While at the Benchmade Factory on Black Friday I had inquired as to why they were dropping HK and the response was that they wanted to produce 100% American and 100% Benchmade.
Not sure of these ghostly quality issues as I have personally handled well over 100 Benchmade's in the last couple of years and purchased 20. Not a single one had any quality issues, given that several people disgruntled by BM's MAP pricing have complained about QC I am calling B.S. on the vast majority of quality complaints.
As for the price difference between Benchmade and other companies, that is indeed laughable. Benchmade has much more diversity than most of it's competition, not to mention one of the best warranties out of all manufacturers in the industry. Add in Lifesharp for the knife sharpening challanged, blade replacements at a low cost, superior customer service, and free return shipping you are getting far more value at the price point than most companies. In my observation and expierence only Buck and Leatherman compete closely with the BM warranty, and the BM warranty is much quicker and cheaper than the legendary warranty of Busse Combat.
I recently dropped off my Infidel at the factory and had it back in 6 days will a full tune up and sharpening, along with a detailed form explaining all adjustments and replacements made. No questions asked and return shipped on thier dime.
Good luck getting the total package anywhere else.