KA-BAR Knives, Inc.

Olean, United States

KA-BAR Knives, Inc. is a renowned manufacturer of high-quality knives, particularly famous for their KA-BAR combat knives used by military personnel, outdoor enthusiasts, and collectors. The company has a long history and is recognized for its commitment to quality craftsmanship and durability in their knife designs.

CCI Score

-40.28

0.17% May 31

Latest Event

KA-BAR Knives Controversy Over 'USA' Stamping Removal

KA-BAR Knives, Inc. confirmed a change where their knives no longer carry the 'USA' stamp since 2021. The alteration has been criticized as a deceptive practice that obscures the product's manufacturing origins and is alleged to help shift profits toward supporting foreign authoritarian regimes.

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TOADIE

KA-BAR Knives, Inc. is currently rated as a Toadie.

-30 to -44 CCI Score

Companies scoring in this range actively seek to please authoritarian regimes. They offer proactive support and assistance in exchange for preferential treatment, compromising ethical standards for business gains and political favor.

Latest Events

DEC

28

2023

KA-BAR Knives Controversy Over 'USA' Stamping Removal
-42.56

KA-BAR Knives, Inc. confirmed a change where their knives no longer carry the 'USA' stamp since 2021. The alteration has been criticized as a deceptive practice that obscures the product's manufacturing origins and is alleged to help shift profits toward supporting foreign authoritarian regimes.
-40

Public and Political Behavior

April 9

The removal of the 'USA' stamp is framed as an act of corporate greed that undermines national identity and implies support for regimes with authoritarian practices, resulting in a negative public and political impact.

CONFIRMED- Ka-Bar no longer stamping USA on their knives since 2021
-60

Supply Chain Ethics

April 9

By discontinuing the 'USA' stamp on its knives while still charging premium prices, KA-BAR is seen as obscuring the true origins of its products. This practice raises concerns over supply chain ethics and transparency, contributing to a perception of deceptive business practices that indirectly support authoritarian foreign interests.

CONFIRMED- Ka-Bar no longer stamping USA on their knives since 2021
JAN

01

2021

Change in KA-BAR Knife Labeling Sparks Criticism
-38.00

Since 2021, KA-BAR Knives, Inc. ceased stamping 'USA' on one side of its knives. Critics contend that this change, which replaces a clear mark of American manufacturing with an ambiguous 'KA-BAR Olean, NY', is a deceptive business practice aimed at maintaining price levels while shifting production inputs. The commentary further alleges that the move indirectly supports foreign manufacturing practices associated with authoritarian regimes.
-50

Public and Political Behavior

April 9

The removal of the 'USA' stamp undermines a key marker of national identity and transparency in product labeling, contributing to a narrative where corporate actions are seen as distancing from patriotic values and potentially deceiving American consumers. This is viewed as a negative public and political behavior with implications for consumer trust.

CONFIRMED- Ka-Bar no longer stamping USA on their knives since 2021
-70

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

April 9

The decision to alter product labeling by dropping the 'USA' stamp is seen as an ethically questionable business practice. It appears designed to mask changes in manufacturing origins, possibly to cut costs and boost profit margins, and is criticized for misleading consumers about the domestic nature of the product. Such practices can erode trust and are viewed negatively within the framework of ethical corporate behavior.

CONFIRMED- Ka-Bar no longer stamping USA on their knives since 2021