Same thing that happened to Remingtons and Winchesters unfortunately.
I have 2 870’s that are about 30 years age difference and the quality is noticeably worse.
More of a Leatherman fan than Gerber. I have a Wave Plus but it’s too heavy for EDC. It rides around in my truck. I like the Skeletool as well for EDC.
Frederick Co./Frederick City was in a big water crunch in the late 90's early 2000's then they brought the new pipeline in from the river up Rt 28. You could see the development take off right after they did like they had an unlimited supply.
I got mine in the late 80’s and had to get a replacement card that is dated early 00’s. No way I’d take that class again lol. I’ve sat through enough of them with kids, friends, etc.