orvet wrote: ↑Mon May 04, 2026 7:56 pm
I'm not a big fan of boycotts.
For me selecting a product to purchase depends on quality, availability, price, and sometimes subjective personal preferences.
- I want a product that is of sufficient quality to hold up to the task for which I intend to use it.
- 2 The product needs to be readily available.
- 3 The price needs to be reasonable and within my budget.
- 4 I may have certain subjective preferences that I hold for a variety of personal reasons. Whenever possible I prefer to buy locally, especially produce, milk and eggs.
When it comes to purchasing new knives I have a preference for knives made in the United States. It's the nation of my birth, the nation I served, and where my family makes it's living. Therefore, it is my preference to purchase a knife that supports the economy of my homeland.
Assuming that a product, in this case a knife, meets my first three criteria, I then look at the subjective preferences. I have a preference not to purchase Chinese products. I have no ill will towards the Chinese people, I admire their ancient culture, their creativity and work ethic. What I do not like is the Chinese Communist Party. The CCP profits from those items manufactured in Chinese factories. I do not like the way that government treats its people, or minority people within that nation.
So it is my preference not to buy Chinese products if there is a viable and affordable alternative. Are there reasonably priced alternatives to Chinese products when it comes to electronics? If there are I'm not aware of them. Are there reasonably priced alternatives to Chinese made pocket knives? I believe there are, so those are my first choice.
It doesn't mean I'm boycotting anyone, as I do own knives that were made in China, Taiwan, Japan, England, Germany, France and a lot of other countries. It just means if I have a preference, I would prefer to buy an American made knife.
Japan, England and Germany also make very good quality knives. It is my preference not to buy knives from China (or from Pakistan, due to quality issues).
Part of being an American is having freedom to choose what I purchase, and having the freedom to hold a minority opinion. I love that about this country!