Chinese Knife Companies

[dasknife]

Not really for Chinese made knives at all, I like my US made knives, but seeing to it that the United States is a deindustrialized nation its going to be few and far between. We only have ourselves to blame for that coupled with what the American is willing to pay for a homegrown product.

 

[utahsam]

I've owned a few Kizers handled loads of them, and I think they're easily worth a buck or buck and a half from BHQ. A couple had some lock stick and some felt awkward in hand, but lockup was outstanding and action was smooth on all of them. Beautiful anodizing, ceramic detents and big slabs of s35VN on them...at least if that's really what the blades are made of. Someone on the qtrmstr thread mentioned they had a contact at Crucible. I wonder if they could verify... I've read rumors that someone knew someone who knew someone who verified that Kizer is buying their S35VN from Crucible...seems like too much knife for that little price tag...

 

[The Aflac Duck]

I've owned a few Kizers handled loads of them, and I think they're easily worth a buck or buck and a half from BHQ. A couple had some lock stick and some felt awkward in hand, but lockup was outstanding and action was smooth on all of them. Beautiful anodizing, ceramic detents and big slabs of s35VN on them...at least if that's really what the blades are made of. Someone on the qtrmstr thread mentioned they had a contact at Crucible. I wonder if they could verify... I've read rumors that someone knew someone who knew someone who verified that Kizer is buying their S35VN from Crucible...seems like too much knife for that little price tag...

I talked to crucible a while ago, and they confirmed to me that Kizer uses authentic S35VN.

 

[utahsam]

I talked to crucible a while ago, and they confirmed to me that Kizer uses authentic S35VN.

THANK YOU!
So, I am amazed at the price on these. I love S35VN. I'm wondering if I need to grab up a couple more Kizers before prices go up.

 

[Mike45ACP]

Blues Bender, who or where is the best place to buy a Carson Tech knife from?

Thanks much
Mike

Chinese knives...

Not that long ago, those two words in the same sentence would have sent chills down our spines. Nowadays, it takes on an entirely different meaning...

Many still cannot fathom supporting a company that isn't USA based, mostly due to some deep emotional hatred they hold onto for unexplained (or unreasonably explained) reasons. Ignore those guys... China can make a great knife, much like how an idiot can bake an excellent cake. There is a large enough market for high-end knives that a foreign country can "catch on" to what makes a great knife.

One that has particularly caught my attention is Carson Tech Labs. They have always seemed to have had very innovative ideas that didn't borderline the term "knockoff". The CTL I own (Boiling) is an excellent knife, and is worth far more than they're priced. I think if enough people gave some of these overseas knives a try, they'd be pleasantly surprised!

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Blues Bender, who or where is the best place to buy a Carson Tech knife from?

Thanks much
Mike

"Blade store" from Russia, a little Google-foo will find them

 

[Jasonsdman]

Dicora on the Chinese site sells Carson knives.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Dicora on the Chinese site sells Carson knives.

Yea, I didn't really want to promote that place...

 

[Comeuppance]

Twosun makes some interesting knives. Flipper karambits, big blocky tantos, and a teensy little hawkbill flipper just to name a few.

 

[strategy9]

As far as I can tell their H6 Blue Sheep is an original design. I have one and like it a lot. It's kind of like a RAT1 on steroids. It's well worth a look if you like the RAT and probably a better knife. I think this is the knife that might get them on the map if they can ever get it out at a reasonable $35-45 price point.

Just a little devil's advocate here, but an MSRP of $60 and it's a 3.7" slab of svandik 14c27n

Is that really unreasonable a price to pay if it's made well when Kershaw Blur's in the same steel, nearly a half inch shy, regularly go for that price (with an msrp of $100)? Or are we just so accustomed in the knife community with not paying "msrp" do to the distribution sites offering well below prices? I'm actually real intrigued by them, even at that price... As a 440c guy, I am loving the 14c27n in my blur, and I like the blade size as well...

 

[strategy9]

Not really for Chinese made knives at all, I like my US made knives, but seeing to it that the United States is a deindustrialized nation its going to be few and far between. We only have ourselves to blame for that coupled with what the American is willing to pay for a homegrown product.

Or what the "average" working american is ABLE to (justifiably) pay for a knife...
I've been there, still am truthfully I just gave up some other costly vices that keeps a few extra dollars in my pocket these days, but still can't in my mind justify many higher end (production) knives for price vs. What your getting, hence why I own some schrade's, s&w's, crkt's, etc, all Chinese made, and all functional and respectable quality for the price... Higher end productions are a luxury to me, I'm constantly looking for good deals and sale prices on top of sales, and with mid-lower grade, If I can pay 1/2 price for a Chinese knife comparable to an american brand, many times I will...

Don't get me wrong, I love (quality) American made products, I wear Redwings to work, not just because theure American made but because they ate top quality; but I know all too well that "made in America" unfortunately doesn't automatically mean "better quality" these days, as we have cultivated a generation much lazier as a whole then previous generations, and often times that seeps itself into the manufacturing business. Shoot just look at the auto industry and recalls and such, US cars as a whole are not "quality" pillars as they once were years passed. Meanwhile companies like Hyundai offer a top class warranty... A lot of gray area in today's world as Made in China on the flip side doesn't automatically equate to instant junk like it once did as this thread is pointing out.

Just some more devil's advocate.

 

[B.F.U]

I have participated in a couple passarounds with Chinese made knives. One Kizer, one Reate. Both were of high quality, in build and in materials. The Kizer was just not my style design wise and the Reate wasn't something for which I really have a particular need (and there are many other knives and gear before it on my "want list").

The Stedemon SHY Integral Folder is what got me to start this thread. The handle is made from a solid/integral/monoblock piece of 6061-T6 Aluminum and includes a lock bar insert. Also, it seems to have a fairly narrow profile and weighs just 4.2 ounces with a 3.75" blade of S35VN.

That is a great design. Awesome blade and handle shape. High quality materials. I'm sure it's well put together.

However, there are several super steel or limited edition knives from ZT/Spyderco/Benchmade etc available for at or less than $240. Although the design is intriguing I'd rather buy a knife that doesn't require a third party for repair or warranty issues, and has comparable or better (definitely more proven) materials and workmanship, and a more stable place in the market (will be around for the foreseeable future) for the same price or less. Its be the exact same story if it were from Germany, Japan, etc, etc.

Still, I have been close to purchasing a couple from these companies and might when I have more funds for knives.

Also, where in the world is Skelton buying his knives?! Somebody should tell him he's overpaying.

 

[pawnable]

Not really for Chinese made knives at all, I like my US made knives, but seeing to it that the United States is a deindustrialized nation its going to be few and far between. We only have ourselves to blame for that coupled with what the American is willing to pay for a homegrown product.

Knives are not commodities where products can't be distinguished from one another and where the lowest price is the biggest buying criteria.

Part of a knife brand's esteem exists because of the history of the maker/company and their story. What did they invent or create? What are their values? What breakthroughs did they make? What challenges did they have to overcome? Are their products different or better? Can I expect new things from them in the future? Do I anticipate or care about what they will come up with next?

When I see that the Chinese owners stay in the shadows and remain anonymous and even one of the biggest use hotmail addresses to communicate with dealers.. don't think knife makers have much to be concerned about.

 

[RamZar]

One that has particularly caught my attention is Carson Tech Labs. They have always seemed to have had very innovative ideas that didn't borderline the term "knockoff". The CTL I own (Boiling) is an excellent knife, and is worth far more than they're priced.

That Carson Tech Labs Boiling is a real nice one for $220-$255 (depending on carrier) shipped. Very surprised CTL knives are not being sold by any U.S. dealers!

 

[RamZar]

I'm also waiting for someone to do a review on the SHY. For that much money, I'd like to see if the fit and finish is worth the asking price.

The price on the Stedemon SHY seems high. It's one of a few solid-frame integral aluminum folders like LionSteel SR-1 Aluminum. Both about the same size although SHY seems much narrower. You can get the LionSteel one for under $200 so I think SHY at $240 is a bit much even with probable par high-quality.

 

[RIPtastic]

All the mystery behind what company makes what and not having a face/ maker behind any of these companys is something I think can and will hinder sales. A lot of knife collecting is pride in ownership. Companies like Spyderco having a big presence on this forum and with Sal stopping by on occasion its a great way of getting people behind their product. I do believe either Kizer or Reate have been trying to get their sub forum up and running here so thats a big step in the right direction.

 

[Four-and-twentypence]

Interesting stuff. I am wary about many of the human rights violations, but like other goods, Chinese quality rose with demand. There is no reason the Chinese with ancient bladecrafts should be absent in an idle sit with a market awash with Western designs. Now if only Africa....

 

[tsa1]

Again, most of our stuff here in the States is made in China as it is. They make quality products, like my iPhone and probably your Andriod phone, whatever. It would not be wise to assume that all Chinese knife manufacturers are running sweat shops without any proof. Also, importanting American made materials like CPM S35V and titainium probably really eats away at he advantage of cheaper labor.

 

[GIRLYmann]

Let's face it,No one comes close to what the chinese can do in terms of replication or mass manufacturing.They can replicate in numbersAnd they will probably replicate with greater efficiency.This only points to the bleak future for anyone attempting to out do the chinese in the numbers game.If technical superiority is about ingenious approaches to resolving problemsJust think how they have been trying to control the power of natureIn the three gorges river project.And then you might see just how determine this county is about self achievement.Technological superiority can boost many thingsBut a nation must act in oneness to succeed a common ideal.I foresee hope that future nations would learn to part build more productsAnd look to a common interest of a shared vision in producing goods of a truly globally nature.Instead of holding the fort and building great walls that won't hold forever.Technology simply doesn't rest in one nation.Advancement and economic prosperity is a common ideal.Rest assured things will change as perceptions too.

 

[Stays Sharp]

Playing by their own rules really gives them a huge advantage. In knives and everything else.

I disagree with the notion that western knife companies "have nothing to worry about". Not because they are better, but they will surely take slices out of the sales pie that is already highly competitive. The worst thing to do is to be arrogant about it. We've been doing that for decades with the Chinese and we now owe them billions and everything in my house is made there.