Country of origin Snob?

[David Nowlin]

I don’t know about you but i have a hard time buying a knife that’s made in a country that either hates my country or is an enemy of my country or may have unethical labor practices.
I know manufacturers have to make business decisions to better their company but is there a line in the sand that shouldn’t be crossed or is it open season and anything goes.
My example would be while browsing knives online i see a great design and the price is very affordable (which is the first clue) and i hope and pray, but after checking info it’s of course made in “China”! Am i wrong to say I won’t buy a knife because of where its made?
I do have knives made in China but purchased many years ago and they still see use from time to time. It’s not just a USA thing as some of my favorites come from other countries such as Taiwan, Germany,Switzerland,Sweden,Finland,
Pakistan yes even the USA.
So with that said what are some of your opinions on this subject or am i truly being a Country of Origin Snob?
DN
And should manufacturers consider moving out of countries that aren’t really our friends?

 

[unwisefool]

Did you by any chance do a search on this topic beforehand? Its been discussed sooooo many times.

 

[Bigfattyt]

For me, it is more about quality of the knife and materials. I have Spyderco knives made in China. Solid values.

I've carried a Reate which I was impressed with.

I see a Civivi Gent in my future.



I do carry made in USA knoves every day, Buck, GEC, customs, etc.

What I won't support is knock off knives. If I am being honest, often I carry the USA made knives much more often.

 

[rover]

You're a snob. Everything u own should be made in China.

 

[Jsega51]

I buy my forks from USA only but I buy knives and spoons from other countries.

In before the lock.

 

[jmgruber]

I feel like only members with German Shepherds as their avatar can participate in this thread.

 

[Lee D]

Won’t buy a Chinese made knife but you included Pakistan in the list of where your favorites are manufactured?

 

[Smaug]

I don’t know about you but i have a hard time buying a knife that’s made in a country that either hates my country or is an enemy of my country or may have unethical labor practices.

Be careful re. "country that hates us". For example, I don't think China "hates us". In fact, their government loves our business and the revenue it brings them! The common workers sure don't hate us; we're why they have jobs. As you pointed out

To me, the real question is whether I want to support the company or the laborers for that company. If I can support both, so be it. For example, for my last Spyderco, I bought a Polestar. (Made in China) By buying it new, I supported corporate Spyderco by buying it new*, but I also supported Chinese labor, and by extension, the Chinese government.

* This reminds me that we can buy "Made in China" but used, and then not support China, even though we got a Chinese-made product!

Am i wrong to say I won’t buy a knife because of where its made?

It's not right or wrong, but a matter of your priorities.

So with that said what are some of your opinions on this subject or am i truly being a Country of Origin Snob?

I don't think 'snob' is the right word. It's a matter of your priorities.

And should manufacturers consider moving out of countries that aren’t really our friends?

YES! (my opinion)


Let's say I'm looking at a Chinese-made Spyderco vs. a Swiss made Victorinox. Is it better to buy the Spyderco, and support both the US and China? or Buy Victorinox and only support the Swiss? (who are not our enemies, but also not really our allies either; they're just in it for the money, like China!)

 

[Alberta Ed]

I try not to buy anything manufactured in Communist China. I am happy to buy goods manufactured in Taiwan, which is not part of Communist China, on the other hand, despite whatever the current despot (Xi) of Communist China claims.

 

[abcdef]

Political?

 

[Boru13]

Political?

It's inevitable... thread closed.