So well timed, and thanks for the steady handed treatment. Like a good Tarantino film, this opens the door for pondering and discussion. I have a balance of all countries, but like any citizen will generally spend my money for the home team's product that is in the ball park (you made the perfect case with the D9 Catastrophe and Miller Bros T1 where they are so wildly divergent in the price realm). Thanks!👊🤙
great video I agree wholeheartedly with you and a few years ago there was a small steel scandal in China, a steel supplier was paid for S35VN however he sipped 440C and pocketed the money
Really appreciate this video. Your points (both pro and con) were well made, and really hit the nail on the head. This whole situation reminds me of the similar “discussion” about Japanese products when I was growing up 1960s-70s). Most adult Americans called the Japanese products junk, and were concerned about the competition. By the time I was a young adult, Japan was considered a major player in electronics, cameras, automobiles, etc etc and….cutlery. I’m seeing much the same with Chinese products. They can make some really good stuff, when they set their mind to it. The political concerns are indeed important, but in the final analysis, Americans buy what they *want*, regardless of where it comes from. 2025 should be interesting for the cutlery industry.
@@mikeadams2538 thank you for the added info about Japan. It's funny how we always consider our allies products a premium over the enemy. Once Japan became an ally...Toyota and Honda started filing the streets. The chevy luv didn't stand a chance 🤣
@apex_alchemy_knives well, Japan was a recovering country in the 40s, 50s. Late 50s into the sixties they were improving & innovating. In the fifties & sixties cartoons used 'made in japan' on things depicted as junk or self destructed. By the seventies Japan was making incredible electronics & coming on strong in automotives. Prices were low too. Not the case anymore for prices.
Billy, that was a pretty even handed analysis. I think you were fair & objective. I have a bunch of Chinese knives, Taiwanese knives, USA knives,German knives, onmly a couple that I don't admire every time I pick them up. As with all things, you have to take the bad with the good, each to his own merits. Liked the video.
I'm with you as long as the knife is built and functional properly and I can use it without catastrophic failure I don't care where it's from thanks for the video
@@SteelAddicted ill check it out. I haven't bought anything from district 9 but I've had a few clones from jufule in my hands and it seems they do all the district 9 stuff too...I imagine it's pretty good. Just sucks that it's a clone company that makes the brand.
@ yeah I want lie I own many a clone knife it’s most of the content on my channel lol. Not that many people see it. But it’s hard to avoid a $70 that is made better than $300 knives in my collection.
I'm a Filipino. We have our own issues with the Chinese government. Having said that, most of my knives are Chinese made. The quality you can get for the price is simply mind-blowing. Another thing i like about Chinese Knife Companies / OEMs is that they are able to give a chance to new knife designers.
@@Pzykoh_Tey yes ! That's true ! They will work with brand new designers very willingly. Since you're Filipino, and I correct about Balisongs originating in your country. I want to study the history of balisongs. Lots of love and hate when it comes to those things too.
From what I gathered when I did a deep dive to the history. There was a french design similar to the Balisong dated i think late 17th century. It is similar, but different enough to cause a debate on the origins of the modern design of the Butterfly knife.
Quality has nothing to do with geography. That being said i would rather buy American made. But in my opinion the best production company as far as price, heat treatment, materials, and fit and finish is (hate to say it) Reate! Won't ever waste another penny on kizer though!
@@Obsidian-One i myself have been there. I bought my first reate...Steelcraft Field Marshall with damasteel for 629 back in 2018 i think. The knife was nice but I remember thinking ...I could've gotten two used CRK's for the price i gave for this knife. A year later I went to sell it , still new in box, safe queen...8 months discontinued... sold it 400 bucks 😕. Then I thought , I lost 229 but if they had been CRK...and bro...that begg was nice but it was no where near the quality that Reate has reached these days.
I'm afraid that the steel isn't heat treated correctly. Like the cjrb pyrite lite in s90v. It's probably not what it should be and it's 80 bucks. I can get something certified legit for that $. I have a pyrite lite in AR rpm9 and the edge gets destroyed after about 10ft of cardboard. It's trash
Sounds like that edge on the Pyrite might be burned up. Sometimes the rockwell will indicate a good number and there's still edge burn. Who knows though.
@apex_alchemy_knives I thought the same but it doesn't appear burnt. I've tried to grind away the edge into new steel (with a stone not a grinder) and I can NOT get rid of the burr. I think the steel is just too soft or shitty, idk. I've never had a knife with this many problems with the steel. Thing is trash and I definitely would be suspicious about s90v from them. Artisan cutlery is a decent company but if they're putting out ar rpm9 in this bad of shape then who knows. This is my second cjrb in AR rpm9 and both were pretty bad.
Now adays with Chinese knives if u want to buy any that hold there value or that u can sell for a profit u have to go to divo which will only have a 400 unit run on say there tallboy model so 100 each of each 4 versions or tw price, high grain designs, null knives, winter blade co. Most of these r selling for better margins than (some) of the Chris reeves right now but not the same margins as a Rosie imo. Bestech isn’t a true oem but whoever is doing there Magnacut is running it high at like 63+ from the testing I’ve seen done on there oem models. Bestech is a middle man from what I understand so dulling out task for a knife to whoever can do the best job for say a belt satin or inlay work etc thus is also y they r one of the highest to have make a knife design for u even higher than reate. I’ve also heard they even use reate for some task. All of these knife oem’s in china r located in the same city right on top of each other from what I understand. These r just things I’ve heard and seen in the market. I also meant to tell u the spk clone I sent u is actually made by srm which is a huge factory making lion steel real steel and others. The mcnees is by lemifshe which I’m pretty sure is the same oem as tuya Twosun and others. The green thorn I sent u is I’m almost positive the company making the real shirogorovs and ckf knives. I actually spoke to a rep from ckf in metal complexes comments. he responded to my comment saying I believed ckf knives to be made in the same factory as green thorn. He was quick to say I was wrong and mine was the only comment he responded to. He went on to say they bought there own factory in china and it only makes knives for them which no offense but I’m not calling him a liar but I don’t know how to finish that sentence lol. Again just my 2 cents. Sry so long.
@@apex_alchemy_knives I’m not sure and after u handle the green thorn u might feel the same way maybe there just that good at cloning them but I know green thorn put out the new astrum right after shiro released it. Which I find odd. Either way I think it fun to stir the pot and just like all the Chinese knives might be made in one big factory who’s to say shiros arnt made in china and they put them in the box for u in Russia and ship it from Russia to dealers and so in there eyes they basically made it. Lol.
Did you really put Reate and kizer in the same boat.... kizer is one of those bogus Chinese companies that just sells junk. Kizer is almost gas station knives! If you can't tell the difference between a Reate build and a kizer build then your not looking!
@@Obsidian-One when did I say I couldn't tell a difference. With that being said though... I've handled some kizers that I'd rather have over some reates i own now. I think you may have reate on a pedestal higher than it deserves as well. Honestly...the WE's that I have in the house have better heat treats and better tolerances than the reates or the kizers. 🤣
Also... Cjrb sent me a free RIA in exchange for changing my review for the feldspar from 2 stars to 5. Which I took them up on... Then changed it back to 2 stars. That's scummy
Ive been thinking about this most of the year. My conclusion has been to gravitate to handmade customs. If your knives are 95% CNC made, then arguing about geography or using it to justify a 10x higher price point is stupid.
@@CNYKnifeNut i wouldn't say stupid. Giving your money to a country that wants to destroy your country has some merit. My Michael Martin ABW is 100% cnc machined...a grimsno Norseman is 100% machined ...great knives and the money goes into the pockets of the makers. Great heat treats too...and the ABW is what...$275?
Billy , over the years I have collected so many tactical (for lack of a better term) knives that I've lost count. About a year ago due to the endless drops, constant arguments about quality issues, international politics ect. I have pretty much lost interest in them. I don't collect to resell and have no interest in starting . I've given some away but most are tucked away now. I've become bored with the larger RUclips channels and their nonstop shameless plugging of any product they can make a Buck on. Maybe someday I'll get back into it but for now I'd rather collect and restore American traditionals.
There are many nice looking knives coming from China, but I will never buy one. I avoid Chinese products as much as possible. It just too bad it’s impossible to boycott Chinese products altogether.
As non american i dont have problem buying chinese knives 😂 but i will only support chinese brand who sell their knives cheaper in their own country such as maxace, olitans, north mountain blade..
I love most of my Chinese knives (some are complete trash). If you want some, you better buy them soon. Trump's tariffs will make them more expensive (which isn't a bad thing, IMO).
I own American , Russian , Pakistan , Taiwanese , Japan , Chinese and even German ........ need to pick up a BPS just to have a Ukranian blade. I have no issue with any country's knives for the Lord says love everyone like they are your brother judge no one and everyone is a child of God.
Is anybody Rockwell testing the expensive American made knives to see how much they stretch the truth in their marketing/advertising? Just curious if its just China misleading their buyers... ✌🏻🌯💩
@@mikehedrick4349 i have checked ebery knife i own bro. Scroll back to see plenty of spydeco examples and chris reeve...American blade works ...I think you'll find plenty of test on our channel from the last 6 months. Hope you find diverse as well. It's crazy though...the Chinese test is what brings all the views and questions. A crk inkosi or sebenza may get 100 views 🤣. Anyway , yeah we test anything and everything that gets sent in to us or that we buy. 😎🤘
Im glad I found your channel! Love it!
@@Scrub_Zero thanks bro !
Love the rant vids bro❤❤ the rambling comes from genuine passion for the hobby. I can run my mouth all day because I love this shit🤣
@@justthetipedc7835 sometimes it's like that! 🤣
So well timed, and thanks for the steady handed treatment. Like a good Tarantino film, this opens the door for pondering and discussion. I have a balance of all countries, but like any citizen will generally spend my money for the home team's product that is in the ball park (you made the perfect case with the D9 Catastrophe and Miller Bros T1 where they are so wildly divergent in the price realm). Thanks!👊🤙
@@MitchBollig Tarantino 😮🤘🤘🤘🤘🥰
great video I agree wholeheartedly with you and a few years ago there was a small steel scandal in China, a steel supplier was paid for S35VN however he sipped 440C and pocketed the money
@@mewithknives3481 oh wow
Baaaahaaaaa the Cincinnati Shuffle!!! Love it!!! Haven’t heard that since my gramps used to say it 40 years ago!
@@mikesummers8141 one of my favorite Paul Newmsn movies!- The Sting - You should watch it at least once.
@ I definitely will! Thx!
There’s the Billy we know and appreciate! I knew he was in there somewhere. 😂
🤣🤣 I ain't hiding
I'm not afraid to by Chinese, for all the reasons you mentioned. I don't only own Chinese because I do support good, American companies
@@MichaelKepple-tx4go 😎🤘
Really appreciate this video. Your points (both pro and con) were well made, and really hit the nail on the head. This whole situation reminds me of the similar “discussion” about Japanese products when I was growing up 1960s-70s). Most adult Americans called the Japanese products junk, and were concerned about the competition. By the time I was a young adult, Japan was considered a major player in electronics, cameras, automobiles, etc etc and….cutlery. I’m seeing much the same with Chinese products. They can make some really good stuff, when they set their mind to it. The political concerns are indeed important, but in the final analysis, Americans buy what they *want*, regardless of where it comes from. 2025 should be interesting for the cutlery industry.
@@mikeadams2538 thank you for the added info about Japan. It's funny how we always consider our allies products a premium over the enemy. Once Japan became an ally...Toyota and Honda started filing the streets. The chevy luv didn't stand a chance 🤣
@apex_alchemy_knives well, Japan was a recovering country in the 40s, 50s. Late 50s into the sixties they were improving & innovating. In the fifties & sixties cartoons used 'made in japan' on things depicted as junk or self destructed. By the seventies Japan was making incredible electronics & coming on strong in automotives. Prices were low too. Not the case anymore for prices.
Very interesting rant. Well said, I feel similar, almost a love-hate situation with knifes. Thanks again
@@charlesard8639 thank you for tuning in. Very much appreciated
Billy, that was a pretty even handed analysis. I think you were fair & objective. I have a bunch of Chinese knives, Taiwanese knives, USA knives,German knives, onmly a couple that I don't admire every time I pick them up. As with all things, you have to take the bad with the good, each to his own merits.
Liked the video.
@@tombrown4683 thank you my friend
I'm with you as long as the knife is built and functional properly and I can use it without catastrophic failure I don't care where it's from thanks for the video
Some good tools at good prices. Also too prolific and sometimes hard to judge the steel.
@@andrewfournier8817 maybe a bit much variety ...watered down market?
I saw where district 9 came out with a new knife with a secondary locking system on it have u seen it?
@@SteelAddicted i have not! What's it called ?
@ the ventator. It looks a lot like the Kizer in this video imo.
@ venator sry
@@SteelAddicted ill check it out. I haven't bought anything from district 9 but I've had a few clones from jufule in my hands and it seems they do all the district 9 stuff too...I imagine it's pretty good. Just sucks that it's a clone company that makes the brand.
@ yeah I want lie I own many a clone knife it’s most of the content on my channel lol. Not that many people see it. But it’s hard to avoid a $70 that is made better than $300 knives in my collection.
Cool knife first, preferably local. Id like an old looking Buck, but assist open and thinner
@@scatterbrain9490 i believe they made a 110 lite auto but not sure
@apex_alchemy_knives I'll look into that thx
@apex_alchemy_knives I looked, they do!! 207 bucks lol, but I know it's out there now. Thx
I'm a Filipino. We have our own issues with the Chinese government.
Having said that, most of my knives are Chinese made. The quality you can get for the price is simply mind-blowing.
Another thing i like about Chinese Knife Companies / OEMs is that they are able to give a chance to new knife designers.
@@Pzykoh_Tey yes ! That's true ! They will work with brand new designers very willingly. Since you're Filipino, and I correct about Balisongs originating in your country. I want to study the history of balisongs. Lots of love and hate when it comes to those things too.
From what I gathered when I did a deep dive to the history. There was a french design similar to the Balisong dated i think late 17th century. It is similar, but different enough to cause a debate on the origins of the modern design of the Butterfly knife.
@Pzykoh_Tey okay I see !
Quality has nothing to do with geography. That being said i would rather buy American made. But in my opinion the best production company as far as price, heat treatment, materials, and fit and finish is (hate to say it) Reate! Won't ever waste another penny on kizer though!
@@Obsidian-One i myself have been there. I bought my first reate...Steelcraft Field Marshall with damasteel for 629 back in 2018 i think. The knife was nice but I remember thinking ...I could've gotten two used CRK's for the price i gave for this knife. A year later I went to sell it , still new in box, safe queen...8 months discontinued... sold it 400 bucks 😕. Then I thought , I lost 229 but if they had been CRK...and bro...that begg was nice but it was no where near the quality that Reate has reached these days.
I'm afraid that the steel isn't heat treated correctly. Like the cjrb pyrite lite in s90v. It's probably not what it should be and it's 80 bucks. I can get something certified legit for that $. I have a pyrite lite in AR rpm9 and the edge gets destroyed after about 10ft of cardboard. It's trash
Sounds like that edge on the Pyrite might be burned up. Sometimes the rockwell will indicate a good number and there's still edge burn. Who knows though.
@apex_alchemy_knives I thought the same but it doesn't appear burnt. I've tried to grind away the edge into new steel (with a stone not a grinder) and I can NOT get rid of the burr. I think the steel is just too soft or shitty, idk. I've never had a knife with this many problems with the steel. Thing is trash and I definitely would be suspicious about s90v from them. Artisan cutlery is a decent company but if they're putting out ar rpm9 in this bad of shape then who knows. This is my second cjrb in AR rpm9 and both were pretty bad.
@bdub0983 I see, that does suck and I hate that. I do hear their d2 is better but I think I'd probably pass if I had that many bad experiences.
Now adays with Chinese knives if u want to buy any that hold there value or that u can sell for a profit u have to go to divo which will only have a 400 unit run on say there tallboy model so 100 each of each 4 versions or tw price, high grain designs, null knives, winter blade co. Most of these r selling for better margins than (some) of the Chris reeves right now but not the same margins as a Rosie imo. Bestech isn’t a true oem but whoever is doing there Magnacut is running it high at like 63+ from the testing I’ve seen done on there oem models. Bestech is a middle man from what I understand so dulling out task for a knife to whoever can do the best job for say a belt satin or inlay work etc thus is also y they r one of the highest to have make a knife design for u even higher than reate. I’ve also heard they even use reate for some task. All of these knife oem’s in china r located in the same city right on top of each other from what I understand. These r just things I’ve heard and seen in the market. I also meant to tell u the spk clone I sent u is actually made by srm which is a huge factory making lion steel real steel and others. The mcnees is by lemifshe which I’m pretty sure is the same oem as tuya Twosun and others. The green thorn I sent u is I’m almost positive the company making the real shirogorovs and ckf knives. I actually spoke to a rep from ckf in metal complexes comments. he responded to my comment saying I believed ckf knives to be made in the same factory as green thorn. He was quick to say I was wrong and mine was the only comment he responded to. He went on to say they bought there own factory in china and it only makes knives for them which no offense but I’m not calling him a liar but I don’t know how to finish that sentence lol. Again just my 2 cents. Sry so long.
I thought real shirogorov knives were made in Russia
@@apex_alchemy_knives I’m not sure and after u handle the green thorn u might feel the same way maybe there just that good at cloning them but I know green thorn put out the new astrum right after shiro released it. Which I find odd. Either way I think it fun to stir the pot and just like all the Chinese knives might be made in one big factory who’s to say shiros arnt made in china and they put them in the box for u in Russia and ship it from Russia to dealers and so in there eyes they basically made it. Lol.
Did you really put Reate and kizer in the same boat.... kizer is one of those bogus Chinese companies that just sells junk. Kizer is almost gas station knives! If you can't tell the difference between a Reate build and a kizer build then your not looking!
@@Obsidian-One when did I say I couldn't tell a difference. With that being said though... I've handled some kizers that I'd rather have over some reates i own now. I think you may have reate on a pedestal higher than it deserves as well. Honestly...the WE's that I have in the house have better heat treats and better tolerances than the reates or the kizers. 🤣
Also... Cjrb sent me a free RIA in exchange for changing my review for the feldspar from 2 stars to 5. Which I took them up on... Then changed it back to 2 stars. That's scummy
@@bdub0983 yeah I had a flashlight company try somethng similar with us.
Ive been thinking about this most of the year. My conclusion has been to gravitate to handmade customs.
If your knives are 95% CNC made, then arguing about geography or using it to justify a 10x higher price point is stupid.
@@CNYKnifeNut i wouldn't say stupid. Giving your money to a country that wants to destroy your country has some merit. My Michael Martin ABW is 100% cnc machined...a grimsno Norseman is 100% machined ...great knives and the money goes into the pockets of the makers. Great heat treats too...and the ABW is what...$275?
Billy , over the years I have collected so many tactical (for lack of a better term) knives that I've lost count. About a year ago due to the endless drops, constant arguments about quality issues, international politics ect. I have pretty much lost interest in them. I don't collect to resell and have no interest in starting . I've given some away but most are tucked away now. I've become bored with the larger RUclips channels and their nonstop shameless plugging of any product they can make a Buck on. Maybe someday I'll get back into it but for now I'd rather collect and restore American traditionals.
@@tomweingart2337 dude , you should do some of those restorations on video and stick them in youtube! I'll watch the hell out of it.
@apex_alchemy_knives nobody wants to see my ugly mug!🤣
@tomweingart2337 you ain't gotta show your face bro. But on that note...people look at my ugly mug 🤣🤣
There are many nice looking knives coming from China, but I will never buy one. I avoid Chinese products as much as possible. It just too bad it’s impossible to boycott Chinese products altogether.
@@jonathancupp3686 thank you for watching and your input.
As non american i dont have problem buying chinese knives 😂 but i will only support chinese brand who sell their knives cheaper in their own country such as maxace, olitans, north mountain blade..
@@gueomduduto respect 🙏 🫡
I love most of my Chinese knives (some are complete trash). If you want some, you better buy them soon. Trump's tariffs will make them more expensive (which isn't a bad thing, IMO).
@@N2EWSRadio we'll see how it all plays out in the end.
I own American , Russian , Pakistan , Taiwanese , Japan , Chinese and even German ........ need to pick up a BPS just to have a Ukranian blade. I have no issue with any country's knives for the Lord says love everyone like they are your brother judge no one and everyone is a child of God.
@@anthonyrollins9825 thank you , I appreciate your input and opinion.
Is anybody Rockwell testing the expensive American made knives to see how much they stretch the truth in their marketing/advertising? Just curious if its just China misleading their buyers... ✌🏻🌯💩
@@mikehedrick4349 i have checked ebery knife i own bro. Scroll back to see plenty of spydeco examples and chris reeve...American blade works ...I think you'll find plenty of test on our channel from the last 6 months. Hope you find diverse as well. It's crazy though...the Chinese test is what brings all the views and questions. A crk inkosi or sebenza may get 100 views 🤣. Anyway , yeah we test anything and everything that gets sent in to us or that we buy. 😎🤘