do you care origin of your knives

[skyhorse]

Only in so far that they are honest about origin.

Absolutely ! :thumbup:

 

[Filoso]

I care about quality , there are a lot of well done knives of a lot of different countries.... I like to buy knives all over the world

 

[Esav Benyamin]

I am more loyal to brand than country. I don't care where Spyderco has their knives made, I am willing to buy them. Made in USA may get my attention faster, but if not, I will still look at the knife.

I like exotic knives, like Opinels and Laguioles and Douk-Douks. OK, so France isn't too exotic.

 

[Inazone]

I definitely prefer to buy American when it's feasible, but my experience has been that a "Made in USA" is not some silver bullet that magically eliminates flaws. Conversely, Chinese manufacturer does not necessarily mean shoddy workmanship and non-existent QC. However, as others have pointed out already, there's a lot to be said for honesty on the part of the manufacturer - or whoever controls the brand trademark, anyway - when disclosing country of origin, materials, etc. For instance, my wife once bought me an MTech knife covered in "billboards" on both sides, with one stating 440C and the other stating 8Cr13MoV, and "Premium USA Design" followed by "Precision Crafted in China." I don't see how a design can be premium, and it has been thoroughly documented that 8Cr13MoV is not equivalent to 440C. Granted, it is the brand owner (MTech) who is ultimately responsible for this, but somewhere in a China, there is a factory churning these things out with what amounts to false advertising on each of these knives. The one my wife gave me actually seems nice enough, but the marketing is laughable. In any case, whether it's a relatively unknown Chinese brand like Ganzo or a more established "global" brand like Boker Plus, I immediately question the stated specs.

Meanwhile, the workmanship on knives from Japan and Taiwan has been excellent in my experience, and I think it's as much a matter of pride on the workers' part as it is consistency in manufacturing processes and QC. That same pride exists in the US, but having worked for a (non-knife) manufacturer for nearly 20 years, I know that for many of the employees, it's still just a job and more about bringing home a paycheck than any sense of pride in what they're actually making. How many of us would really feel that much different, if for instance we were working in a plant cranking out some product that we had no personal interest in? Just because someone works for a knife manufacturer doesn't mean they care at all for knives.

I still prefer that the purchase price I'm paying goes to Americans, or as much of it as is possible, but I understand that there are varying degrees of this. I own numerous Kershaw knives made in China, but considering that the parent company is Japanese, I still have some belief in their work ethic and pride as a company. As much as I would love for SOG's "Assembled in the USA" knives to be truly manufactured here, something is better than nothing. But there is a lot to be said for picking up an obviously well-built and thoughtfully designed knife, knowing that it was made in one's own home country. Likewise, if I pick up an American-made knife and it's flawed, the manufacturer needs to make it right, because for all the potential for errors in the manufacturing process, there's no excuse for poor customer service.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

I'd rather buy knives made in South Africa than anywhere else...

I don't discriminate though; I have knives made all over the world. However, the makers from SA consistently make fantastic designs IMO...

 

[wiredbeans]

Hey guys im always skeptical to buy a knife from Taiwan or china even a well known brand . How do they compare currently to American made? Does it effect your decision or sway you one way or the other? Alot of knives for edc ive held were taiwian and china and i i always decided against them even though my first impression was decent. Just curious what everyone thinks. Thanks all.

I have no problem buying the item I want regardless of their origin, do you buy stuff from IKEA? 100% of the Apple products are made in China, your favourite shirt is mad in?. You see, this boil down to quality Control of the manufacturing process. Both Taiwan and China have the technical capability. Spyderco and Kershaw's low to mid-end knives are made in China and the higher end ones are made in Taiwan. Japan, and US. I have no problem with that, they have to sell enough low to mid end knives to keep the company going and in a way I am still supporting US companies.

 

[PURPLEDC]

I used to a long time ago. It was based on my experience of most imported knives being garbage. But it seemed within a period of a year the potential for quality out of china just blew up overnight. They now have the capability to make things as nice as they want to. The only area that I think china really needs to work on is the final fit and assembly. They have shown some impressive abilities with making the parts but many times they lack the experience to assemble those pieces. I think the most impressive thing I have seen is the carbon fiber coming out of china. I dont know where they get it or who makes it but its the only carbon I have seen with my own eyes that I literally cannot find a void in. The stuff is insane. I wish I could find some of the stuff. The weave is tighter and overall just nicer stuff.

 

[Quiet]

I am more loyal to brand than country. I don't care where Spyderco has their knives made, I am willing to buy them. Made in USA may get my attention faster, but if not, I will still look at the knife.

I like exotic knives, like Opinels and Laguioles and Douk-Douks. OK, so France isn't too exotic.

Ben sums up my thoughts on the matter. I primarily enjoy buying knives made in the United States. However, I have and will continue to purchase knives made elsewhere when in the support of a company I trust, such as KAI or Spyderco. My Taichung Spydercos have been some of the best knives I've ever had. I have purchased a few Chinese made Kershaws in the past, and likely will in the future. However, those are inexpensive, so I don't mind. When I'm looking to spend real money, I try to keep it American.

I drive a Ford Boss 302, which was made right here in Flat Rock, MI, and all of my guns except for my Glocks are made in America. I do what I can.

 

[Moondrop]

I have knives (and a hatchet) made in the U.S., Japan, Taiwan, China, Brazil, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland and New Zealand. I'm especially fond of the ones made in the U.S., but as long as they're well-made I have no problem with knives from other countries.

 

[xICEMANx]

Majority of my knives are made in the USA. However, as mentioned many times in this thread the Taichung Spyies are better than their golden Colorado counterparts in most instances. Reate and Kizer are making really quality pieces in China. 99% of the time I'm going to pick a ZT over them, simply because IMO they offer a better value being made in the USA, carry a lifetime warranty that is a quick ship to Oregon if needed, and use similar or superior materials.

 

[WCEDC]

I usually like to buy US or another reputable country made (like some Italian stuff, occasionally Japanese) but it all comes down to reputation and proof for me.
For example, my only Japanese knife is a Spyderco Salt (H1 steel) Dragonfly II. Why? because Spyderco is well known, Japan isn't half-bad in terms of knife-manufacturing, and a major company's reputation could be on the line.
My other knife, that was recently given to me by @Docslava via GAW is a Kizer. I'm honestly not sure about the model number, but Kizer seems to be very reputable, and I've been eyeing their stuff for a while. They use premium materials (especially for China) like S35VN.
My biggest gripe about Chinese or Taiwanese blades is the materials and QC: I don't like 8Cr13MoV because everyone's seems to perform different. It's like its some melted-down scrap metal crap with some extra stuff added into it. The other thing is G10; I've seen some blatantly fake-ass G10 out there from really reputable companies In terms of quality control, look at the recent Gerber recall. Look at their blades that haven't been recalled! I was at Cabela's and a guy was handling a display Gerber backlock and the lock failed RIGHT THERE.
Ultimately, I care. I like to buy Benchmade or ZT, especially since people in my community are those who are making them, and they're stand up companies. I don't mind paying a little extra to support that, get great customer service, and get an outstanding product.
But for cheaper knives, I don't necessarily mind. I just wince a little when I see CHINA stamped on the blade. For some reason, I don't mind Taiwan as much (think Boker Kalashnikov, etc)

 

[WCEDC]

I like exotic knives, like Opinels and Laguioles and Douk-Douks. OK, so France isn't too exotic.

Do you have an Opinel collection? I'd love to see it!

 

[Brisket]

Most of my knives are made in the USA as supporting our economy is important to me but I have many other quality knives made in other countries. That being said I do like to buy Canadian Belt style knives from American makers for no other reason than to antagonize the Canadians.

 

[DShiflet]

Hey guys im always skeptical to buy a knife from Taiwan or china even a well known brand . How do they compare currently to American made? Does it effect your decision or sway you one way or the other? Alot of knives for edc ive held were taiwian and china and i i always decided against them even though my first impression was decent. Just curious what everyone thinks. Thanks all.

I don't care where the knife is made. As for how knives compare, it all depends on the company. For a company like Spyderco for example, their Taiwan and Japan made knives are as good or in many cases better than their US made ones.

Or look at machetes-I have no problem putting up a South American made Imacasa/Condor or Tramontina up against any US made machete.

 

[Boats]

My knives' country origins by number owned:

USA
Finland
Sweden
Switzerland
El Salvador
Japan
France

I might add a Grohmann one day and put Canada on the list or a Boker JTN and add Germany.

My criteria for buying foreign is simple. If it is an "ethnic" design, like a puukko, I prefer a Finnish maker. If a blade design or material can't be sourced from elsewhere, I get it from the source, such as SAKs, Douk Douks, and H-1 Spydercos. Lastly, Condor gets a nod for making quality ethnic styles I like to try, such as barongs, parangs, and goloks, that are imported here without the hassle of enduring foreign web commerce.

Within those parameters, the mostly knock off makers and modern knife design thieves hailing from Taiwan and China have nothing I want.

 

[RamZar]

Country of origin does not matter to me but the quality of the product and the company behind it does.

I have knives from U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Sweden, Russia, South Africa, Cambodia, China, Taiwan and Japan.

Even when a knife is from one country parts and raw materials may come from another country.

Spyderco is an interesting case in point. A U.S. company with knives made in U.S., Japan, China, Taiwan and Italy. Their premier knives come from Taichung, Taiwan but the parts and raw materials for them are mostly from the U.S.

 

[jackknife]

I refuse to buy any knife made outside of Jamaica. Only in Jamaica can you get the super Rastafrei steel made by da famous island smiths deep in da mountain jungle of the interior. The Rastafrei steel is smoked in secret herbs to give the steel it's amazing qualities.

Rastafrei mon, it's the best!

 

[bflying]

I'm a big fan of ZT, and really love that they are made in the US. But recently decided to try some Spydies in the same price range. Picked a model made in Colorado, and one from Taiwan. Must say that I was surprised that the Taiwan model simply knocked it out of the park with quality, fit, finish and the works. And currently that Spyder Domino from Taichung is now my all time favorite for pocket carry. Simply amazing in every respect.

But back to the question. Do I care? Yes and No. I care about quality, and perceived value per cost. If a US made knife is competitive in price/value, I'll usually choose it first. But if an American company can create high quality/value by manufacturing elsewhere, and in turn create higher profits that return home to be spent within our economy, I see that as a win/win within our current global economy.

Our world is simply too global to keep a myopic viewpoint that everything must be made within our own borders. Has anyone ever watched CNBC (or any Wall Street Market programming) and heard analysts blame a declining market day on the fact that the US$ is actually increasing in value over other nations? I don't get it, but it happens more than I would have ever believed. Strange, but that is the world we live in now. So many large companies (US or otherwise) rely on worldwide results.

So if I have an option to purchase a US product with value and quality, I do. But I refuse to purchase something inferior or overpriced simply because of it.

 

[brancron]

In answer to the "I buy only US because I support the US economy," well, I buy Chinese-made because I want to support great Chinese manufacturers like Kizer and Reate. I also want to support great Japanese, Taiwanese, Swedish, Italian, American, Canadian, South African, Polish, and Kiribatian manufacturers too.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

In answer to the "I buy only US because I support the US economy," well, I buy Chinese-made because I want to support great Chinese manufacturers like Kizer and Reate. I also want to support great Japanese, Taiwanese, Swedish, Italian, American, Canadian, South African, Polish, and Kiribatian manufacturers too.

Well said.