Quality Chinese alternatives · no knockoffs
Gerber: Owned by Fiskars (Finland); based in Tigard, Oregon.
Yangjiang maker founded by mechanical designer David Deng that produces small-batch titanium folders, including designs by outside knifemakers. Forum owners rate its fit and finish alongside Chris Reeve, Hinderer and Zero Tolerance.
Yangjiang company founded in 2000 that made knives for other brands before selling under its own name around 2015-16. Its titanium folders with premium steels and custom-designer collaborations are compared with Chris Reeve and Zero Tolerance rather than mainstream US brands.
Yangjiang knife maker that grew out of OEM production for other brands. Independent reviewers report good fit and finish, smooth action and good materials whether the knife costs $40 or $200.
Lower-priced line launched in 2018 by Yangjiang's WE Knife Co. Reviewers praise its fit and finish, and the Elementum is often compared with the Benchmade Bugout.
Founded in Yangjiang in 2012-13, with main production in Guangzhou; one of the first Chinese makers to use US premium steels such as S35VN. Many models are custom-designer collaborations (Ray Laconico's Gemini, Justin Lundquist, Dirk Pinkerton).
Guangzhou-based multitool maker (Flagship, Mini Flagship, Sailor lines). Its Flagship Pro won Hagerty UK's nine-tool test against Leatherman, Gerber, SOG and Victorinox models, outperforming rivals that cost two or three times as much.