Hi Folks,
Apologies if this topic has been covered and I just couldn't find the discussion. I searched the forum but could only find a conversation focused on the quality and originality of foreign made knives.
I want to ask about your thoughts in regards to working conditions for the laborers in countries where our knives are made. I've reached my mid 40's and I live in the US, so I've had enough jobs to know that there are sh**ty employers everywhere. On the other hand, we hear from US companies and media that in many countries around the world the working conditions are really awful. Even to the extent that to corporate malfeasance and corrupt government oversight can create conditions close to slave labor. This has become a major driver for any purchase I make that doesn't come from a thrift store, the pawn shop, or a garage sale. I know that there are countries and companies with whom the work force have the right and ability to earn something-more-than-nothing, and to be safe while they do it, but with the globalized state of manufacturing it's really hard to know where that is. I'd like to purchase from those companies and places, but with kids and every day costs going up I'm also on a pretty strict budget. Obviously I diligently scour the sales, but it's incredibly difficult to figure out where many knives and their parts are manufactured, and whether or not the working conditions are simply horrific.
Anyway, I need a new pocket knife. I want to buy something awesome, but I can't spend $200. Am I forced to simply forget about this concern over the treatment of the people involved in the process? Is there a way to be sure I'm not contributing to someone else's exploitation?
Sidebar: thanks to everyone who contributes to this subreddit. I never knew my desire to find and collect beautiful knives wasn't weird until i found all you awesome weirdos. LOL I've included a photo of my favorite pawn shop find, in case anybody cares. It's Mora Knife from (I think) the 1970's.
by Reasonable-Carob5649
