The multi-poon?

[Freudian Frog]

Naw, I don't mind when companies WANT to produce cheap things. It's when the want to manufacture decent goods and some guy up the ladder cuts out certain materials and costs and it produces crap. Or things with lead and melamine.

And yeah, I forgot to mention I do enjoy watching the Taiwanese pariliment bash each other. Somehow I feel like they get their point across better with a slipper than with four hour non-directional stalling speeches...

[DaveK]

Spot on. If the goods didn't meet the spec that people like Leatherman, Gerber or whoever laid down, then they wouldn't be paid for and wouldn't be sold in shops. The importer is responsible for the quality, even if they have decided to sacrifice quality for cost.

[donvito]

Interesting thread and funny how a spork turned almost in to a political debate.

MSR has a factory in Korea and their gear is top notch. I have the pocket rocket stove, hyperflow filter and dromedary bladder. I will purchase the tool spork once I upgrade to a bigger multifuel stove.
If you want a quality titanium spork or mug etc... look in to Snow Peak they manufacture in Japan again a quality company with great gear.

What I want to add is:
a. I prefer to buy a product which is made in USA.
b. China can produce quality product: Fenix lights are a great example but you can't compare them to Maglights it's like comparing apples and oranges. A better comparison can be made between Fenix and SureFire. Prices between two are very compatible at least for started models (SF has advance models going for hundreds of dollars) but if SF manufactures in US and even if their light costs a few dollars more and might have a bit less lumens I'd still pick SF over Fenix.
c. It's sad to see some great American companies close their factories and outsource to china. Sharade? was the company I remember reading about that did and their quality plummeted.
d. Countries like Switzerland and Japan have build their reputation on legendary quality control, years of tradition (Swiss) and revolutionary advances. Look at Japanese cars they are the most efficient and environmentally friendly.
Other brands like Maxpediton and Emdom (Hong Kong) produce quality gear and I own a number of their products but Tactical Tailor, Kifaru, and Eagle (BlackHawk is a cheap imitation of Eagle, charges the same amount but manufactures in Vietnam) will be my first choice. 

Just my 2 cents.

p.s. I love sporks.

[AndyTiedye]

I very much doubt that Melamine was part of the spec for the milk powder or the pet food.

[J-sews]

I very much doubt that Melamine was part of the spec for the milk powder or the pet food.

I'll bet you are correct sir.

[SteveRacer]

... Fenix lights are a great example but you can't compare them to Maglights ...

Well said.  I'm a big Streamlight fan, but much to my chagrin my Twintask LED/xenon CR123 flashlight is proudly labeled "Made in China".

All said I can't fault the quality.

-steve

[american lockpicker]

Once I had a multitool that was labeled China and it didn't last a week.

[DaveK]

Maxpedition gear is made in Taiwan.

[AndyTiedye]

Not interested in geo-political mud slinging, that's for sure.

I buy Australian.

I buy mostly Swiss.   Can't get much more neutral than that.

[AndyTiedye]

I'm a big Streamlight fan, but much to my chagrin my Twintask LED/xenon CR123 flashlight is proudly labeled "Made in China".

Surefire flashlights are still made here.

There are also a number of small flashlight makers on http://www.candlepowerforums.com, most of whom are located in the US.

Some of the best there: McGizmo, Cool Fall (SPY007), Endeavour (Aeon, Nautilus), Modamag(Draco, Drake).

[jzmtl]

And waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay out of most people's price range. Last spy 007 I saw went for over $1000 if I recall.

[Neil]

And waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay out of most people's price range. Last spy 007 I saw went for over $1000 if I recall.

Very true.   I'd love one

Neil

[Benner]

Once I had a multitool that was labeled China and it didn't last a week.

I bet there are US made ones that would only last a week as well.