Each of China’s cities and provinces is known for manufacturing specific goods. Shenzhen is the smartphone hub, Shandong is the center of textiles, and Yangjiang is the country’s knife capital.
A quick search on any wholesale supplier websites will present you with many Yangjiang knife manufacturers. With this many options, making the right choice for your business can get challenging.
This article will help you find the best knife manufacturers in Yangjiang, China. We’ll cover what type of knives to order from and the advantages and disadvantages of ordering knives from the knife capital of China.
How Did Yangjiang Become the Center of China’s Knife Industry?
Producing knives is nothing new to Yangjiang — the city’s blade-making tradition stretches back more than 1,400 years to the Tang Dynasty (around the 7th century).
Today, the main manufacturing clusters are located in Yangdong District, Dongcheng District, and the Yangjiang High-Tech Industrial Zone, collectively forming one of the world’s largest knife production hubs.
It’s no surprise that most knife companies choose this city as their base. Yangjiang is home to many internationally recognized cutlery brands such as Shibazi, CIVIVI (WE Knife), Kizer, and Kanedeiia.
Key Knife Production Statistics in Yangjiang
Yangjiang’s knife and scissors industry employs around 200,000 people directly and indirectly, according to the Yangjiang Municipal Government.
Recent industry reports highlighted by China Daily and the Yangjiang Municipal Government show some incredible data that supports Yangjiang’s scale:
- Businesses: The city is now home to over 4,500 hardware and knife businesses, a massive growth from previous years.
- Output Value: Yangjiang manufactures approximately 75 percent of the knives and scissors produced in China. From January to April 2025, Yangjiang’s knife and scissors export value reached 1.33 billion yuan (about 185.1 million U.S. dollars), marking an 8 percent increase from the previous year.
- Product Varieties: Knife manufacturers here produce over 5,000 different varieties of cutting tools. The most popular manufactured items include high-end kitchen knives (chef knives, cleavers), everyday carry (EDC) pocket knives, outdoor tactical knives, and multi-tools.
What Manufacturing Models Do Yangjiang Knife Factories Use?
If you are looking to source knives, you need to know how these factories operate. The businesses here mainly fall into three manufacturing models:
| Manufacturing Model | Market Share | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) | 70% | Factories manufacture knives based entirely on your specific designs and material requests. |
| ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) | 25% | Factories offer their own pre-designed knife models for you to brand and sell. |
| OBM (Original Brand Manufacturing) | 5% | Companies manufacture their products to be sold under their own labeling. |
What Blade Steels Do Yangjiang Knife Manufacturers Use?
Yangjiang factories have modernized dramatically in the past decade with CNC precision, vacuum heat treatment, and AI-assisted quality control. Depending on the buyer’s market positioning, factories use:
- Premium / Imported Steels: CPM S35VN, CPM 20CV, Böhler M390, and Damasteel for high-end EDC and custom knives.
- Mid-Range Steels: Swedish 14C28N, Japanese VG-10, and D2 tool steel for kitchen and outdoor knives.
- Budget Steels: 8Cr13MoV, 9Cr18MoV, and 440C for mainstream household cutlery.
(Referenced from industry catalogues of WE Knife Co., Kizer Cutlery, Leeknives and CIVIVI)
How Does Yangjiang Support the Global Knife Export Market?
Europe and North America continue to account for more than half of the global knife and scissors imports, while Yangjiang supplies over 85% of China’s total knife exports, making it the undisputed export hub of the industry.
Key points for global sourcing:
- Trade Promotion: The Yangjiang International Hardware Knives and Scissors Fair remains China’s largest professional event in this field, attracting over 1,200 exhibitors and 50,000+ global buyers annually
- Export Coverage: As reported by People’s Daily, Yangjiang’s knives and scissors reach over 130 countries and regions worldwide.
- Logistics Advantage: The city’s proximity to Shenzhen Yantian Port, Guangzhou Nansha Port, and Zhuhai Jiuzhou Port significantly shortens export lead times.
Where Do Chinese Knives Go? Export Market Breakdown
According to UN Comtrade data (via World Bank WITS), China exported approximately $1.50 billion worth of knives (HS 8211) in 2024 (the latest complete year available). North America and Europe together account for over two-thirds of total export value.
| Rank | Region | Export Value (USD) | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North America | $605M | 40.3% |
| 2 | Europe | $420M | 28.0% |
| 3 | East & Southeast Asia | $160M | 10.7% |
| 4 | Middle East & North Africa | $96M | 6.4% |
| 5 | South America | $55M | 3.7% |
| 6 | Sub-Saharan Africa | $46M | 3.1% |
| 7 | South & Central Asia | $39M | 2.6% |
| 8 | Oceania | $24M | 1.6% |
Source: UN Comtrade via WITS (World Bank), 2024
Buy Yangjiang Knives and Start Scaling up with Us Today
Contact us and connect with a sales rep to get a free quote.
Top OEM/ODM Knife Suppliers in Yangjiang for B2B Buyers
LeeKnives
With over 30 years of experience, LeeKnives is a comprehensive one-stop-shop for OEM/ODM services.
- Primary Business: Full-category OEM/ODM for kitchen knives, pocket knives, and outdoor tools.
- B2B Value: They offer end-to-end solutions, including design, sourcing, IP protection, and logistics. Their flexible MOQ and strong support for small to medium-sized businesses make them an excellent partner for launching a new brand or expanding a product line.
Kegani
Kegani focuses on the mid-to-high-end EDC market, offering specialized OEM/ODM and small-batch wholesale services.
- Primary Business: OEM/ODM for premium EDC folding and fixed-blade knives.
- B2B Value: Their expertise in high-end materials (e.g., titanium, premium steels), precision manufacturing, and modern design trends is ideal for brands aiming for the discerning enthusiast market. They excel at turning a brand’s unique vision into a high-quality, market-ready product.
Henstrong Industrial & Trading
A specialized manufacturer focusing on multi-tools and outdoor equipment.
- Primary Business: OEM/ODM for multi-tools, fishing pliers, and tactical knives.
- B2B Value: With a portfolio of patented designs, they are a strong partner for brands in the outdoor, fishing, and tactical gear markets that require functional, purpose-built tools.
Yangjiang Sun Well Industries
A large-scale manufacturer with a broad product catalog.
- Primary Business: High-volume OEM for stainless steel cutlery, kitchen tools, and BBQ accessories.
- B2B Value: Their extensive production capacity makes them a reliable supplier for large retailers, supermarket chains, and brands that require mass-market production and competitive pricing.
Bailide Industrial Company
A focused OEM/ODM supplier for the tactical and hunting markets.
- Primary Business: OEM/ODM for tactical knives, hunting tools, and survival gear.
- B2B Value: Their deep understanding of the specific requirements of the tactical and outdoor community makes them a knowledgeable partner for brands in these niche segments.
Leading High-End EDC and Pocket Knife Manufacturers from Yangjiang
- WE Knife / CIVIVI / Sencut: A three-tiered brand matrix dominating different market segments. WE Knife sets the industry standard for premium production knives, utilizing materials like CPM 20CV, M390 steel, titanium, and carbon fiber. CIVIVI is its globally popular sub-brand, offering exceptional value with materials such as 14C28N, Nitro-V, and various G10/Micarta combinations, making it a go-to for EDC enthusiasts. Sencut targets the budget-conscious entry-level market with reliable, well-designed tools.
- Kizer Cutlery: A pioneer in bringing high-end Western materials like CPM-S35VN steel to the Chinese production knife scene. Kizer is known for its consistent quality, broad portfolio of in-house designs, and successful collaborations with international knife designers. They offer everything from premium titanium frame locks to affordable liner lock folders.
- Reate Knives: Widely regarded as a “manufacturer for the masters,” Reate is the go-to OEM for many world-renowned custom knife designers. Their reputation is built on impeccable CNC machining, flawless fit and finish, and innovative mechanisms. For B2B buyers, partnering with Reate means achieving a custom-level quality in a production environment.
- Artisan Cutlery / CJRB Cutlery: This duo is a design-driven force. Artisan Cutlery focuses on original designs and material innovation, including their proprietary AR-RPM9 powder metallurgy steel, which offers a budget-friendly alternative to other premium steels. CJRB is their highly successful budget-friendly line, known for models like the Pyrite, which brought high-end features like button locks to an accessible price point.
- Bestech Knives: Bestech has built a strong reputation for its excellent designs, quality manufacturing, and broad product range that caters to all price points. From their budget-friendly Bestechman line to their premium titanium models, they are a versatile manufacturer known for their clean aesthetics and reliable performance.
- QSP (Quality, Service, Price): The brand name perfectly encapsulates their business model. QSP has gained a massive following by delivering dependable knives, like the iconic Penguin model, at highly competitive prices. They are a prime example of Yangjiang’s ability to produce quality at scale, making them a strong choice for wholesale and large-volume buyers.
- Kansept Knives: Founded by a team of industry veterans, Kansept focuses on original, modern designs for the mid-range to high-end market. They offer a diverse catalog featuring various locking mechanisms and materials, and also have a budget-focused sub-brand, Tenable, to cover the entry-level market.
- Rikeknife: Known for its bold, futuristic designs and exceptional machining, particularly with integral (single-piece titanium) handles. Rikeknife is a great partner for brands looking to create visually striking, high-performance knives that stand out in the market.
Traditional and Professional Kitchen Knife Manufacturers from Yangjiang
- Yangjiang Shibazi Group: As China’s leading kitchen knife manufacturer, Shibazi is a household name. With roots dating back centuries, they are a massive industrial operation producing everything from traditional hand-forged cleavers to modern, multi-piece knife sets. Their scale and brand recognition make them a dominant force in both domestic and international markets.
- Zhang Xiaoquan: A publicly traded company with a history tracing back to 1628, Zhang Xiaoquan is a heritage brand in China. Their modern manufacturing base in Yangjiang produces a wide range of kitchen cutlery, from affordable household knives to professional-grade lines, blending traditional branding with modern industrial production.
- Deng Jia Dao: Originating from the inland region of Chongqing, Deng Jia Dao is famous for its traditional hand-forged clad steel knives. They have a significant production and partnership footprint in Yangjiang to leverage the region’s supply chain. Their knives are celebrated by culinary professionals for their extreme sharpness and edge retention, offering an authentic, performance-focused product.
- Cangshan Cutlery: A stellar example of a brand designed for the Western market and produced in Yangjiang. Cangshan has won numerous international design awards (like Red Dot) and has collaborated with renowned chefs like Thomas Keller. They offer B2B partners a proven model of how to successfully market premium, Yangjiang-made knives to a global audience.
- Forge to Table: This brand was founded by an American chef in partnership with a third-generation bladesmithing family in Yangjiang. They focus on hand-forged, high-performance kitchen knives, emphasizing craftsmanship and the story behind the product. They represent a growing trend of micro-brands leveraging Yangjiang’s unique blend of heritage and production capability.
- Turwho: A key player in the Damascus kitchen knife space, Turwho serves as both a brand and an OEM/ODM supplier for many online sellers, particularly on Amazon. They specialize in creating visually appealing knife sets with Damascus patterns, pakkawood handles, and gift-ready packaging, making them an ideal partner for e-commerce brands.
Pros of selling Yangjiang knives
- Quality: Yangjiang City’s knife manufacturers have a proven history of having the most productive and experienced knifemakers in Asia. The professionalism and high competition make knife manufacturers ensure every product is up to expectations.
- Pricing: Similarly, the pricing of knives is on-point due to the competition. Every Yangjiang knifemaker keeps prices at affordable ranges to stand out above others. This takes the definition of volume business to another level for Yangjiang knife manufacturers.
- Variety: You’ll get not just kitchen knives or EDC knives from the Yangjiang knife industry. The city is well-known for producing a wide selection of multi-purpose tools, scissors, and other cutters.
Cons of selling Yangjiang knives
- Selecting: Choosing the most appropriate wholesaler to work with can get overwhelming quickly. As mentioned at the beginning of the article, over a thousand knife manufacturers are located in Yangjiang. Being presented with many choices can make it hard to find the proper manufacturer to partner up with.
- Quality: We’ve noted that most knife manufacturers in Yangjiang will do everything to ensure they have optimal results. However, because it’s such a competitive area, some companies cut down on the quality of the materials to have a higher profit margin. It’s vital to avoid wholesalers with unusually cheap pricing. It’s always best to wave them away and work with reputable knife manufacturers.
How to start selling Yangjiang knives (with LeeKnives)?
The process of starting to sell knives starts with acquiring them first. There are different processes to this, depending on how you want them.
You can order wholesale knives that we will ship to you at a moment’s notice. You can also customize your knife through our OEM service, which will take more time to be ready. For example, here is how the usual process works with OEM knives.
- You submit the designs and materials.
- We create a visual representation of how everything would look.
- Finish everything about the knife and ship a sample product if necessary (it will increase the lead time production).
- We will begin manufacturing the knives, inspect them thoroughly, package, and ship them to you upon agreeing on the details.
Since we’ll need to go back and forth about the product’s details, OEM knives take significantly more than ODM and wholesale knives.
The process is much quicker with wholesale products, and the MOQs are lower. Additionally, you can also use our private label services.
Buy Wholesale Knives and Start Scaling up with Us Today
Contact us and connect with a sales rep to get a free quote.
Final words
Yangjiang isn’t just the knife capital of China, but the entire world. Regardless of your location, there is a high chance that the knives you see in stores come from this city.
The majority of the knife manufacturers in Yangjiang don’t have a website. Unless you plan on traveling to Yangjiang for deals, wholesale supplier websites like Alibaba, Made in China, and Global Options are your best option.
As a knife manufacturer based in Yangjiang also, we offer plenty of services to our clients. If wholesale knives are what interests you, be sure to check our service page. Besides the wholesale knives, we offer other services, such as OEM and ODM, private label, and many more.
EN 
JA 
DE