Who wants more Chinese-made Spydies? I know I do.

[chuck_roxas45]

I think that it's because only afis are willing to spend hundreds of dollars for a tool that is not needed most of the time. Most people don't need to cut anything for long periods and they don't want to invest more into a tool that they don't need that often.

[carrot]

Right.

Spyderco sharing profits with a non-allied communist country is not a good thing in my opinion.

Okay, I can relate to that, but none of that was mentioned in the post that I quoted. Just so we're clear, are you arguing that Spyderco shouldn't be accessible and affordable to the masses? Because that's how it came off sounding.

[blackwell]

I say stick with seki and USA made models. I personally atm only own seki made spydercos, but thats mainly because i love the delica and VG-10 steel.

Anyway back to the topic, yes im biased towards things made in china because of their proven record of cutting corners on quality and safety to make profit. The other reason i prefer USA or seki over china is the mental image I have of spydercos being made.

Imagine this if you will, a skilled Japanese blade artisan skilled with exotic steel alloys making your trusted spydercos you have been carrying for years. That is the imagine i get when i think of seki made knives.

When I think of spydercos being manufactured in china, i imagine a factory of 8 year old kids unskillfully assembling knives...

Now i know this is bias, but when was the last time you held a truly high end, high quality, top notch item that said "Made in China"?

I think spyderco should continue making USA and seki only.

[The General]

Spyderco have visited China on several occasions.

If anyone here thinks Spyderco would support child labour, I suggest you do not let the door hit you on the way out.

Some rather unpleasant attitudes in this thread...

[brianch]

The negativity towards China in this thread is amazing! I am not saying China is known for making quality products but keep in mind. There are educated and skilled individuals in China as well! Not everyone is 8 years old and poverty struck! And even if they were, is that really their fault. Companies that choose to employ underage or under skilled employees will reap the benefits and disadvantages to their decision. From what I have seen, the products coming from the Taiwan and China Spyderco factories have been very acceptable considering the competitive price point. As well if you think Japan is a host for technologically advanced manufacturing then you haven't been to Japan. There are reputable corporations and manufacturers in Japan that create high quality goods but there are many terrible manufacturers in Japan that employ underaged workers offering subpar wages as well. Spydercos line of chinese and taiwanese products have proved to be some of the best selling and most profitable products for them. If that keeps Spyderco going, then I say go ahead! Just my .02

Ignorance is bliss,
Brian C

[merthyrmafia]

I've had my Persistence for quite a while now, and have used it a lot at work. I can't get over how GREAT of a knife it is for the cost. I find its finish to be just as good, if not better than other American/Japanese/ or Taiwan made Spydies.

I just ordered a Tenacious.

Do you hope Spyderco makes more Chinese models at the same value prices?
Maybe some new blade shapes?

I am fully aware of the existence of the Byrd knives, but for some reason they just don't cut it for me. The eye-shaped opening hole seems wrong. The quality just feels cheaper. I had a Cara-Cara and Meadowlark, and gave them away.

I've handled the Persistence and Tenacious and they are just RIGHT. No burrs in the Spyder hole. Comfortable in hand. Performing blade-steel. And affordable.

I won't lie I can't always afford to buy knives for $75+ dollars. Not only that, they're good knives to recommend to people who need a good quality, cheap knife who find spending $100+ on a knife ridiculous.

All thoughts are welcome.

Yeh, More Chinese Knives, Cars Fridges, Cookers Cleaners, Irons, Airplanes, Ships, in fact why not say to the Chinese, would you like to become the 51 state of America, sorry I forgot that's called Israel!

[Azad]

I don't own any PRC made knives but that's because the Tenacious doesn't have a choil and it's not a backlock.

[bh49]

Yeah because the general public is not informed. It's really sad. They don't care about what steel it has, or fit and finish, they just see price and Spyderco. And Spyderco is banking on that.

I am not so sure that all general public is not informed. Some people well informed just love low price and it doesn't matter where it is come from.
I wouldn't say that Spyderco is baking on it, just follow the flow to stay in business along with most other companies. This is sad reality for me, still may it is possible to change something. At least we should try.

I think a Spyderco made in an Islamic country would be great. Especially if it were an ethic design like the Persian.

I am all about equality and freedoms.

I am wondering if you had a chance to go Islamic country and talk about equality and freedoms there. May be you would change your mind about these countries.

The negativity towards China in this thread is amazing!
Brian C

Brian,
I agree with you that some negativity toward People's Republic of Chine in this thread. But there are many more than one cause for this.

[The General]

I am wondering if you had a chance to go Islamic country and talk about equality and freedoms there. May be you would change your mind about these countries.

Oh I know that many if not most Islamic countries are not hot on equalities or freedoms but hatred towards such countries is about as constructive as starting WW3.

Many western countries have quite poor records on human rights and what not. We just have more of an illusion of freedoms.

Plus these countries are developing, what was it like a few hundred years ago with the so called civilised countries? Not nice, not nice at all.

Hatred is born of ignorance, for the most part.

[The Deacon]

I am not so sure that all general public is not informed. Some people well informed just love low price and it doesn't matter where it is come from.
I wouldn't say that Spyderco is baking on it, just follow the flow to stay in business along with most other companies. This is sad reality for me, still may it is possible to change something. At least we should try.

Am sure price is a factor for some, but not for all. When it is, it may be more a case of people trying to get the best value for the money they have, rather than being in a position to buy the best quality available, regardless of price.

But, there are those who will buy something they like, from a company they trust, regardless of what's stamped on the tang. The more I look at this little AG Russell lockback that's "made in China" and these Ron Lake designs, also made there for AG, the harder it becomes not to pull the trigger. I'd really like to see for myself how well they're crafted.

As for "fit and finish", out of curiosity I purchased both an FRN UKPK and a Grasshopper two weeks ago. The UKPK has the better steel, but the Grasshopper has the better fit and finish. I'm inclined to think that, If it were possible (which for obvious reasons it would not be) to find ten knife-knowledgeable people who knew absolutely nothing about Spyderco and have them examine "sterile" versions of both knives, and ask them which they thought was made in China, more than a few of them would guess wrong.

[HotSoup]

Yeh, More Chinese Knives, Cars Fridges, Cookers Cleaners, Irons, Airplanes, Ships, in fact why not say to the Chinese, would you like to become the 51 state of America, sorry I forgot that's called Israel!

What?
I think you need to stop reading Larouche and get back to reality.

[THG]

BM makes (and owns?) HK knives, I don't think the actual gun company has much input in the line, just like S&W.

BM owns HK knives? Are you sure about that? I don't know for sure, but I'm doubting it, and if I am correct, HK gets to call the final shots. They probably don't care too much, so BM is simply doing another company's bidding. They are not producing for themselves in China.

[jzmtl]

From how they made the line and move models around, plus it's listed on BM's website along with their other lines that's what it looks like, at least BM has the exclusive license deal. Besides that's how all other gun companies operate, sell the license to put their brand on knife to someone and hands off.

[telemeister]

A big no from me. I'd much rather pay the premium for a US/Japanese Spydie.

[blackwell]

a big no from me. I'd much rather pay the premium for a us/japanese spydie.

agreed

[carrot]

I bet a lot of us use our computers at least as much as our knives. Those are made in China...

[THG]

I bet a lot of us use our computers at least as much as our knives. Those are made in China...

Do you have a choice when it comes to computers? I don't think there's a single computer component made in the USA.

Do you have a choice when it comes to knives? Absolutely.

[MCM]

If we don't wake up we could have fewer choices with many, many more things. Not just computers.
The false exchange rate's & bias'd trade laws were mentioned.
Then quickly went away.
That's where folks should start their research if they are truly interested in discussing this subject.

Its a much larger issue than Spyderco. But the question was asked here.

So, here we are.

Check the last 25 years.
http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/bal ... .html#2010

Many U.S. economists say the currency is undervalued by as much as 40 percent. They say that gives Chinese firms an unfair price advantage, takes jobs away from other countries and adds to global financial distortions.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE63524M20100406


Just my 2.

[MCM]

Take some time & do some research.
Click the links above.......
Then post....... your thoughts.........

[carrot]

Do you have a choice when it comes to computers? I don't think there's a single computer component made in the USA.

Do you have a choice when it comes to knives? Absolutely.

I guess I should have clarified my point: Whether or not we choose to buy or use Chinese-made knives they have proven that they are capable of making quality things, knives included.

Today I am carrying two knives made in the USA and two more made in Switzerland. :)