Do your morals have any impact on your knife purchases?

If I know for a fact that a company or maker does something that I consider to be morally offensive, I'll try not to do business with them. Sometimes I'll buy a knife or other product from a company with poor customer service because I'm not in the US so manufacturer's warranty is usually meaningless (sending a knife from Argentina to the US is expensive and half the time the Argentine PO will steal it).
 
shinyedges said:
No harm taken, I hope you get back to where you want to be and your collection grows again.
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We're cool.

Everything is just black-n-tactical. No real form anymore. Love to see US made stuff. Don't mind other countries but would simply like to see my $$ spent here in the US.
 
I try to deal only with honest people and honest companies, and I feel as though I have been fortunate in that respect. However, some folks like to bash certain makers or individuals in the business, and it turns nasty when that happens. It just isn't necessary to cloud up decent threads with that sort of recurring stuff. It's tiresome. We have WHINE and CHEESE subforum for things like that.
I try not to do this myself, and I resent it when other folks start it up.
Sonnydaze
 
Good thing the same question wasn't asked about automobile companies!

Back to the point, all other things being equal, obviously one would prefer to deal with a good and forthright company - one that operates with morals and class. As it relates to knives, compared to other products, there are many good folk in the knife industry at various levels. But, like every other group or sub-group of society, there are some good ones and some others.
 
I agree, hopefully the black n tactical fad passes. It would be nice to see more made in America, I'd shell out some extra coin.
steve-in-kville said:
We're cool.

Everything is just black-n-tactical. No real form anymore. Love to see US made stuff. Don't mind other countries but would simply like to see my $$ spent here in the US.
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I'm more inclined to react to the politics of a given area. I try to avoid China, for example. I avoid buying from certain areas of the US if I can. Usually it is something like gun control laws. But that assumes I've taken the time to study up on an issue. I'm not consistent, I know that. And does it really make sense, say, to "boycott" NJ when I know many localities up there are quite pro-gun. There are other issues that drive my decisions, but I'm trying to use an example, gun control, that most on the forum would identify with.
 
I have difficulty understanding the question. I buy a product or service from a company. A company's morality or integrity would affect my buying decision only in so far as it affects the product / service or my experience with them. I would hold a company to what is legal. Granted that even limiting the scope of discussion still leaves a lot but most of those wouldn't make much business sense anyway.

For example, many people think that using child labor to produce products in a third world country is immoral. I truly am on the fence with that because in those third world countries, if the kid doesn't work, the whole family doesn't eat. Given identical products from two different companies with child labor being the only difference would make me indiifferent in my choice. If you want to, then have that country change its laws regarding child labor.

Does anyone have an example of what would be legal, make good business sense, and be immoral?
 
Let's not bring politics in the thread , things easily get off course. I think I get what your trying to say.
Charlesmc2 said:
I'm more inclined to react to the politics of a given area. I try to avoid China, for example. I avoid buying from certain areas of the US if I can. Usually it is something like gun control laws. But that assumes I've taken the time to study up on an issue. I'm not consistent, I know that. And does it really make sense, say, to "boycott" NJ when I know many localities up there are quite pro-gun. There are other issues that drive my decisions, but I'm trying to use an example, gun control, that most on the forum would identify with.
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I have a few examples for you, but i don't want to start a bash fest. If you want, send me an email I'll give you examples of legal, good for business and immoral.
Rey HRH said:
I have difficulty understanding the question. I buy a product or service from a company. A company's morality or integrity would affect my buying decision only in so far as it affects the product / service or my experience with them. I would hold a company to what is legal. Granted that even limiting the scope of discussion still leaves a lot but most of those wouldn't make much business sense anyway.

For example, many people think that using child labor to produce products in a third world country is immoral. I truly am on the fence with that because in those third world countries, if the kid doesn't work, the whole family doesn't eat. Given identical products from two different companies with child labor being the only difference would make me indiifferent in my choice. If you want to, then have that country change its laws regarding child labor.

Does anyone have an example of what would be legal, make good business sense, and be immoral?
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I used to but not anymore. I used to have incredible amounts of brand loyalty and I preached out against clones and had a high moral standard when it came to who I would purchase from. But I like to quote Slash w/ Myles kennedy and the conspirators "when your heroes turn to the enemy there is nothing left to hold, when your heroes give only apologies I wont deny it leaves me cold". And basically what that means to me in relation to knives is that the more I scratched the surface on moral issues the more I realized no one is innocent. You have one company complaining their design was ripped off only to find that very design was a mish mash of multiple design ideas from another maker which just so happens to lead to a collaboration with that maker. I can only assume as an apology for ripping him off and to save face. Then you have people complaining about chinese clones yet those same people dont care when a USA based company rips off designs. You got people who completely fabricate their past yet somehow walk away completely unscathed some even empathizing with him and trying to make it seem like he had the best intentions of making a fool of himself and his customers. "Awww poor widdle baby just wanted to be a bad ass war hero" Well he wasnt. Then you have knife company owners who literally tell their fans that they are worthless. Then the latest trend I am unearthing are these makers who are importing parts from china and taiwan (more than you would want to believe) and are using the swiss watch trick of claiming country of origin. They basically are assembling knives made from imported parts and calling them 100% USA made all on a technicality. Some of these companies doing this with automatic knives which everyone knows is a huge no no.

My point is that if you allow yourself to get caught up in it and really say to yourself you are not going to pick and choose who is exempt from criticism, and you hold every maker accountable for a poor choice they have made past present or future, you would be left with hardly anyone you can buy a product from. The sad thing is the ones crying foul the loudest are they themselves just as guilty yet have a good enough following than people only hear the swan song they are singing. I struggled with this for awhile really. I had bouts of guilt but then when a couple companies told me that my opinions as a consumer didnt matter and that maybe their products werent for me because I was too picky about quality control issues on knives costing half a months rent? I took that as a huge middle finger. And so now, I buy whatever the heck I want and I really dont care who gets upset about it. I respect the jake hobacks of the world. The guys who know that it doesnt matter who rips you off or who does what to who that if you build the best product you can and are fair with your prices people will buy your stuff. The Knife making industry as a whole is starting to remind me of a bad episode of real housewives of knife making and everyone is pointing the finger without ever once thinking to look in a mirror while they are doing it even when its painfully obvious that they should. People are too quick to get on a soap box for one maker and on one issue but then tuck their tail and run when the tables are turned and they are called out on their own poor choices. I amount it to the guy who is going to preach to his friend about the perils and moral dilemma of drunk driving whilst he is texting his girlfriend while speeding threw a school zone. To me if you are going to allow your purchasing habits be dictated by a moral compass then you cant pick and choose. And you cant hand out get out of jail free cards and play favorites to justify your purchases. So for me its an all inclusive package to let the makers duke it out with each other and for me to simply enjoy knives no matter who made them or where.
 
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I get what your saying , for me certain things are lower morally than others. I agree no one is perfect we all make mistakes. But not all wrongs are equal and if someone is on the lower end of the moral scale I'll take my money elsewhere. I don't expect saints, but down right liars and misleaders won't get my money if I can help it.
PURPLEDC said:
I used to but not anymore. I used to have incredible amounts of brand loyalty and I preached out against clones and had a high moral standard when it came to who I would purchase from. But I like to quote Slash w/ Myles kennedy and the conspirators "when your heroes turn to the enemy there is nothing left to hold, when your heroes give only apologies I wont deny it leaves me cold". And basically what that means to me in relation to knives is that the more I scratched the surface on moral issues the more I realized no one is innocent. You have one company complaining their design was ripped off only to find that very design was a mish mash of multiple design ideas from another maker which just so happens to lead to a collaboration with that maker. I can only assume as an apology for ripping hims off and save face. Then you have people complaining about chinese clones yet those same people dont care when a USA based company rips off designs. You got people who completely fabricate their past yet somehow walk away completely unscathed some even empathizing with him and trying to make is seem like he had the best intentions of making a fool of himself and his customers. Knife company owners who literally tell their fans that they are worthless. Then the latest trend I am unearthing are these makers who are importing parts from china and taiwan (more than you would want to believe) and are using the swiss watch trick of claiming country of origin. They basically are assembling knives made from imported parts and calling them 100% USA made all on a technicality. Some of these companies doing this with automatic knives which everyone knows is a huge no no.

My point is that if you allow yourself to get caught up in it and really say to yourself you are not going to pick and choose who is exempt from criticism, and you hold every maker accountable for a poor choice they have made past present or future, you would be left with hardly anyone you can buy a product from. The sad thing is the ones crying foul the loudest are they themselves just as guilty yet have a good enough following than people only hear the swan song they are singing. I struggled with this for awhile really. I had bouts of guilt but I then when a couple companies told me that my opinions as a consumer didnt matter and that maybe their products werent for me because I was too picky about quality control issues on knives costing half a months rent? I took that as a huge middle finger. And so now, I buy whatever the heck I want and I really dont care who gets upset about it. I respect the jake hobacks of the world. The guys who know that it doesnt matter who rips you off or who does what to who that if you build the best and are fair with your prices people will buy your stuff. The gu Knife making and many of the companies and makers out there are starting to remind me of a bad episode of real housewives of knife making and everyone is pointing the finger without ever once thinking to look in a mirror while they are doing it even when its painfully obvious that they should. People are too quick to get on a soap box for one maker and on one issue but then tuck their tail and run when the tables are turned and they are called out on their own poor choices. I amount it to the guy who is going to preach to his friend about the perils and moral dilemma of drunk driving whilst he is texting his girlfriend while speeding threw a school zone. To me if you are going to allow your purchasing habits be dictated by a moral compass then you cant pick and choose. And you cant hand out get out of jail free cards and play favorites to justify your purchases. So for me its an all inclusive package to let the makers duke it out with each other and for me to simply enjoy knives no matter who made them.
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shinyedges said:
I get what your saying , for me certain things are lower morally than others. I agree no one is perfect we all make mistakes. But not all wrongs are equal and if someone is on the lower end of the moral scale I'll take my money elsewhere. I don't expect saints, but down right liars and misleaders won't get my money if I can help it.
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I guess my issue is where do I draw the line? I agree not all wrongs are equal. But even if I were to make a list of wrongs in order of severity there is bound to be at least a few people who dont agree with the order I put them in. To me its going way too deep. I am buying an item to enjoy for my personal use. Im not making friends, I dont have any makers on speed dial or hang with them on the weekends. I think way too many consumers who have a passion for their hobby convince themselves they have a relationship with a company or maker. They have this sense of loyalty and code of honor to defend them. I kinda look at it like thinking the stripper you give your paycheck to is your girlfriend.
 
Everyone has a different opinion on morals, you have to decide for yourself what you dont like and wont support with your hard earned cash. Who cares what anyone else thinks.. right is right and wrong is wrong. Ignorance is bliss, once i become aware of something looking the other way while giving my money up is out of the question for me.I do think people get blinded by brand loyalty which I don't agree with.

Good analogy with the strippers lol
PURPLEDC said:
I guess my issue is where do I draw the line? I agree not all wrongs are equal. But even if I were to make a list of wrongs in order of severity there is bound to be at least a few people who dont agree with the order I put them in. To me its going way too deep. I am buying an item to enjoy for my personal use. Im not making friends, I dont have any makers on speed dial or hang with them on the weekends. I think way too many consumers who have a passion for their hobby convince themselves they have a relationship with a company or maker. They have this sense of loyalty and code of honor to defend them. I kinda look at it like thinking the stripper you give your paycheck to is your girlfriend.
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Rey HRH said:
I have difficulty understanding the question.
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Let's say you think the Marcinek XTreme Tactical Bushcraft Survival Stabinator is a great knife. Well designed, reasonably priced....exactly what you are looking for.

But! You think I"m a jerk, or you have found my business practices to be horrible, or you have found out that I eat puppies, or half my profits go to my cult leader, or whatever.

Do you buy the Stabinator?
 
marcinek said:
Let's say you think the Marcinek XTreme Tactical Bushcraft Survival Stabinator is a great knife. Well designed, reasonably priced....exactly what you are looking for.

But! You think I"m a jerk, or you have found my business practices to be horrible, or you have found out that I eat puppies, or half my profits go to my cult leader, or whatever.

Do you buy the Stabinator?
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I like your example! My answer would have to be that it depends what your cult entails :D
 
For my wife and I, it's knives and everything else. I don't buy Levi's any longer because they contribute to anti-2nd amendment causes. We will not go see certain movies in the theater, due to views expressed by the stars that are in it. Knife purchases go the same route. We'd rather go with people we trust and agree with (or that at the very least, have not stated publicly views that we disagree with), than support/finance people that have been shown to be shady, or voice opposition to our views. To paraphrase Forrest G., "simple is as simple does'":)
 
marcinek said:
Uh, let's say Satan worship or Belieberism. Whatever's worse.
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I might buy it with the former, but you've lost me as a customer on the latter.

All joking aside, I appreciate how you laid out the question for those inquiring.
 
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