What's wrong with the knives made in China?

A place to discuss & share pictures of knives made in China.
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bladeguy58
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by bladeguy58 »

Baykeeper wrote:It is far more complicated than just us sending money to China. Most of those brand names are owned by US investors who employ US citizens to then sell the knives. Some of the money pays for manufacturing in China yes, but a good portion of the end money comes back to the US brand owners. Never forget that the move to offshore manufacturing was precipitated in the first place by US industrialists looking to increase their bottom line. China didn't steal those manufacturing jobs from us, we, (US industrialists), simply handed it to them on a silver platter, job security for fellow US citizens be damned. Leave it to the big wigs to screw the US worker to increase their profit margin.
I occasionally buy a Chinese knife when I need a sacrificial lamb that I can use and abuse, or to give as a gift to someone who could care less whether it's a good knife, but ALL my personal EDC's are US-made.
Baykeeper,
You bring up a very good point. In addition, if you're just talking about quality it all boils down to if it is coming from a reputable manufacturer that is controlling the quality or some piece of junk. I have to admit that I don't own any China made knives but I am also a flashlight collector and I do own some Flashlights from a specific manufacturer. I will tell you that some of the Chinese companies like Fenix make a great product very comparable to Surefire flashlights which I also own quite a few of. It basically comes down to economics for some people because there are a lot of people out there that can't afford to spend $100 or more on a good knife. So now some of the good name brands have a cheaper option for those people that want a pretty good quality knife and don't care where it's made. I think for most of us here at AAPK it's all about the history of the U.S. made knives we collect and the storied history of the industry as a whole. Any country can make a good quality product but as always there has to be the desire and resources for good raw materials. Just my 2 cents.
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by Onearmbladejunkie »

BUY AMERICAN OR STARVE ! I TAKE PRIDE IN GIVING AN AMERICAN A JOB !
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by kootenay joe »

onearm, do you shop at Walmart ? Sam Walton started in small town in Arkansas and became the biggest retailer in USA.
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orvet
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by orvet »

It is said that when Sam started Walmart it was selling U.S made products. He grew to become one of the largest retailers by selling American made products. It was after Sam died in his son took over the company that Walmart became known for selling cheap imported merchandise.

Perhaps someone who lives in the Bentonville Arkansas Area will know this with more certainty. But I have read before that Sam became so successful by selling American made products.
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by kootenay joe »

Mr. Walton died in 1992. I think WalMart came to Canada after that time.
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by melek »

My limited experience with Chinese-made knives is that the quality varies from knife to knife, leading me to believe that the primary problem is a lack of worker pride.

Think about it. If you buy a knife made in the U.S., Germany or Italy, the folks who made them take pride in their work. Or that's the feeling that I get from inspecting those knifes.

The fit and finish generally is much higher. In China, it seems that the goal is to meet the production quota and not to produce the highest quality product possible.

That might work well for DVD players and Canon cameras, but if you want high quality workmanship, you generally aren't going to get it from an assembly line in China. At least, not yet.
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by philco »

melek wrote:My limited experience with Chinese-made knives is that the quality varies from knife to knife, leading me to believe that the primary problem is a lack of worker pride.

Think about it. If you buy a knife made in the U.S., Germany or Italy, the folks who made them take pride in their work. Or that's the feeling that I get from inspecting those knifes.

The fit and finish generally is much higher. In China, it seems that the goal is to meet the production quota and not to produce the highest quality product possible.

That might work well for DVD players and Canon cameras, but if you want high quality workmanship, you generally aren't going to get it from an assembly line in China. At least, not yet.

I would suggest you check out some of the China made knives offered by A.G. Russell. The quality is amazing and the pride of workmanship is obvious.
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by Railsplitter »

I agree, Phil and I think anyone that has owned an A.G. Russell knife would agree as well.

I'm pretty selective about knives made in China but if it's an A.G. Russell I actually prefer his China models for the quality to value ratio. One cannot help but be impressed by the build quality. As if that were not enough, most of his China knives incorporate a striker pin to prevent blade rap and his lockbacks often use a coil spring.

They are marvels of engineering and the fit & finish is the kind of fit & finish that all of us knife knuts long for in a pocket knife. Can't say enough good things about them.
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by Lansky1 »

The one noticeable thing is that the RR blades are easier to sharpen as compared to Case SS steel. Meaning the RR blades are softer - it’s fairly easy to sense this when sharpening on a guided rod system.

I have no experience with RR knives edge holding ability, so I’ll refrain ... but I’m fairly confident their steel is softer than Case SS - that is my only frame of reference
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by samb1955 »

melek wrote:My limited experience with Chinese-made knives is that the quality varies from knife to knife, leading me to believe that the primary problem is a lack of worker pride.

Think about it. If you buy a knife made in the U.S., Germany or Italy, the folks who made them take pride in their work. Or that's the feeling that I get from inspecting those knifes.

The fit and finish generally is much higher. In China, it seems that the goal is to meet the production quota and not to produce the highest quality product possible.

That might work well for DVD players and Canon cameras, but if you want high quality workmanship, you generally aren't going to get it from an assembly line in China. At least, not yet.
Ganzo does a good job! Maybe they penalize the employees if they aren't consistent.
TazmanTom18
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by TazmanTom18 »

IMO the general issue would be quality of blade steel and more importantly, heat treat. No matter what the steel is, if it's not tempered right...
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by Steve Warden »

TazmanTom18 wrote:IMO the general issue would be quality of blade steel and more importantly, heat treat. No matter what the steel is,or where it's made, if it's not tempered right...
Take care and God bless,

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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by kootenay joe »

There are many different brand names on knives coming from China. The 2 i know best are Rough Rider for traditional style folding knives and SanRenMu for tactical style knives. Both these brands are very inexpensive: sub $10 until a few years ago and now still under $20.
Both these brands always have sharp edges on arrival and they edge hold for much longer than you are likely used to. The other aspect that amazes me is quality control. I have bought hundreds of these knives on line and have never had even one with a significant issue.
I believe the reason for the always sharp edges, always 'right-on' assembly and low prices is: Robots. The Chinese factories are modern with CNC and robotics doing the cutting, polishing and likely assembly.
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by Captain O »

I bought another Ganzo M707 as a gift for a friend of mine. She carries it as a "get off me" knife and isn't afraid to use it to free herself from an aggressor. If she uses it and it is locked up in a police evidence room, we'll get her another. She's happy with it. If she can quickly stab/slice her way out of a confrontation. it will have served its purpose.

It is cheap "life insurance".
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by New_Windsor_NY »

Captain O wrote:I bought another Ganzo M707 as a gift for a friend of mine. She carries it as a "get off me" knife and isn't afraid to use it to free herself from an aggressor. If she uses it and it is locked up in a police evidence room, we'll get her another. She's happy with it. If she can quickly stab/slice her way out of a confrontation. it will have served its purpose.

It is cheap "life insurance".
Better to be tried by 12 than carried by 6. ::tu::
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FRJ
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by FRJ »

Better yet, if the lady is convinced there are other options such as running from an attacker or avoiding potential
miscreants altogether she could enjoy dinner at home that night and sleep in her comfortable surroundings.
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by cody6268 »

Lots of reasons, mostly socioeconomic and political, why I try to avoid Chinese knives. Case and Buck (USA made) have several sub-$20 models. Victorinox has quite a few; as does the French Opinel. And let us not forget Morakniv--I personally feel at the sub-$20 mark they are by far the best bang for the buck. There are also several semi-unknown (at least to the US) brands, like Antonini and MAC Coltellerie (Italian) who put out a really good product at a meager price. They might not win any beauty contests, and "fit and finish" is rough, but they work hard and perform well.

But sometimes, I feel there are companies pushing the whole "MADE IN USA" thing when it's not. I opened up my Fulton military flashlight in preparation for a conversion to LED. The light is supposedly American made, but emblazoned right on the bulb was "CHINA". Kinda brazen to make a big deal about its country of origin, then have the key component as Chinese made. That's why I'm trying extra hard to locate an American LED bulb. At least MAG is completely American made, and tough. Just like Toyota trucks have more American components in them than Ford, Chevy, or Dodge. And quite frankly, I think the new Tacoma is a better looking truck than the redesigned RAM, F-Series, and to an extent the Silverado. I kinda like that new front end.
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by Captain O »

FRJ wrote:Better yet, if the lady is convinced there are other options such as running from an attacker or avoiding potential
miscreants altogether she could enjoy dinner at home that night and sleep in her comfortable surroundings.
You can dream all you like, but at 65 years of age, running isn't always an alternative. When someone lays a hand on you with the intent of committing grievous bodily injury, a sharp retaliation generally dissuades any further aggression. Virtue signaling isn't an option.
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by FRJ »

I'm not dreaming, Captain O, I am suggesting thoughtful, practical, alternatives to your scenario.
"When someone lays a hand on you with intent of committing grievous bodily injury." Really?
When does that happen? A person being openly attacked. For no apparent reason.
Obviously it does happen but how often are we to guess this takes place. And where?
One must ask themselves,"where have I flailed" that I am being so aggressed?
If you are totally honest with your self you will undoubtedly find the answer
and no knife in the world will save you from your poor choices and decisions.
If your scenario were to become actual, you suggest a victorious out come.
Where it not for the bloody mess and the screaming sirens it would be laughable.
There must be some way to avoid this nightmare. ::mdm::
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by cudgee »

Good morning, hope everyone has a good week. Regarding RR knives, we have a very limited supply and access to traditional pocket knives over here in Australia, that is why i am so envious of you guys, when i look at some of the American websites and your retail outlets, i would be a kid in a toy shop over there.I was looking at RR knives for a while and reading about them on this forum, so bit the bullet and purchased 2. I must say i was very surprised at there Finish and Quality, both excellent. How long they hold up for only time will tell, but if they are used not for really heavy work i think they will last a long time. Like your car, if you service it and don't thrash the hell out it and generally look after it, they will serve you well. I also have a Buck canoe made in China, an excellent knife, and an A.G.Russell rancher made in China, a really well made knife that holds it's edge. I am waiting for a Marbles ram horn stockman just to see what it's quality is like. So in my limited experience Chinese made knives are of excellent quality and finish. As i said we have very limited access to pocket knives over here, and buying American or English made knives is prohibitive when it comes to cost, because of postage and then the conversion rate of the Australian dollar. I recently bought a case which cost me $120 Aus., compared to an RR, $30Aus. I also purchased an Idahone V ceramic sharpener, which is $40US, but cost me $95Aus. So i will purchase any knife that i like and have reviewed online if the cost is okay. :D
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by Captain O »

cudgee wrote:Good morning, hope everyone has a good week. Regarding RR knives, we have a very limited supply and access to traditional pocket knives over here in Australia, that is why i am so envious of you guys, when i look at some of the American websites and your retail outlets, i would be a kid in a toy shop over there.I was looking at RR knives for a while and reading about them on this forum, so bit the bullet and purchased 2. I must say i was very surprised at there Finish and Quality, both excellent. How long they hold up for only time will tell, but if they are used not for really heavy work i think they will last a long time. Like your car, if you service it and don't thrash the hell out it and generally look after it, they will serve you well. I also have a Buck canoe made in China, an excellent knife, and an A.G.Russell rancher made in China, a really well made knife that holds it's edge. I am waiting for a Marbles ram horn stockman just to see what it's quality is like. So in my limited experience Chinese made knives are of excellent quality and finish. As i said we have very limited access to pocket knives over here, and buying American or English made knives is prohibitive when it comes to cost, because of postage and then the conversion rate of the Australian dollar. I recently bought a case which cost me $120 Aus., compared to an RR, $30Aus. I also purchased an Idahone V ceramic sharpener, which is $40US, but cost me $95Aus. So i will purchase any knife that i like and have reviewed online if the cost is okay. :D
You should be here. If you were in Oregon, you would be enjoying the daylights out of the automatic knives that are both legal and usable. There are some fantastic working autos that would have you giggling like a schoolboy in a candy shop.

I just nailed an Armando Beltrame 9" Honey Horn, flat-grind automatic with an ATS-34 steel blade. It makes an outstanding pocket knife for EDC. Quick, tight, and holds a razor edge. $106.00 USD.

I paid $18.36 USD for a Chinese Ganzo clip-point auto Model 719. 440C steel and holds an outstanding edge. It is a marvelous, useable tool in the first degree.

So cool. 8)
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by cudgee »

Thanks for that mate. You don't have to rub it in. Only joking. Buying knives over here can be difficult, we just do not have the retailers or the selection, especially in the state where i live. ::tu::
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by Captain O »

cudgee wrote:Thanks for that mate. You don't have to rub it in. Only joking. Buying knives over here can be difficult, we just do not have the retailers or the selection, especially in the state where i live. ::tu::
Good news: You can buy a "frog sticker" (RR made) for a paltry $12.95 USD and it holds a decent edge for 440A. The tip on this "fruit knife" is more of a tapered stiletto rather than a rounded drop point knife. It is so slender that it virtually disappears into a jacket pocket. It still opens quickly and can be called upon to peel/bisect any "fruit" you happen to encounter regardless of its size.
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by cudgee »

Would not get through customs. Thanks for the tip though. ::td::
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Re: What's wrong with the knives made in China?

Post by Captain O »

Imperial makes a "Melon Tester" in their China factory with a 7cr17Mov Stainless Steel blade in two separate sizes (7" and 10,5". I have both). These have the rounded tip yet are fully functional in the kitchen and in the field for fruit inspection. They're on Amazon and eBay all the time.

Imperial SS105 4.7" blade:

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com ... LiZODL.jpg

I'm almost certain that they aren't prohibited.
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