CRKT M21-14DSFG EDC Folding Pocket Knife

I ordered a second M21-14SF (Yes, I REALLY like that knife!) but Amazon sent me the M21-14DSFG in error, so I took the time to compare the M21-14DSFG to my M21-14SF and a defective M21-14SFG that I previously returned to Amazon. The primary difference other than color being that M21-14DSFG and the M21-14SFG both have the G10 scales for improved grip, and are less expensive that the M21-14SF which has an aluminum handle. The only other apparent difference is that the M21-14DSFG and the M21-14SFG are both made in China whereas the M21-14SF is made in Taiwan. In addition, on the M21-14SF, operation of the AutoLAWKS and the associated lever that actually locks the blade open is silky smooth and easy to operate with one hand. Not so on the M21-14DSFG and M21-14SFG; the lever that locks the blade open is extremely stiff and difficult to manipulate with one hand. The primary lever itself (not the small AutoLawks lever) is so stiff on both the M21-14DSFG and the M21-14SFG that it actually cuts into my fingernail. I have several CRKT knives and am very familiar with the operation of the AutoLAWKS. In my opinion, the operation of the Chinese made M21-14DSFG and M21-14SFG is just not as smooth as the M21-14SF made in Taiwan. If you have not previously owned a CRKT knife with the AutoLawks feature, video demonstrating the proper operation of the AutoLawks is available on both the CRKT web site (Google CRKT) and on YouTube. Watching the CRKT video and a little practice should result in easy one handed operation of the AutoLawks feature, at least on the Taiwan made knives where the operation is very smooth. I attribute the difference in smoothness of operation as most probably due to inconsistent quality control on Chinese made products (and perhaps cheaper materials?). I find this VERY disappointing as I have several CRKT knives made in Taiwan and am very pleased with the overall quality of those knives. Apparently CRKT is more concerned with shaving a small amount off of their manufacturing cost that with the resulting quality. That is a real shame. I REALLY like their knives, especially the designs by Kit Carson. When I originally purchased the M21-14SFG, it was because of living in SE Louisiana, I wanted the G10 scales for improved grip in wet weather, which we have an abundance of as you might imagine. I would prefer to pay more and receive a quality product, and be assured of consistent quality across the line than play a guessing game on whether a knife from China will meet my expectations of a CRKT product. As a result, I will not be purchasing any more CRKT knives unless I am sure that the model is NOT made in China. Unfortunately, CRKT does NOT list country of origin in the detailed specs for each knife that are available on their web site. Are you listening CRKT??? To repeat, I REALLY like the Carson designs -- but NOT the apparent lack of Chinese quality in both materials and workmanship.