Best Knife Making Countries in order of quality?

[SpyderEdgeForever]

One, this is not to disparage and put down people from some nations, nor is it to get into a political discussion. But purely aside from all politically correct ideas, do you all agree that some nations are just simply better at making quality knives and steel than others, and, if that is so, why is this?

For example, it seems to me, from personal experience and the experience of others, its like this:

Best knives and steel:

Scandinavian and Western European nations:

Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Britain, Austria,


And USA which was heavilly influenced by people from those listed nations

Japan quality is up there, too.

The worst was always Pakistani and African-made knives.

I still remember getting those cheap flea market Pakistani boot knives that would bend easilly with finger pressure,
and a cheapo early made in China folder in which the blade snapped in two when I tapped it against a wooden board.

However there are exceptions. Chinese quality is increasing in some degrees and there are always exceptions.

Russian and knives from Eastern and Central Europe can be good too.

[The Deacon]

I'm sure there are a number of countries that turn out nothing but low quality knives. However, I think there are manufacturers in most countries today who are capable of turning out high quality knives if their customer is willing to pay for them and willing to lower their quality and "build to a price point" if that that's what the customer requires. Switzerland may be home to Klotzli, but they're also home to Victorinox/Wegner.

[supracor]

Bohler is Austrian, so I don't understand how Austria can be last on the list.

This topic is too general; every country has its excellences and its shames.
USA is the best example; it has some supergood brands but it has also have some lying m@therf*ckers.

You cannot even say that there are good knifemakers and bad knifemakers because every knifemaker in his life makes different choices, which look more or less right in our eyes.

[supracor]

Victorinox

Even if I own several 500+ euros knives I do not despise my Opinels and my Victorinox.

I gave my relatives some vg10 endura and they managed to chip the blade.
Normal people like 1.4116 / 12c27 / 420hc.

[ChrisinHove]

I think you would need an international “best of the best” competition for makers to even start down this line of debate, and you would have to agree all the judging criteria -and judges - first.

[Ric]

We have Bohler and also the Glock field knife.

France is missing. Ignoring Opinel in the knife world is not nice.

In which direction shall this discussion go.
USA has big influence but in comparison to its amout of people and looking worldwide its hard to beat Switzerland with Victorinox.
Its hard to impossible to get a Buck or Kabar in Europe.

[MacLaren]

#1. Taiwan :D

[Evil D]

I'm sure there are a number of countries that turn out nothing but low quality knives. However, I think there are manufacturers in most countries today who are capable of turning out high quality knives if their customer is willing to pay for them and willing to lower their quality and "build to a price point" if that that's what the customer requires. Switzerland may be home to Klotzli, but they're also home to Victorinox/Wegner.

Sal has said exactly this, that China for example have the ability to make some of the highest quality knives you've ever seen but nobody asks them to and they'd have a hard time selling them just as it's still kinda hard to convince people that Taichung can make good knives.

[The Meat man]

I'm sure there are a number of countries that turn out nothing but low quality knives. However, I think there are manufacturers in most countries today who are capable of turning out high quality knives if their customer is willing to pay for them and willing to lower their quality and "build to a price point" if that that's what the customer requires. Switzerland may be home to Klotzli, but they're also home to Victorinox/Wegner.

Sal has said exactly this, that China for example have the ability to make some of the highest quality knives you've ever seen but nobody asks them to and they'd have a hard time selling them just as it's still kinda hard to convince people that Taichung can make good knives.

That is very true David. Whenever I show someone my Advocate, they are usually very impressed with the quality, but then scoff at the "Taiwan" marking on the blade. :rolleyes:

Quality is quality, no matter which country it's from.

[MacLaren]

Dang skippy guys, Taiwan can do it as good as any.

[Evil D]

Dang skippy guys, Taiwan can do it as good as any.

It's more of an economic and mentality issue than an ability issue. If Spyderco asked their maker in China to make a high end $200 knife, the same questions would come up as we get from the Taichung knives only worse. All you'd hear is "yeah it's nice but it's made in China".

What's funny is this attitude doesn't seem quite as bad in the gun community. If Spyderco started making knives in Czech Republic I bet you'd get similar attitudes as you get about Chinese knives, but people don't have a problem buying CZ guns.

[Sjucaveman]

Dang skippy guys, Taiwan can do it as good as any.

It's more of an economic and mentality issue than an ability issue. If Spyderco asked their maker in China to make a high end $200 knife, the same questions would come up as we get from the Taichung knives only worse. All you'd hear is "yeah it's nice but it's made in China".

What's funny is this attitude doesn't seem quite as bad in the gun community. If Spyderco started making knives in Czech Republic I bet you'd get similar attitudes as you get about Chinese knives, but people don't have a problem buying CZ guns.

Im planning on picking up a Cz with my next tax refund.

[Evil D]

Dang skippy guys, Taiwan can do it as good as any.

It's more of an economic and mentality issue than an ability issue. If Spyderco asked their maker in China to make a high end $200 knife, the same questions would come up as we get from the Taichung knives only worse. All you'd hear is "yeah it's nice but it's made in China".

What's funny is this attitude doesn't seem quite as bad in the gun community. If Spyderco started making knives in Czech Republic I bet you'd get similar attitudes as you get about Chinese knives, but people don't have a problem buying CZ guns.

Im planning on picking up a Cz with my next tax refund.

I had a P10C for a while, it's an excellent gun but I have a slightly gimped up trigger finger and the trigger guard gave me crazy blisters. I traded it for a M&P 2.0C and absolutely love it.

[MacLaren]

Dang skippy guys, Taiwan can do it as good as any.

It's more of an economic and mentality issue than an ability issue. If Spyderco asked their maker in China to make a high end $200 knife, the same questions would come up as we get from the Taichung knives only worse. All you'd hear is "yeah it's nice but it's made in China".

What's funny is this attitude doesn't seem quite as bad in the gun community. If Spyderco started making knives in Czech Republic I bet you'd get similar attitudes as you get about Chinese knives, but people don't have a problem buying CZ guns.

Yeah, I see what your saying.
Although, WE knives seems to be doing very well.
- Now I think WE knives are made in China. Forgive me if I'm wrong.

[knivesandbooks]

WE, Reate, and Kizer are all Chinese made, as well as a few others. They're all extremely fine knives. Not my style, but amazing pieces. And yes, Taiwan produces great knives at all prices points. The Slysz Bowie and the Nirvana and the Advocate are all extremely high end pieces. But Taiwan also has the ability to produce extremely well crafted high value pieces like the Chaparral LW, most of Cold Steel's knives, and even the Ontario Rat. All of those knives hit at a great price point and present extremely high value. I do believe that China/Taiwan shohld be ranked near the top of production knife countries.

From my own collection and from what I've personally seen and handled:
1. USA
2. China/Taiwan
3. Japan
4. Italy
5. Canada
6. Switzerland

Of course, this is just me and there are great workers, designers, and factories all over the world.
We must also not neglect considering quite a few great South African makers.

[The Deacon]

Dang skippy guys, Taiwan can do it as good as any.

I'd agree, at one level, and withhold judgment at another. To me, there are two types of quality knives being made today, those that are the work of skilled machinists and those that are the work of skilled cutlers. Taiwan has some excellent machinists who turn out great knives but until I see them offer something like this,



I'll withhold judgment on their skills as cutlers. I'll admit I'm highly prejudiced and hold Spydercos like the C27 Jess Horn, the Kiwis, the original Schempp Persian and Kris, the Micro Dyad, and that superb Stretch I was blessed with by Sal in high regard and look down my nose at models like the Sage 4 that have bolsters defaced by screws.

It's more of an economic and mentality issue than an ability issue. If Spyderco asked their maker in China to make a high end $200 knife, the same questions would come up as we get from the Taichung knives only worse. All you'd hear is "yeah it's nice but it's made in China".

What's funny is this attitude doesn't seem quite as bad in the gun community. If Spyderco started making knives in Czech Republic I bet you'd get similar attitudes as you get about Chinese knives, but people don't have a problem buying CZ guns.

Very true, David.

[MacLaren]

I'm in over my head. I defer judgement to Paul & David.
In my limited experience, and imo, the Taiwan Spydies are as good as any other maker that I've owned.
I appreciate yall understanding that.

[ThePeacent]

We have Bohler and also the Glock field knife.

France is missing. Ignoring Opinel in the knife world is not nice.

In which direction shall this discussion go.
USA has big influence but in comparison to its amout of people and looking worldwide its hard to beat Switzerland with Victorinox.

not only Opinel from France...Laguiole, Sabatier, Pradines...

almost all countries have some iconic knife that still sells today, but it is true that the EU concentrates many of them, probably because of historical reasons :confused:

Okapi from South Africa
Svord from New Zealand
Hignokami from Japan
Mora from Sweden
Vic and Wenger from Switzerland
Muela from Spain
Boker, Wusthof, Puma, Eickhorn from Germany
Glock from Austria
Yarara from Argentina
Viper, FOX, E.Ratio from Italy
...

And I also believe that as you said, nowadays due to widespread popularity, cultural influence and relevance in modern economy the US, Japan, China, Taiwan and Switzerland do sell the most units, the widest range of knives and all levels of quality, from poor to excellent. :rolleyes:

I have been really impressed by the quality, fit and finish of Taiwanese knives, some Chinese too (especially for the price) and underwhelmed by US made ones, Russian, Spanish and German knives too :o

[supracor]

Viper, FOX, E.Ratio from Italy

Lionsteel

[guywithopinion]

What's funny is this attitude doesn't seem quite as bad in the gun community. If Spyderco started making knives in Czech Republic I bet you'd get similar attitudes as you get about Chinese knives, but people don't have a problem buying CZ guns.

I'm not sure I agree with that. There are plenty of people who happily buy CZ guns because they like them, or like them for the price, etc. That seems the same to me as people that like and buy Kizer or WE or Ganzo knives, etc. These are not US brands that outsourced their products, they are foreign brands that are importing products.

Spyderco making knives in CZ may not be well received (though really, they make knives in China now and people seem to handle that). Imagine if Ruger or S&W introduced a new product and said it would be made in the Czech Republic (or China!). No way that would go down smooth. Just because people don't have a problem buying guns from CZ doesn't mean they are open to any company making their products anywhere.