Most here probably started with something that caught their eye that did not cost too much. I did. After awhile you get a sharper eye and your idea of what costs too much changes! If you like that style the are good companies that make it, costing not so mush to thousands. There are folks here of bladeforums that really know these knifes and can answer questions about them. Search the forum and google lagouile take a look at the French, city name Thiers, made ones, some are really nice. On my some day list. Even if those are too spendy you will learn things like traditionally there are pins in the shape of a cross -:-- on the handle and why a bee. Then when you run across the next one you will have an idea if it's a find or not. Enjoy the hobby.
Bill
Bill
As to the etching question, as one guy on the previous page said, even real damascus knives are etched to bring out the contrast between the different steels, but then there's also fake etching of homogenous steel to give it a damascus-like appearance. The ones in your pics don't look like fake cosmetic etching. Carry 'em and use 'em and see how it goes (assuming the locks feel secure on the folders).
