High-Quality Knife Brands from China

People say a lot of stuff about Chinese-made products. But to them, I say this: the knife brands in this article are not part of the problem, they’re part of the solution. Each of these brands is a team passionate knifemakers, and their quality is top-tier. Let’s check them out!

WE Knife Company / CIVIVI / Sencut 

This family of brands has something for everyone. Whether you like the top-shelf, no-holds-barred quality of the WE line, the enthusiast’s darling CIVIVI, or SENCUT’s unbeatable sub-$50 lineup, you’ll get luxury features and dialed construction on all of it. Some great models to check out are the WE Banter, the CIVIVI Elementum, and the SENCUT Crowley. 

Kizer 

Kizer was among the first brands to bring Western materials and designs to China. Think CPM S35VN and the Kizer Sheepdog – true gamechangers in their time. Over the years, they’ve also developed a few game-changing in-house designs, like the Militaw and the Original. Kizer was one of the first Chinese brands in the knife game, and they still run with the big dogs! 

Reate 

Reate is world-renowned for their quality, so much so that some of the best knifemakers in the world are lining up for Reate to manufacture their production knives. When I asked Ramon Chaves why his production folders were made in China he responded "because Reate makes the best frame lock in the world." 

That’s extremely high praise. But they don’t just do frame locks, they’re also chronic innovators. Just look at the Pivot Lock on the PL-6 or the addictively fidgety EXO gravity knife! 

Artisan / CJRB 

The Artisan family is known for their actions and their materials. Knives like the Pyrite and the Revel have won the hearts of enthusiasts. Their button locks are some of the snappiest and most crisp in the business, and the innovative spray-form AR-RPM9 steel offers stellar performance and excellent pricing. 

Kansept / Tenable 

Kansept has range, in every sense of the word. From budget-friendly options in the Tenable brand to bougie grail-level blades, to sleek gentleman’s folders to beefy hard-users, Kansept has something for everyone. I especially love the Fenrir, and my XL Korvid with a Mini Korvid "lanyard bead" always turns heads! 

Bestech 

Few knives look quite as good as Bestech knives. Their mastery of lines, contours, grinds, and finishing makes for some truly stunning blades. EDC powerhouses like the Goodboy series or even tactical blades like the Strelit all look way better than they have any right to, especially for their hyper-competitive prices! 

QSP 

Quality – Service – Price. That’s what QSP stands for, and boy do they deliver. In all my years in the knife industry, I don’t think I’ve seen a knife more recommended to beginners than the Penguin. It, like all its brethren, offers a winning balance of material quality, mechanical simplicity, and affordability. While most prefer the straight edge of the Penguin, I’m partial to the new Ferret series! 

Petrified Fish 

Petrified Fish delivers unbelievable quality for the price. They’re masters of D2 and K110 steel, providing stellar heat treats and perfectly honed edges right out of the box. Also, you’d be hard-pressed to find a smoother, easier action on any out-of-the-box knife made anywhere. My personal favorite model is the Victor – it looks good, cuts good, and feels good! 

Kunwu 

Kunwu has a reputation for leaving no stone unturned. All of their finishes are flawless, their handle textures are thought out down to extreme detail, even their packaging is custom-fit to each knife, includes replacement springs, and more. I could go on and on about shear quality offered by Kunwu. I’ve been eyeing an X-Padre ever since it came out, and one day it will be mine…. 

Vosteed 

Some knife companies pride themselves on innovation and pushing the envelope. Others aim to provide great quality for a great price. Somehow, Vosteed does both. They were the first on the top liner lock craze once it entered the public domain, mastering a mechanism many thought too difficult. In recent years, they’ve cooked up several new mechanisms, found new ways to finish titanium, and somehow still have one of the best sub-$100 lineups of any knife company in the world. My personal favorite knife from them is the Porcupine, although the new TiSlim Raccoon might be the best sub-$150 folder in the world. 

Why buy a Chinese knife? 

One thing I love about these brands is they aren’t companies owned in America who contract with a Chinese factory. Each of these brands are Chinese-owned, Chinese-operated, and holds their product to the highest standard. They serve as a reminder that the knife community truly is worldwide, and great knives are being made everywhere!