SecretAsianManSpyderco's Taiwanese plant has become legendary for the quality of their work. Probably the highest quality of any production Spydercos.
So, yes, $270. And it BETTER be made in Taiwan.
Top quality commands the price. That's all there is to it.
K.T.NJust got a spyderco mantra made in taiwan and have to say its quality is great. I can not tell any difference in quality compared to a native 5 made in colorado. It is definitely higher quality then a kiwi that was made in japan.