Actually, I've found the fit and finish on their knives to be top notch. The grinds are even, jimping is smooth, wood is polished...all that stuff that makes it worth the extra buck. The steel is also well heat treated. I like quality knives for a good price, that I'm not afraid to use, and these fit the bill. Don't let any snobs fool you...country of origin has little to do with quality. China and Taiwan know there is a market for good, cheap knives in America. So they sell them here...