U.S. Classic

[freezergeezer]

Anyone got one of this brand? I beleive it's another Chinese made line, but was wondering what the quality is like.

 

[waynorth]

Inconsistent. Some fit and finish anomalies, and some poor spring tension. I bought a dozen to try them out, before I decided politically I would no longer support China until they cleaned up their human rights record! I gave most away, and they are being tried out by friends and family. I'd rather spend more, support my fellow countrymen, and local economies!

 

[Amos Iron Wolf]

Yep, what Waynorth said. Inconsistent. For the prices I see those going for, barring personal choices on buying Chinese made knives, you can get something in a Steel Warrior. For less if you shop well. The Steel Warrior line actually has excellent fit and finish overall and well ground, Rockwell tested blades. The bone handles seem just a tiny bit behind comparable western made knives, but for the price, or even higher, the Steel Warrior line is a good knife.

I occasionally buy a China made SW or a Rough Rider (some inconsistencies, but generally decent, still SW is top). I've picked up some representative samples of some Chi-knives, to include a S&W trapper, to give me some reference points on their knives. I also only get them if the price is really cheap on ebay and it is a pattern and handle material I want. The Steel Warrior, to me, is the best of the breed and really a good, servicable knife on it's own merit though.

That being said, I've found I generally consider the money spent for US and European made knives better spent, even if you take away any personal political or ethical choices. I know, that's a little beyond the basic question and more than you really wanted.

So the basic answer to the question goes back to what Waynorth said. Inconsistent. I've even found the blades to be so in terms of edge. Some sharpened up nicely, others won't take quite the edge they should. The blades are 440 steel and I've had/have many knives in 440 A and C that take, hold, and resharpen to a fine edge. So I'm thinking the inconsistencies in the US Classics extend to the heat treatment as well.

In summary, I've found the Steel Warriors to be quite good knives. The Rough Riders are interesting, maybe even a little cultish in their appeal in an odd kind of way. US Classics leave me kind of ho-hum. They can be usable, but just seem tepid to me. I was going to sharpen up a muskrat to keep as a fruit and veggie skinner in my lunch kit, but my basic EDCs skin things out a tad better, so I just use what's in my pocket.

 

[Knife Outlet]

Inconsistent. Some fit and finish anomalies, and some poor spring tension. I bought a dozen to try them out, before I decided politically I would no longer support China until they cleaned up their human rights record! I gave most away, and they are being tried out by friends and family. I'd rather spend more, support my fellow countrymen, and local economies!

........and own better knives!

 

[freezergeezer]

Thanks guys. I'll give them a miss then.

 

[sunnyd]

Inconsistent. Some fit and finish anomalies, and some poor spring tension. I bought a dozen to try them out, before I decided politically I would no longer support China until they cleaned up their human rights record! I gave most away, and they are being tried out by friends and family. I'd rather spend more, support my fellow countrymen, and local economies!

So very well put Charlie!. Thanks for the clear and common sense remarks.:thumbup: