Let me say first, I own a manufacturing business. I am proud to call myself American. Because of that, I make sure that 100% of every product I manufacture is made in the USA, down to the nuts, bolts, and raw materials. I don't make as much money as I could if I were to outsource some production, or at least some purchasing of materials.
That said, it's absolutely possible to make products in the USA, and still be successful. Look at companies like New Balance, and Wright tool. The problem is, not all customers are willing or able to pay the money for an American made product.
In the event that a consumer must buy an import, I prefer that they buy it from a company that also offers employment to American wokers, such as Kershaw. I'm now on my second China-made Kershaw (first the Chill, and now the Clash), and I must say, I'm absolutely impressed with the value, fit, and finish of these knives. I paid around $20 for each, and they easily match $100 knives in quality.
In fact, I have seen some fairly prolific $100 USA made knives that aren't able to match the Kershaw imports in quality. That is very impressive. I am a machinist by profession, and it truly takes a LOT to impress me when it comes to manufacturing quality. Even more delightful is the fact that the materials are every bit as excellent as the manufacturing quality. The 8cr13mov value steel they're using is VERY good for a cheaper steel, and it seems that the Chinese manufacturer really has its heat treatment under control. They hold an edge extremely well (the best of any value knife I've ever owned), and sharpen easily... the two best possible traits for a value user.
All I can say to Kershaw, is KEEP IT UP! Also, ThomasW, please kick whoever's ass you need to kick to get the Piston and Tremor in my hot little hands A-S-A-P.
Since it is fitting to this thread, I figure it's a good idea to repost the pictures from my Kershaw Chill review, so you can see what $20 buys you, when dealing with a company like Kershaw (I'll try and get some nice pics like these of the Clash when I have time):
That said, it's absolutely possible to make products in the USA, and still be successful. Look at companies like New Balance, and Wright tool. The problem is, not all customers are willing or able to pay the money for an American made product.
In the event that a consumer must buy an import, I prefer that they buy it from a company that also offers employment to American wokers, such as Kershaw. I'm now on my second China-made Kershaw (first the Chill, and now the Clash), and I must say, I'm absolutely impressed with the value, fit, and finish of these knives. I paid around $20 for each, and they easily match $100 knives in quality.
In fact, I have seen some fairly prolific $100 USA made knives that aren't able to match the Kershaw imports in quality. That is very impressive. I am a machinist by profession, and it truly takes a LOT to impress me when it comes to manufacturing quality. Even more delightful is the fact that the materials are every bit as excellent as the manufacturing quality. The 8cr13mov value steel they're using is VERY good for a cheaper steel, and it seems that the Chinese manufacturer really has its heat treatment under control. They hold an edge extremely well (the best of any value knife I've ever owned), and sharpen easily... the two best possible traits for a value user.
All I can say to Kershaw, is KEEP IT UP! Also, ThomasW, please kick whoever's ass you need to kick to get the Piston and Tremor in my hot little hands A-S-A-P.
Since it is fitting to this thread, I figure it's a good idea to repost the pictures from my Kershaw Chill review, so you can see what $20 buys you, when dealing with a company like Kershaw (I'll try and get some nice pics like these of the Clash when I have time):
