To We or not to WE

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FrancoC

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Hey guys and girls. I tend to only buy USA made knives…..always. I have come across some appealing WE Knives flippers and was wondering if they can compete? I own hinderers and microtechs so the bar is pretty damn high. To be honest the stigma of made in china still puts me off a bit but I am curious if they have a good rep from real knife people. Any reply will be much appreciated
 
The knives are top-notch on tolerances and quality. A lot of their recent offerings seem to be encroaching on Reate territory in cost.. but if people avoid WE it has more to do with where they’re made, not the quality of the knife. If you do decide origin is fine, WE and Reate are the top two, with WE being #2.
 
King of the Cheese said:
The knives are top-notch on tolerances and quality. A lot of their recent offerings seem to be encroaching on Reate territory in cost.. but if people avoid WE it has more to do with where they’re made, not the quality of the knife.
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Yeah I’m reluctant to buy Chinese. I’m in Australia and spend extra for American blades. EDC’s are hogue, Hinderer and microtech. Hunting knife is a Winkler. Think I’m gonna stick to the yanks
 
I really don't get why you would pay more for American knives if you're not American, unless you just like those specific designs more. Reate and WE's manufacturing quality is very high.
 
Synov said:
I really don't get why you would pay more for American knives if you're not American, unless you just like those specific designs more. Reate and WE's manufacturing quality is very high.
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WE knives aren't really much less than USA made production knives. You're going to pay about the same for comparable materials either way.
 
I must admit I have bought lots of knives from many different countries including China, but after the comments made by their leader recently I have decided I won't be buying anything else made in China if I can help it. As far as the quality, I'm sure they are great, but I personally dont want my money going back to fund a government that seeks to harm my country, and is developing weapons with the intention of using them against us and our allies. Everyone has to decide for themselves how they want to spend their money, but that is how I feel. No point in getting rid of what I already have, because what's done is done, but I'm personally not planning on anymore.
 
dryflytrout said:
WE knives aren't really much less than USA made production knives. You're going to pay about the same for comparable materials either way.
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I disagree and that is the chief complaint with the origin: better materials at reduced cost due to cheap labor and overhead. American companies can’t make ball-bearing knives with timascus flair, damasteel or hand-rubbed 20cv, tolerances so tight you never feel blade play no matter how many times you disassemble for anywhere near the same cost. There is a clear competitive advantage in cost coming from China.

I would venture to guess that a US made synergy 2 WITHOUT damasteel would cost $600.
 
Taiwan on the left, China on the right. I would put these in build quality up against 90% of the USA knife makers. I once felt the same but have been happy to have a change of mind.

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I was skeptical but ended up ordering a Berg Iron Mutt. I talked with him about WE and he said he wouldn't use them if they weren't fantastic. And for the half the price of a Hinderer or Chris Reeve I had to try them out.
 
King of the Cheese said:
I disagree and that is the chief complaint with the origin: better materials at reduced cost due to cheap labor and overhead. American companies can’t make ball-bearing knives with timascus flair, damasteel or hand-rubbed 20cv, tolerances so tight you never feel blade play no matter how many times you disassemble for anywhere near the same cost. There is a clear competitive advantage in cost coming from China.

I would venture to guess that a US made synergy 2 WITHOUT damasteel would cost $600.
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For him in Australia the prices are probably more comparable!!!! I applaud his choice and his reasoning.
 
sadmin said:
Taiwan on the left, China on the right. I would put these in build quality up against 90% of the USA knife makers. I once felt the same but have been happy to have a change of mind.

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They DO build some nice-looking knives...
 

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I was the same way for years and years. That has changed though now lol. I currently own 16 Reate built knives and 5 We knives. They are all excellent and well priced for what you get. The only potential issue I can see is low HRC and not amazing heat treat.

I would only buy We or Reate made Chinese knives. I don’t trust other brand’s heat treats yet…
 
WE makes good quality knives. Fit and finish is top notch, action is great, and they have great support.

Seem to be limited to 20CV, which is not my favorite steel, so I've stopped buying stuff from them, but I have quite a few and continue to carry them.
 
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