Kizer really made the scene after its Ki3404 was well-received. While that used to be a clear-cut sign that a knife is cheap and poorly made, that’s no longer the case.įor that, we thank a company called Kizer Knives. It’s one thing for a company in America to sell knives made in China, but it’s another thing for a Chinese company to sell knives made in China. Companies like KA-BAR have quality control departments that inspect its imported knives to ensure you get high-quality knives. Sure, there are awful Chinese knives out there you can buy at a gas station for $2.99, but no one expects great performance in those. These knives are typically less expensive but just as well-constructed as their American-made brethren. Some people take issue with the fact that companies like Buck, which have a long tradition of selling knives made in the USA, have Chinese knives. In fact, we could make a long list of great Chinese-made knives. The Spyderco Tenacious is a truly beloved knife that’s billed as a fantastic EDC-and it’s made in China too. Not All Chinese Knives are JunkĪs I explained in the previous section, many of the most respected knife companies make knives both in China and the United States. Kershaw’s best-selling Cryo and Buck’s popular Colleague are made in China. The only answer was to find one or more makers in Taiwan and China that I could teach to make the quality I require.Įven companies like Kershaw and Buck, which are known for USA-made knives, have models that are made in China. Like so many of my customers, I have railed against the movement of the Cutlery Industry to China, BUT it became obvious that if I wanted to stay in business I would have to produce more and more of my own designs and find a way to offer those knives at prices my customers would pay. Russell, which formerly made its knives in the United States made the switch to China as well.

(Since 2016, Schrade and Old Timer have been sold again and its new owners have brought some of the iconic knives back to US soil albeit at higher prices with the Old Timer Generational Series.)Ī.G.

Taylor Brands LLC saved Schrade (as well as Uncle Henry and Old Timer) by moving much of its manufacturing to China. Schrade, for example, closed its doors in 2004. This embargo would go on until 1970, when the Nixon administration began laying the groundwork to lift the ban on US-China trade.īrands began shifting over to factories in China and those that didn’t suffered. During the Korean War, all trade between China and the United States was frozen. The Korean War in the early 1950s (yes, we’re going back far) was essentially a proxy war between the United States and Soviet communist-supported allies like China. So when did China become so engrained in our manufacturing? Let’s take a look. Most parts on the computer or phone you’re looking at were made in China, most clothes you’re wearing were made in China. Unless you’re diligent, nearly everything you own comes from China. But if you refuse to buy any knives from China because you think they’re junk, you’re simply wrong.

I can’t argue with that moral approach to things.

Let me start with a disclaimer: If you only buy knives from the United States because you believe in supporting the local economy and encouraging American businesses that employ Americans, that’s fine and commendable. Strap yourself in because I’m here to bust the myth that all knives from China are cheap and inferior to knives made in the United States. Some people won’t even look at China-made knives because nothing can beat a quality American-made blade. If you have a few conversations with some of the most ardent knife fans, you’ll usually come to the conclusion that all knives from China are pieces of junk.

The stainless steel depot