Sorry for posting links instead of direct pictures but it didn't work
Yeah, Gerber got the ole' kick in the butt about putting USA on their tools when they are assembled here with a majority of overseas parts. The Center-Drive is their only multi tool currently manufactured/assembled almost completely here in te U.S. The new stamping does look nicer than the old stamping though.
Not to get political, yesterday, to replace a cheap supermarket plastic snow shovel broken in storage, I bought a True Temper coal shovel (because they're the only snow shovel that stands up to heavy snow and heavy abuse)--marked "ASSEMBLED IN USA" complete with a red, white and blue sticker. Stamped on the actual shovel part--MADE IN CHINA. To me, don't even bother mentioning the term USA, unless at least 70 percent of its parts come from here. Surprised we haven't changed the law from the 30% or something it currently is to be marked "MADE IN USA". This is the newest version of the MP600 frame, replacing the old version used about 20 years.
To me this raises an important question, do fake standard (non-DET) MP600s exist? There are the Carolina KNife and Tool and Winchester "Mr. Pinchy" tools, but those are pretty much just low end budget models using the same patents (and Gerber owns Carolina Knife and Tool, and Carolina has the Winchester license)
Sam,Remember when the Gerber MP600DET was selling for stupid high money? Around $80-$100 at one point(I see them for $50-$80 now). That is about when the fakes came along. I don't think it would make sense to fake a regular MP600, since those are $30-$45 usually. I've seen the Basics go for $34.99 near where I like.