China
Re: China
There was a time when I avoided models made in Taichung, but then those models proved me wrong and now I have a high level of respect for the work that factory does. I can't say I've had similar experiences with the Chinese made knives. Whether this is because Spyderco needs to maintain a particular price point or just what the Chinese are capable of, the end result for me is the same. If it's lack of ability (which I don't believe is the case) then the conversation pretty much would stop here and I'd just say China doesn't offer what I'm looking for. If it's a price point issue then my answer is that I am fortunate enough to be able to afford the nicer models even for beater knives, so that tends to be what I buy. Ultimately I don't buy based on country of origin, I buy based on design first and everything else follows. If the Bodacious was made in China then I'd be singing praises about China. Right now it just happens that none of the Chinese models really blow me away, except for maybe the Grasshopper which has turned out to be a real favorite of mine as far as small keychain knives go. For me there is also the matter of redundancy, I only buy so many and right now Golden has got my bank account in a choke hold and I have been very happy with what they're producing as if late.
~David
Re: China
Since you asked.
I don't buy knives from China. Shabazz says quality is about effort, not geography. And that's true. China is a huge country and there are bound to be both good and bad companies.
But my perception is that China as a whole isn't playing fair. China floods the US market with goods that they sell below-cost until the domestic manufacturers are bankrupt. Then they raise the price and/or cut the quality. Planned obsolescence.
China (and others) have no respect for US manufacturer's intellectual property rights. They offer to make something for a US company for cheap. They get the specs. They build it. Then the contract is up and they keep building it, either as a knock off or with a different brand name slapped on it. As an example, check out Magellan brand jackets from Academy Sports Outdoors. Academy used to carry a lot of Drake waterfowl hunting jackets. Then Magellan started making Drake knock offs for cheap. Now Academy carries hardly any Drake products.
That isn't even getting into the topic of future global conflicts. I don't see the US and China being on the same side. Any money I spend on Chinese made goods just helps a current competitor/future adversary further develop their manufacturing and infrastructure.
Basically, China is a huge country with crappy people and admirable people. I don't buy products manufactured there because it harms my countries domestic manufacturing and it may help empower a rival nation.
I don't buy knives from China. Shabazz says quality is about effort, not geography. And that's true. China is a huge country and there are bound to be both good and bad companies.
But my perception is that China as a whole isn't playing fair. China floods the US market with goods that they sell below-cost until the domestic manufacturers are bankrupt. Then they raise the price and/or cut the quality. Planned obsolescence.
China (and others) have no respect for US manufacturer's intellectual property rights. They offer to make something for a US company for cheap. They get the specs. They build it. Then the contract is up and they keep building it, either as a knock off or with a different brand name slapped on it. As an example, check out Magellan brand jackets from Academy Sports Outdoors. Academy used to carry a lot of Drake waterfowl hunting jackets. Then Magellan started making Drake knock offs for cheap. Now Academy carries hardly any Drake products.
That isn't even getting into the topic of future global conflicts. I don't see the US and China being on the same side. Any money I spend on Chinese made goods just helps a current competitor/future adversary further develop their manufacturing and infrastructure.
Basically, China is a huge country with crappy people and admirable people. I don't buy products manufactured there because it harms my countries domestic manufacturing and it may help empower a rival nation.
- Richard
Re: China
Cheap tools have a part to play. For most people it's a starting point.
I try to avoid buying Chinese goods when possible but sometimes when you're not sure whether you really need or will like a product, that's where you start.
If the Chinese models get people started on Spyderco than that can only be good for us who enjoy the higher end options.
Especially if those knives are critical in making it possible to sell USA made Mule Teams at $75. Those are my budget blades, don't want them to go away.
On the other hand if it's getting hard to compete in a saturated budget world and the numbers don't add up, hopefully Spyderco can still thrive as a premium only brand.
You've made it this far Sal, do what you think is best.
I try to avoid buying Chinese goods when possible but sometimes when you're not sure whether you really need or will like a product, that's where you start.
If the Chinese models get people started on Spyderco than that can only be good for us who enjoy the higher end options.
Especially if those knives are critical in making it possible to sell USA made Mule Teams at $75. Those are my budget blades, don't want them to go away.
On the other hand if it's getting hard to compete in a saturated budget world and the numbers don't add up, hopefully Spyderco can still thrive as a premium only brand.
You've made it this far Sal, do what you think is best.
-
Red Leader
- Member
- Posts: 607
- Joined: Thu Oct 17, 2024 9:35 am
Re: China
Sal, thank you for asking this question head on - it is a very earnest response to a lot of the critique (some of which has been from me, admittedly) and I really respect that.
I have been trying to figure out how to respond to this question for hours, and I still don't know if I have an ideal response. If you would have asked me how important the question of Chinese goods was a few years ago, I probably would have just shrugged my shoulders. But now I look around at our domestic infrastructure, our manufacturing, our self-reliance, and my perspective has changed. I think of factors that may have easily contributed to Crucible's end.
I recently had a conversation at the SFO with Peter, and he in no uncertain terms told me what he thought about China's influence on manufacturing, and that has also informed my perspective. Have you heard of Destin from Smarter Every Day? About 3 months ago, I saw a video of his where he challenged himself to design and manufacture an item completely and entirely in the United States, and without any Chinese involvement. That journey took him down a path that proved to be orders of magnitude harder than he could have imagined. It was was depressing, enlightening, hopeful, and challenging all at the same time. If you haven't see it, I'd encourage you to do so - it has been the most important 48 min I've watched all year. I challenge everyone else to see it as well.
The main point was - local manufacturing matters. It matters to our community, our local economy, the livelihood of our towns, our neighbors, our national security, etc. I do not share the opinion of others that believe that it is nonsense or simply doesn't matter where things come from. The IP theft, the undercutting of creators, the forgeries, decimation of our manufacturing enterprise...it is a big topic that goes way beyond you, me, and Spyderco. But I do not wish to contribute to it where I have some control or a choice. I do not buy Chinese knives. I did before, but will not anymore. If it means I miss out on some great knives and designs, it is a small loss.
I am incredibly grateful for the local manufacturing that Spyderco does and supporting Golden production seems to me to be the best way to support the home team and my local community and economy. You will continue to get my support, I promise.
My wish would be for Spyderco to exit the Chinese manufacturing sector completely. It is a premium brand in my eyes and Chinese offerings seem risky to that reputation. It is easy for me to say that, without the essential knowledge of knowing how important it is to the business, so let me ask: can Spyderco be successful without Chinese knives? I do wish to make a distinction between 'Chinese knives' and 'budget knives'.
Is it possible for Spyderco to make value folders, but avoid China? For example, I bought my daughter a Chicago. The knife was $42. It was a value folder. It was made in Taiwan, not China. I don't believe it was Taichung, due to the price. Can we start there? Ideally, more domestic manufacturing, but steps. Withdrawal from China being an early one.
I asked my 14 yr old son what he thought about all this, since he might just be more of a Spydieholic than even me, and I could see him being a major collector in the coming years (raising him right, ha!). He wondered if it you could take an inexpensive steel like 14C28N, give it the great Spydie heat treat, a basic FRN handle, make it in the shape of the Tenacious and make it in the USA? Maybe a 1-piece injection molded FRN handle could be designed to save on hardware and assembly? Just thinking out loud. Sure it would be more than the Chinese knives, but could give a lot of budget-conscious folks some great options. I'd buy one. I'd buy more than one and give them as gifts. The lil' Native LW is a great start to this 'USA Value Folder' line idea, so is the UKPK, and is proof - you guys can do this. These are cheap knives. The Lil' Native is $101 (more like $80 during a MAP sale) and the UKPK is $87 full price. He also thinks that the energy and time towards China could instead be used to make the USA stuff even better.
I then asked my brother in law who is not a knife guy at all, if he would choose a $50 Chinese knife, or a $100 USA knife, if they were identical. He said he would prefer USA knife, because after seeing and experiencing the massive influx of cheap Chinese stuff, he is concerned about long-term durability.
There are so many companies, that are doing it so good with Chinese manufacturing, that you have to be be as good or better than the others, or get out of the way. They are going to keep getting even better, and quicker than we think. If the offerings aren't as good as something like Porcupine (14C28N, micarta, button compression lock) or the Real Steel Sylph (bought when I was first getting into knives - it is a masterpiece) then better to focus that energy into keeping Spyderco a top-tier USA knife manufacturer.
Again, thank you for asking this important question.
I have been trying to figure out how to respond to this question for hours, and I still don't know if I have an ideal response. If you would have asked me how important the question of Chinese goods was a few years ago, I probably would have just shrugged my shoulders. But now I look around at our domestic infrastructure, our manufacturing, our self-reliance, and my perspective has changed. I think of factors that may have easily contributed to Crucible's end.
I recently had a conversation at the SFO with Peter, and he in no uncertain terms told me what he thought about China's influence on manufacturing, and that has also informed my perspective. Have you heard of Destin from Smarter Every Day? About 3 months ago, I saw a video of his where he challenged himself to design and manufacture an item completely and entirely in the United States, and without any Chinese involvement. That journey took him down a path that proved to be orders of magnitude harder than he could have imagined. It was was depressing, enlightening, hopeful, and challenging all at the same time. If you haven't see it, I'd encourage you to do so - it has been the most important 48 min I've watched all year. I challenge everyone else to see it as well.
The main point was - local manufacturing matters. It matters to our community, our local economy, the livelihood of our towns, our neighbors, our national security, etc. I do not share the opinion of others that believe that it is nonsense or simply doesn't matter where things come from. The IP theft, the undercutting of creators, the forgeries, decimation of our manufacturing enterprise...it is a big topic that goes way beyond you, me, and Spyderco. But I do not wish to contribute to it where I have some control or a choice. I do not buy Chinese knives. I did before, but will not anymore. If it means I miss out on some great knives and designs, it is a small loss.
I am incredibly grateful for the local manufacturing that Spyderco does and supporting Golden production seems to me to be the best way to support the home team and my local community and economy. You will continue to get my support, I promise.
My wish would be for Spyderco to exit the Chinese manufacturing sector completely. It is a premium brand in my eyes and Chinese offerings seem risky to that reputation. It is easy for me to say that, without the essential knowledge of knowing how important it is to the business, so let me ask: can Spyderco be successful without Chinese knives? I do wish to make a distinction between 'Chinese knives' and 'budget knives'.
Is it possible for Spyderco to make value folders, but avoid China? For example, I bought my daughter a Chicago. The knife was $42. It was a value folder. It was made in Taiwan, not China. I don't believe it was Taichung, due to the price. Can we start there? Ideally, more domestic manufacturing, but steps. Withdrawal from China being an early one.
I asked my 14 yr old son what he thought about all this, since he might just be more of a Spydieholic than even me, and I could see him being a major collector in the coming years (raising him right, ha!). He wondered if it you could take an inexpensive steel like 14C28N, give it the great Spydie heat treat, a basic FRN handle, make it in the shape of the Tenacious and make it in the USA? Maybe a 1-piece injection molded FRN handle could be designed to save on hardware and assembly? Just thinking out loud. Sure it would be more than the Chinese knives, but could give a lot of budget-conscious folks some great options. I'd buy one. I'd buy more than one and give them as gifts. The lil' Native LW is a great start to this 'USA Value Folder' line idea, so is the UKPK, and is proof - you guys can do this. These are cheap knives. The Lil' Native is $101 (more like $80 during a MAP sale) and the UKPK is $87 full price. He also thinks that the energy and time towards China could instead be used to make the USA stuff even better.
I then asked my brother in law who is not a knife guy at all, if he would choose a $50 Chinese knife, or a $100 USA knife, if they were identical. He said he would prefer USA knife, because after seeing and experiencing the massive influx of cheap Chinese stuff, he is concerned about long-term durability.
There are so many companies, that are doing it so good with Chinese manufacturing, that you have to be be as good or better than the others, or get out of the way. They are going to keep getting even better, and quicker than we think. If the offerings aren't as good as something like Porcupine (14C28N, micarta, button compression lock) or the Real Steel Sylph (bought when I was first getting into knives - it is a masterpiece) then better to focus that energy into keeping Spyderco a top-tier USA knife manufacturer.
Again, thank you for asking this important question.
Re: China
I don't buy Chinese, if I have any reasonable (or even not reasonable) option. Fortunately, Spyderco offers many good options. If my reasons need explanation...well...I don't even know where to start. Do you have several hours?
Steel novice who self-identifies as a steel expert. Proud M.N.O.S.D. member 0003. Spydie Steels: 4V, 15V, 20CV, AEB-L, AUS6, Cru-Wear, HAP40, K294, K390, M4, Magnacut, S110V, S30V, S35VN, S45VN, SPY27, SRS13, T15, VG10, XHP, ZWear, ZDP189
-
Brock O Lee
- Member
- Posts: 4088
- Joined: Thu Jul 21, 2011 3:34 am
- Location: Victoria, Australia
Re: China
I'm not an American, so I do not have "a dog in this fight".
However, I also avoid Chinese-made products whenever I can. In general I do not trust their business practices and product quality, based on well-deserved bad reputations they've earned over decades. This is especially true for product attributes that are hard for me to evaluate as an end user. In terms of knives, things like steel chemistry or heat treatment for example. For cars, safety features and long term reliability. As a result, there is doubt in my mind about what I get at a bargain price. What is the catch? Am I really getting what it says on the tin? I'm not 100% sure. This is obviously a subjectibe perspective, and not true for all. Modern Chinese-made iPhones are fantastic, and I assume Spydies too.
Another very subjective perception and a broad generalisation is that their products lack "soul". This is of course impossible to quantify. For instance, I bought a few pocket knives from a Chinese manufacturer a while ago. Even though they were cosmetically perfect, they did not resonate with me at all, and I have no desire to carry them. They reminded me of mindless soulless consumer goods, if that even makes sense.
For durable goods like cars, motorcycles, tools, watches, knives etc, I'm a bit old school and prefer to steer clear of emerging manufacturers, and stick to the tried and trusted names and countries. One day China might be on par with other high-quality manufacturers from the east, but it will take more time to earn my trust.
However, I also avoid Chinese-made products whenever I can. In general I do not trust their business practices and product quality, based on well-deserved bad reputations they've earned over decades. This is especially true for product attributes that are hard for me to evaluate as an end user. In terms of knives, things like steel chemistry or heat treatment for example. For cars, safety features and long term reliability. As a result, there is doubt in my mind about what I get at a bargain price. What is the catch? Am I really getting what it says on the tin? I'm not 100% sure. This is obviously a subjectibe perspective, and not true for all. Modern Chinese-made iPhones are fantastic, and I assume Spydies too.
Another very subjective perception and a broad generalisation is that their products lack "soul". This is of course impossible to quantify. For instance, I bought a few pocket knives from a Chinese manufacturer a while ago. Even though they were cosmetically perfect, they did not resonate with me at all, and I have no desire to carry them. They reminded me of mindless soulless consumer goods, if that even makes sense.
For durable goods like cars, motorcycles, tools, watches, knives etc, I'm a bit old school and prefer to steer clear of emerging manufacturers, and stick to the tried and trusted names and countries. One day China might be on par with other high-quality manufacturers from the east, but it will take more time to earn my trust.
Hans
Favourite Spydies: Military S90V, PM2 Cruwear, Siren LC200N, UKPK S110V, Endela Wharncliffe K390
Others: Victorinox Pioneer, CRK: L Sebenza, L Inkosi, Umnumzaan
Favourite Spydies: Military S90V, PM2 Cruwear, Siren LC200N, UKPK S110V, Endela Wharncliffe K390
Others: Victorinox Pioneer, CRK: L Sebenza, L Inkosi, Umnumzaan
-
Sterling454
- Member
- Posts: 73
- Joined: Tue Jul 22, 2025 12:06 am
Re: China
I intentionally only buy Spyderco products from Japan, Taiwan, USA, and Italy. I will not buy knives that are made in China or that feature Chinese steel. This isn't about being a US-only chest thumper. When designing more budget friendly products, give me 14C28N or AUS-8 before 8Cr13MoV for example. Some of my concerns are geopolitical so I won't go into them here. Others here have done a great job articulating the majority of my other non-geopolitical concerns but jdw really hits the nail on the head:
I couldn't agree with him more - Chinese products cheapen a brand and "Spyderco" means quality and performance but without the butterfly tax. If you absolutely have to go with Chinese manufacturing to keep prices low for the budget end of the product lineup, why not limit it to Byrd so the primary brand isn't diluted?jdw wrote: ↑Sat Oct 11, 2025 6:36 pmI have no particular loyalty to US made knives but I do believe that having so many Spyderco knives made in China cheapens Spyderco’s image. Gas stations and cheap online stores are full of cheap Chinese made knives while quality and performance defines Spyderco to me.
Manix 2 BBB CPM 15V x2 // Manix 2 CruCarta // Manix 2 XL CruCarta // Native Chief Salt MagnaCut // Stretch 2 XL K390 // Smock CruWear Aluminum Distributer Exclusive // Para Military 2 Salt Bumblebee G10 MagnaCut x2 // Para Military 2 Crucible Industries Red/Black G10 MagnaCut
Mule Teams
MT34P CPM Rex T15 // MT37P AEB-L // MT39P BBB CPM 15V // MT46P MagnaMax
Mule Teams
MT34P CPM Rex T15 // MT37P AEB-L // MT39P BBB CPM 15V // MT46P MagnaMax
-
Brock O Lee
- Member
- Posts: 4088
- Joined: Thu Jul 21, 2011 3:34 am
- Location: Victoria, Australia
Re: China
Agree.Sterling454 wrote: ↑Sun Oct 12, 2025 12:05 amI intentionally only buy Spyderco products from Japan, Taiwan, USA, and Italy. I will not buy knives that are made in China or that feature Chinese steel...
...Chinese products cheapen a brand and "Spyderco" means quality and performance but without the butterfly tax. If you absolutely have to go with Chinese manufacturing to keep prices low for the budget end of the product lineup, why not limit it to Byrd so the primary brand isn't diluted?jdw wrote: ↑Sat Oct 11, 2025 6:36 pmI have no particular loyalty to US made knives but I do believe that having so many Spyderco knives made in China cheapens Spyderco’s image. Gas stations and cheap online stores are full of cheap Chinese made knives while quality and performance defines Spyderco to me.
Hans
Favourite Spydies: Military S90V, PM2 Cruwear, Siren LC200N, UKPK S110V, Endela Wharncliffe K390
Others: Victorinox Pioneer, CRK: L Sebenza, L Inkosi, Umnumzaan
Favourite Spydies: Military S90V, PM2 Cruwear, Siren LC200N, UKPK S110V, Endela Wharncliffe K390
Others: Victorinox Pioneer, CRK: L Sebenza, L Inkosi, Umnumzaan
Re: China
i will not buy chinese knives period.
i saw the new mantra and button up and the design and handle materials really appealed to me
as soon as i saw they were china made, i knew i would not be buying them.
it is unavoidable to buy products made in china, but when i can avoid it - i will, 100% of the time.
i saw the new mantra and button up and the design and handle materials really appealed to me
as soon as i saw they were china made, i knew i would not be buying them.
it is unavoidable to buy products made in china, but when i can avoid it - i will, 100% of the time.
Re: China
It's a difficult topic from business perspective. Putting aside politics, I don't believe there's any other country that can mach them in terms of large scale manufacturing capability and lower cost. Many American brands are having their budget lines, and not only budget, made in China. Microtech, Chaves, Pena, Vero to name a few. Believe it or not most customers are the ones that say 100$ for a knife is madness. On top of that there's a lot of customers of Spyderco who are not in the US and because of the exchange rates and state of their economy cannot afford anything more than Chinese made Spyderco. Economy is very difficult right now - exclusives sitting on the shelf, sprint runs sitting on the shelf. I've never seen anything like that before. REC had a Lil Native in 10v sitting for weeks, if not more and they ended up reducing the price in order to clear the stock. GP Knives still have rex45 urbans in stock. 3 months after release. They recently sold out the pm2 in rex 76. It was sitting on the shelf for more than half a year. In that regard it means cutting off the Chinese made line of knives is shutting down International sales to a degree. I don't know what percentage of the total revenue the Chinese line forms, but I feel it is significant enough to justify it's existence. I'd love to see that every company is making their product 100% domestic - USA, UK, France, any other, you name it. It is possible, but the current economy in the world and the country itself is making it harder than ever. Let's be honest with ourselves - American made knife in s90v and titanium scales with intricate machining, mrbb and tight tolerances are starting around 450$-500$. At least. Anything below that is a bit of mix - most of it is made domestically, some of the parts are imported from you know where and it's assembled and finished domestically. With all that being said, I believe that having a Chinese made line is a good thing. Bear in mind we're not talking about outsourcing the entire business in a foreign country. From a lot of perspectives, the budget line is good thing. One of them is allowing to try out new designs while keeping the costs low and if they deem successful then they can bring it in Golden for high end spa. A lot of makers are doing exactly that - dropping new designs on the budget line and depending on the interest can upgrade them in terms of steel, handle, where it's made etc. Every business is looking for solutions. All the time. And every solution have it's pros and cons. It's part of the game. I'm totally OK with Spyderco having a Chinese made line while they keep their integrity and spirit intact. Let's be a bit more open minded and try to look at the things from a different perspective than ours. Let's not forget where our phones are made. And everyone is having one in the pocket.
Re: China
I agree with several of the posts above.
Spyderco has become an old, meaning well-established, company with a solid history as an industry leader. It's hard to take anyone who says that somehow overnight, or over the course of a year or two, things have somehow changed, especially when so much has not changed.
COO has always been an issue for some just because of the label. People have bashed the Seki knives and the Taichung knives, which simply doesn't match the facts very well, in my opinion. Buy what you want to buy, leave the rest and stop complaining...it serves no purpose. The most meaningful feedback for a company that makes things is: what's selling, and what's not? This is especially true when the U.S.-designed and manufactured model lines are still strong, numerous and varied in size, price and features.
I will say that COO has been sort of an indirect issue for me, mostly because your other knives, especially the U.S.-made knives, generally have designs I like better and are they products where you show what I think is the unique Spyderco genius: very high-performance steels that are properly hardened.
You don't need to sell me, or anyone else, every knife in the line. You've built a broad, well-balanced range of excellent products at varying price points. Some people will always complain, and some of the complaints will never make any sense. Great companies have a strong, specific vision. Your company is that kind of great company. Keep it up.
Spyderco has become an old, meaning well-established, company with a solid history as an industry leader. It's hard to take anyone who says that somehow overnight, or over the course of a year or two, things have somehow changed, especially when so much has not changed.
COO has always been an issue for some just because of the label. People have bashed the Seki knives and the Taichung knives, which simply doesn't match the facts very well, in my opinion. Buy what you want to buy, leave the rest and stop complaining...it serves no purpose. The most meaningful feedback for a company that makes things is: what's selling, and what's not? This is especially true when the U.S.-designed and manufactured model lines are still strong, numerous and varied in size, price and features.
I will say that COO has been sort of an indirect issue for me, mostly because your other knives, especially the U.S.-made knives, generally have designs I like better and are they products where you show what I think is the unique Spyderco genius: very high-performance steels that are properly hardened.
You don't need to sell me, or anyone else, every knife in the line. You've built a broad, well-balanced range of excellent products at varying price points. Some people will always complain, and some of the complaints will never make any sense. Great companies have a strong, specific vision. Your company is that kind of great company. Keep it up.
Re: China
I saw a lot of complaints over on /r/spyderco on Reddit about the Chinese-made knives in the reveal, mostly over steel and price. People point to Chinese brands selling good quality knives with fancier steels than 8Cr13MoV (And often handle materials) for less than Spyderco's Chinese lineup and wonder why Spyderco isn't matching them.
(There was also a lot of disgruntlement over prices in general; boy are they going wish for the good old days if the latest tariffs ever go into effect. I will avoid further comment on them though.)
(There was also a lot of disgruntlement over prices in general; boy are they going wish for the good old days if the latest tariffs ever go into effect. I will avoid further comment on them though.)
Re: China
I see Spyderco as having a clear brand identity who collaborates with designers and makers around the world. Chinese manufacture fits into Spyderco's strategy. Spyderco does not contort themselves around Chinese manufacturing.
I have preferences both political and knife specific. I like the choil-less Tenacious and Resilience, so I carry the Caribbean and Bodacious. I have the Clipitool Rescue since nothing else has both SE sheepsfoot and a cutting hook. I might pick up the Mantra 4 for the 2.2mm blade stock.
Given a compelling design, I'd choose to have it made in the US or TW at a higher price, than made in China more affordably. If it's only available from China, I might still get it.
I have preferences both political and knife specific. I like the choil-less Tenacious and Resilience, so I carry the Caribbean and Bodacious. I have the Clipitool Rescue since nothing else has both SE sheepsfoot and a cutting hook. I might pick up the Mantra 4 for the 2.2mm blade stock.
Given a compelling design, I'd choose to have it made in the US or TW at a higher price, than made in China more affordably. If it's only available from China, I might still get it.
-
Infinite Zero
- Member
- Posts: 363
- Joined: Mon Jan 17, 2011 6:03 pm
- Location: Wiscasset, Maine
Re: China
I’ve only bought two Chinese Spydercos since 2015: a Bow River and a G-10 Bug.
The Bow River was a gift for my son, and was the one he wanted when I took him to a knife shop. I actually tried to talk him out of it, but it’s the one that most appealed to him visually.
The Bug was a novelty I’d been amused by for years. It just took an upgrade in scales and steel to get me to bite.
Most Chinese Spydercos are wrong-handed locks for me, so it’s mostly a non-issue. If an attractive backlock or ball-bearing lock model was released with scales and steel (not 8Cr13MoV or any other Chinese steel) that interested me, I may consider it, but it would be very low priority.
The Bow River was a gift for my son, and was the one he wanted when I took him to a knife shop. I actually tried to talk him out of it, but it’s the one that most appealed to him visually.
The Bug was a novelty I’d been amused by for years. It just took an upgrade in scales and steel to get me to bite.
Most Chinese Spydercos are wrong-handed locks for me, so it’s mostly a non-issue. If an attractive backlock or ball-bearing lock model was released with scales and steel (not 8Cr13MoV or any other Chinese steel) that interested me, I may consider it, but it would be very low priority.
-
Manixguy@1994
- Member
- Posts: 17553
- Joined: Fri Jun 10, 2016 12:12 pm
- Location: Central Illinois
- Contact:
Re: China
I struggle with this subject . I have only bought one a Byrd years ago mainly out of curiosity, the Wings G10 . It was ok but being lefty gifted it and it still rides in a pocket everyday. Concerning new releases only the Gooney SE is of interest mainly to compare it to other SE models for yard work. Other models I will pass due to righty linerlocks and button lock is ok but not a must buy . I look at Chinese models as stepping stones to other knives of country origin and probably a good business model . Basically I’m a USA , Japan , and Taiwan kind of guy . I just haven’t found a knife yet of interest made in Italy that interests me . MG2
MNOSD 0002 / Do more than is required of you . Patton
Nothing makes earth so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes.
Henry David Thoreau
Nothing makes earth so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes.
Henry David Thoreau
Re: China
i'm kind of curious if people that think chinese models cheapen the brand have ever tried one of the chinese models. i get what you're saying to a degree, but there are plenty of spyderco users that never move past a tenacious they bought at walmart because the knife is perfectly good for all of their needs. those people are probably aware of spyderco's other designs and probably think people that buy them are crazy and hate money.
spyderco makes a wide range of knives available to all kinds of people. their chinese knives are actually great and might just be perfect for a different subset of customers. to write them off as bad because of where they were made is ignorant.
also, just to be clear without trying to be political... taiwan and china are not the same. if you refuse to buy taichung knives because you think they are chinese, you are missing out on exquisite workmanship that, in many cases, is better than all other spyderco factories. you are also missing out on supporting a people that are fighting to maintain their independence and to get the rest world to recognize their legitimacy as a sovereign state. if you hate china, you should want to support taiwan.
spyderco makes a wide range of knives available to all kinds of people. their chinese knives are actually great and might just be perfect for a different subset of customers. to write them off as bad because of where they were made is ignorant.
also, just to be clear without trying to be political... taiwan and china are not the same. if you refuse to buy taichung knives because you think they are chinese, you are missing out on exquisite workmanship that, in many cases, is better than all other spyderco factories. you are also missing out on supporting a people that are fighting to maintain their independence and to get the rest world to recognize their legitimacy as a sovereign state. if you hate china, you should want to support taiwan.
keep your knife sharp and your focus sharper.
current collection:
C191GP, C36GMCBK2, C11ZFRDBBK, C267BK, C36MCW2, C258YL, C253GBBK, C258GFBL, C101GBBK2, C11GYW, C11FWNB20CV, C101GBN15V2, C101GODFDE2, C60GGY, C149G, C189, C101GBN2, MT35, C211TI, C242CF, C217GSSF, C101BN2, C85G2, C91BBK, C142G, C122GBBK, LBK, LYL3HB, C193, C28YL2, C11ZPGYD, C41YL5, C252G, C130G, K08BK, PLKIT1
spyderco steels:
M398, H2, CPM 20CV, CPM 15V, CTS 204P, CPM CRUWEAR, CPM S30V, N690Co, M390, CPM MagnaCut, LC200N, CTS XHP, H1, 8Cr13MoV, GIN-1, CTS BD1, VG-10, VG-10/Damascus, 440C, MBS-26
current collection:
C191GP, C36GMCBK2, C11ZFRDBBK, C267BK, C36MCW2, C258YL, C253GBBK, C258GFBL, C101GBBK2, C11GYW, C11FWNB20CV, C101GBN15V2, C101GODFDE2, C60GGY, C149G, C189, C101GBN2, MT35, C211TI, C242CF, C217GSSF, C101BN2, C85G2, C91BBK, C142G, C122GBBK, LBK, LYL3HB, C193, C28YL2, C11ZPGYD, C41YL5, C252G, C130G, K08BK, PLKIT1
spyderco steels:
M398, H2, CPM 20CV, CPM 15V, CTS 204P, CPM CRUWEAR, CPM S30V, N690Co, M390, CPM MagnaCut, LC200N, CTS XHP, H1, 8Cr13MoV, GIN-1, CTS BD1, VG-10, VG-10/Damascus, 440C, MBS-26
-
Naperville
- Member
- Posts: 6016
- Joined: Sun Feb 04, 2018 1:58 am
- Location: Illinois, USA
Re: China
Not getting political, just stating two facts as this subject is very confusing.ladybug93 wrote: ↑Sun Oct 12, 2025 5:57 ami'm kind of curious if people that think chinese models cheapen the brand have ever tried one of the chinese models. i get what you're saying to a degree, but there are plenty of spyderco users that never move past a tenacious they bought at walmart because the knife is perfectly good for all of their needs. those people are probably aware of spyderco's other designs and probably think people that buy them are crazy and hate money.
spyderco makes a wide range of knives available to all kinds of people. their chinese knives are actually great and might just be perfect for a different subset of customers. to write them off as bad because of where they were made is ignorant.
also, just to be clear without trying to be political... taiwan and china are not the same. if you refuse to buy taichung knives because you think they are chinese, you are missing out on exquisite workmanship that, in many cases, is better than all other spyderco factories. you are also missing out on supporting a people that are fighting to maintain their independence and to get the rest world to recognize their legitimacy as a sovereign state. if you hate china, you should want to support taiwan.
China and Taiwan are not the same. The Republic of China (Taiwan) is older than the People’s Republic of China. The PRC has no legal claim on Taiwan.
Also, more than a decade ago, The International Court at The Hague said that the 9-Dashed Line is hogwash and the PRC is intruding on sovereign territories belonging to other countries.
I Support: VFW; USO; Navy SEAL Foundation, SEAL Jason Redman; America’s Warrior Partnership; Second Amendment Foundation(SAF); Gun Owners of America(GOA); Firearms Policy Coalition(FPC); Knife Rights; The Dog Aging Institute; Longevity Biotech Fellowship;
Re: China
Also, the people saying that Chinese knives are categorically lower quality have clearly never seen high end Chinese knives. They are as good as anything else you can buy.
Visualizing the Tradeoff of Higher Hardness
S90V: Nirvana Military 2 CF Native 5 Fluted CF Manix XL CF Yojumbo CF Shaman CF Sage 6 CF Native Chief CF MagnaCut: Native 5 Fluted Ti PM2 Crucible CPM-154/S90V: Manix 2 CF 15V: PM2 Marble CF 4V: Manix 2 Marble CF 3V: Tuff REX 121: Sage 5 CF 20CV: Subvert CF ZDP-189: Dragonfly 2 Nishijin S30V: Sage 4 Damasteel: Native 5 40th Anniversary VG-10: Delica 25th Anniversary N690Co: PITS XHP: Chaparral Birdseye Maple
S90V: Nirvana Military 2 CF Native 5 Fluted CF Manix XL CF Yojumbo CF Shaman CF Sage 6 CF Native Chief CF MagnaCut: Native 5 Fluted Ti PM2 Crucible CPM-154/S90V: Manix 2 CF 15V: PM2 Marble CF 4V: Manix 2 Marble CF 3V: Tuff REX 121: Sage 5 CF 20CV: Subvert CF ZDP-189: Dragonfly 2 Nishijin S30V: Sage 4 Damasteel: Native 5 40th Anniversary VG-10: Delica 25th Anniversary N690Co: PITS XHP: Chaparral Birdseye Maple
-
Naperville
- Member
- Posts: 6016
- Joined: Sun Feb 04, 2018 1:58 am
- Location: Illinois, USA
Re: China
14C28N and BD1N are excellent steels compared to 8Cr13MoV, 1095, and AUS-8. I might even consider buying one for everyday use.Sterling454 wrote: ↑Sun Oct 12, 2025 12:05 amI intentionally only buy Spyderco products from Japan, Taiwan, USA, and Italy. I will not buy knives that are made in China or that feature Chinese steel. This isn't about being a US-only chest thumper. When designing more budget friendly products, give me 14C28N or AUS-8 before 8Cr13MoV for example. Some of my concerns are geopolitical so I won't go into them here. Others here have done a great job articulating the majority of my other non-geopolitical concerns but jdw really hits the nail on the head:
I couldn't agree with him more - Chinese products cheapen a brand and "Spyderco" means quality and performance but without the butterfly tax. If you absolutely have to go with Chinese manufacturing to keep prices low for the budget end of the product lineup, why not limit it to Byrd so the primary brand isn't diluted?jdw wrote: ↑Sat Oct 11, 2025 6:36 pmI have no particular loyalty to US made knives but I do believe that having so many Spyderco knives made in China cheapens Spyderco’s image. Gas stations and cheap online stores are full of cheap Chinese made knives while quality and performance defines Spyderco to me.
I Support: VFW; USO; Navy SEAL Foundation, SEAL Jason Redman; America’s Warrior Partnership; Second Amendment Foundation(SAF); Gun Owners of America(GOA); Firearms Policy Coalition(FPC); Knife Rights; The Dog Aging Institute; Longevity Biotech Fellowship;
-
Mr_Whiskerz
- Member
- Posts: 114
- Joined: Fri Dec 02, 2005 3:30 pm
Re: China
I trust Spyderco to only put out products they want their name attached to. China is inescapable, but still, people are heavily propagandized against them when they should be blaming the corporations, their leaders, and our politicians that facilitated moving domestic manufacturing capability offshore in search of higherprofits.
I say do what you think is best. Factories and people in China are more than capable of churning out fantastic quality goods, and I trust Spyderco knows what to look for when selecting manufacturing partners since y'all have been doing it for decades.
I say do what you think is best. Factories and people in China are more than capable of churning out fantastic quality goods, and I trust Spyderco knows what to look for when selecting manufacturing partners since y'all have been doing it for decades.