Perceptions of Foreign-made Knives

[Mark J]

I’ve noticed from searching the various discussion groups on this forum, that U.S. forumites appear to regard foreign knives differently than knives from domestic companies. Specifically, it appears that we are sometimes more forgiving about a foreign manufacturer using 420 or 440 steel, than we are a U.S. manufacturer. While I’m not saying this is right or wrong, is this a correct perception on my part and, if it is correct, why is this the case? Are we willing to overlook the steel for the elaborate designs, for the “romantic” notion that the knives are handcrafted as part of a 100+ year family tradition in some small village, the recognition that their knife steels are driven by different (i.e., foreign) consumer demands, etc.? Just wondering.

 

[anthony cheeseboro]

I think forumites are demanding of US knife companies. Those who makes tacticals are expected to use all of the latest steels, liner, and handle materials. Traditional pocket knives are more complicated to make becuase of the many parts and tolerances involved. These knives also have a more mass audience. I don't think Schrade, Buck, Case, or Camillus could survive if their patterns like the stockman, toothpick etc llisted for $200.

 

[not2sharp]

I disagree.

We are very concern with quality of finish and knife steel irrespective of whether the knife is foreign or domestic. Do a search on Frost cutlery, Tiawan, Pakistan, Boker, or any other foreign maker and you will see that the discussion quickly gets into these issues. Traditional knives tend to be made from simple carbon steel and can range from outstanding work in domascus to untempered tourist junk. Most of us respect people who can still produce a good working knife made in the traditional way.

BTW, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with 440C series steel - its a well regarded cutlery steel.

 

[RH]

You have to be careful when referring to "foreign made" and "foreign company" as interchangeable attributes. Most Spyderco knives are made in Japan. Most if not all CRKT's are made in Taiwan. They are both US comapnies who employ offshore manufacturing facilities. There are probably others as well.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

I agree with not2sharp. I do not accept a lesser quality knife from anyone foreign or domestic.

I also think that 440C is a very good steel.

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Keith

AKTI Member #A001338

 

[Tommi]

In Europe many companies use european steels. Some have almost the same elemental composition as e.g. 440A but are cleaner(some are not). Many companies do have exlusive steels from steel mills. Some have e.g. better QC - all are tested to same hardness...


There are exclusive steels in USA too like Coldstell Carbon-V and Camillus 0170-6C.


Giving more information like manufacturers in to customer would be nice.

browser problems

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"Good tools to sustain life, or at least make life more convenient"
-James Mattis

[This message has been edited by Tommi (edited 04-09-2001).]

 

[Cosmic Superchunk]

I think that all forumites demand quality regardless of where the knife is made. European cutlery firms, whether German, French, Spanish or Swiss that continuously produce tried and true quality knives and have been established for a while are deserving of the respect they get as do North American based knife companies.

 

[RKnight]

US made knives are where it's at for me and apparently for those in other countries who want the best in materials and performance.

Europeons pay significantly higher prices for US made knives because they want them.

Sites in Japan carry a lot of US made customs particurly Elishewitz.

 

[Trevor Calder]

I agree with others - it's not about where a knife is made it's about if it's a good knife. I don't like crap knives wherever they were made.

While there are some really bad knives coming out of China, Pakistan and so on, there are good knives coming out of Japan and Taiwan. If a Chinese factory starts making something like a CRKT Mirage, I'll buy it. If a US factory makes a bad SAK knockoff, I won't buy it.

I will say that I don't know of too many US factories that produce anything of the poor quality that comes from China, but I suspect that's more because US labour costs are too high for anyone over there to make a knife that retails for a dollar.

Anyway I'm in Australia - all factory knives are foreign made.......

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"..it is foolishness and endless trouble to cast a
stone at every dog that barks at you.."

 

[GREENJACKET]

Those better informed will ask the right questions:
What steel, and where does the stock come from?
What heat treatment, to which hardness, and can you trust them to do it right?
Is the mix of machinary, hand fitting and skilled finishing producing a good result.
Under what flag is the marketing and quality control under?
Is this product a good one that I can trust at the right price?
Choise: high tech, traditional, low cost, high cost and fashion? Whatever your heart desires.

We are all that much more informed, to the point where if you spend the time checking there is little reason why you should get ripped off. Good value, great products; its just which one.

In the last twenty years the trade has taken a huge leap forward. Its also international. Its almost saturated, to the point where is little room for poor stuff. The bubble might burst.