoldering ruins of Camillus Cutlery by a single phone call from A.G.
I so respect our FREEDOM TO CHOOSE what knives to spend one's hard earned & ruinously taxed income on.
However, I ask you honestly:
If A.G. never had a single knife made in China, how much would that have affected the supply of gas station, flea market & Big Box store knives?
Please someone name me an American knife maker that has lost a job because A.G. decided to risk seeing if he could get some high quality knives made his way in China?
Don't bother bring up Camillus or Schrade, as I know for an absolute fact that he tried to buy
more knives from both when he heard there were problems.
A.G has knives made for him by American Factories that do not make other peoples knives.
Is there a credible knife Factory in America that wanted to make knives for A.G. that has been denied that opportunity?
Is there a Custom Knife Maker amongst us that has never received any advice requested of A.G.?
In all due respect, some amongst us might not like the State of the Industry, but in my humble opinion, A.G. is not the one to kick for it.
