I am confused on this as I thought import laws required the country of origin to be on the knife it's self...unless that has changed during all this globalization...
I was too... but apparently not. I have a COLT brand knife that was given to me many years ago. It is a truly well made giant fighting bowie type of knife, great design, good balance, great sheath. My buddy assumed it was made in the USA (Colt Firearms, New Haven, right?) so that was the reason he bought it. He paid about $40 bucks for it. On the blade on a tiny, hard to see, easily removed clear back sticker; "Hand made in Taiwan".
I just bought a Gerber Freeman PE hunter as a pack knife about a month ago. It was a closeout at a local store. The blade, handle and the sheath were not marked. According to the store knife guy, that was because unless otherwise noted, all Gerbers without a Chinese stamp were made in Oregon.
I had read enough good about this little knife I thought for $25, I would take a chance. After reading around here, I was confused about what steel the blade was actually made from. I thougt it was AUS6 (knowing Gerber) but it is actually pretty damn hard. I called Gerber. As one member here indicated - it was indeed their spec of AUS8. BUT - the knife was made in Taiwan.
The Gerber folks cleared that up by having me look at the cardboard box - it says that on the box only. No other notifications.
So I guess these guys can do whatever they want as long as somewhere along the line they let you know somewhere on the product or packaging.
Hurray for Spyderco for putting it up there on the Tenacious for all to see. I appreciate that kind of open disclosure, and a manufacturer that doesn't even attempt to veil the country of origin or the materials used.
I appreciate the reviews, MW. Personally, I find your lack of school girl gushing over a brand of knife refreshing. Seems like you give the tools pretty fair treatment when you review them as well.
When my nephew comes of age (soon) I can see a "beater" on his belt, and these are the kinds of knives I will be looking for. One that can take punishment, and still be usable will be the ticket. He isn't a knife guy... yet.
So a larger knife (affordable) that he can use to whack on weeds, dig in the dirt, and chop up small branches for a campfire will be in order, something like the ones you are reviewing. He will learn about care and use better cutting instruments as he goes along.
Keep up the good work.
Robert