China: True the labor costs are radically cheaper than in the US or Europe, but I've seen little to support that their workmanship is shotty. A lot more things than we think are made there- heard the other day about IPhones... each has a total of $10 o Chinese labor in them, and about $200 in parts.
True some companies will cut corners, but that is the fault of the companies themselves and the decisions they are making, not the workers or processes inherent to China. I don't think these issues apply to BD, and as you say they are certified. And BD is a US company subject to US law and US litigation.
As to why something made in China might not be cheaper, that's simply up to the company. If they are happy with their market share, why should they sell an ice ax for $50 when they can do it for $70?