New US OTF

[Bill DeShivs]

Ravencrest sell Chinese knives. They don't make anything. Sorry, you got taken.

[button_man]

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I just ran across (3) RavenCrest knives that I bought about nine years ago. They are far too heavy for EDC unless maybe you're bailing out of a plane into enemy territory with one of these strapped to your tactical vest.

The weight really disappointed me.... I figured it was because they were using cast zinc handles. (At the time,
I could not find any references to handle materials on their site; but now they do acknowledge zinc alloy handles.) Because of the weight, I consider them all but useless for EDC. My three all max out my pocket scale; but the website indicates the heaviest at over 9 ounces -- well over half a pound! Who the heck wants to lug around this boat anchor all day?!

The prices are reasonable for USA-made OTFs, but not super cheap like the Lightnings -- current prices are mostly in the $120 to $150 range. They do have a couple with aluminum handles, but those are $180. I can't help but feel like I got taken for a ride on my three, so I'm not about to gamble another two hundred bucks to find out whether the aluminum handle knives also have any unpleasant surprises in store. Fool me once.....

Back when I bought mine, I'm not sure whether or not the weight was disclosed. Maybe it was listed and I didn't realize how heavy 9+ ounces really is. After spending hundreds of dollars on knives that I consider useless paperweights, I certainly pay attention NOW.

As to the classification "Chinese knives" that "aren't made" by RavenCrest, I guess it all comes down to how these term are defined. Here’s what the company says:

"RavenCrest Tactical® assembles and tests every single RCT knife in the USA. RavenCrest Tactical® uses outsourcing (overseas) for all of its metals and materials which allows us to pass along considerable savings to our customers. We make sure that our sourced materials are of the highest quality and meet our rigorous standards."

So..... does "assembly" equal "made in the United States"? If not, then what about the Italian stilettos? Where are their liners and springs and blades made? I'll bet you a shiny nickel that an awful lot of their parts come from some commie sh!thole using slave labor. Does this mean that they aren't really "made in Italy"?

I'm not trying to be argumentative here.... I honestly don't know how to split hairs on the "Made In _______" issue.
I think the government has some sort of complicated set of rules for the percentage of components going into vehicles; but I don't believe they've gotten around to switchblades yet.

In defense of RavenCrest, I will say that the fit & finish of all three knives is impressive. Super well made, very tight, good looking, good feel, and as close to zero play in their (razor-sharp) blades that be achieved with an OTF.
Easy open, easy close, genuinely very handsome knives.

If only they weren't so goddam heavy.
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[JulesVane]

Just my unsolicited 2 cents, but "Assembled in America" could mean as little as screwing on the pocket clip or the glass breaker, and the term would likely stand up in court. I had never read this thread, and had not been familiar with RavenCrest, so on the search I went to see their knives (OTF's). Though not the RCT model, I ran across this used RavenCrest OTF on ACKS for $245. Little did I know, I apparently bought this same model nearly 10 years ago. Functions great and razor sharp to this day. Yes, a bit heavy. Difference is, mine was $20 - $25 including shipping and fully assembled, directly from DHgate in China. Here's the ACKS ad and a pic. of mine below it...I'd wager it's the same knife.

[Bill DeShivs]

Again, they are bringing parts from China into the US, and assembling them here. Importing switchblade parts is illegal.
They are bringing in the parts so they don't get caught.

[Tom19176]

Bill is correct in that both assembled autos and parts for them are contra ban. These are China made with very little needed to be done in the USA.

[NorthCarolinaDude]

Again, they are bringing parts from China into the US, and assembling them here. Importing switchblade parts is illegal.
They are bringing in the parts so they don't get caught.

I bought a Vipertek Ghost Hornet OTF and when I received it, it didn't have the blade installed!!

I wrote to them and they just sent another one, didn't even ask for the other chassis back.

If we had more American makers it would likely bring prices down a little and chase off the Chinese.

Unfortunately, I think too many "manufacturers" are tempted by the cheap parts.

The problem is a big one, and not just for automatics! Just look at the recent fall of Bark River Knives.

It's heartbreaking that America has so much dependency on Chinese materials and manufacturing.

[JulesVane]

There's actually nothing "wrong" with the Asian made OTFs, as long as the buyer knows they're Asian.