Aliexpress and fake/replica Sebenzas/Hinderers: Experiences? Recommendations?

[Comeuppance]

I'd like to state right away that I absolutely do not want to start a discussion about the morality or business practices involved in fakes and replicas. To me, a knife is a knife, regardless of maker. If the build quality is good and the price is right, I couldn't care less. Don't bother telling me to "just get the real thing," because I'm not interested in the real thing.

THAT SAID:

There are quite a few knives imitating CRK and Hinderer designs kicking around on Aliexpress - Many of them claim to be made from higher-end steels and materials. Of course, I find the reviews on the site itself to be extremely suspicious, so I can't rely on them. I was wondering if anyone has had experience with such knives, or, even better, if anyone has recommendations.

There are many "Sebenzas" and "Hinderers" in D2 steel with titanium frames, some in 440C, and also 5Cr13MoV. I find the prices suspiciously low given the materials listed.

 

[Random Dan]

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

 

[Comeuppance]

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

That's my thought - but I have read of a few people who have purchased such knives and found that the blade steel seemed to be accurate, and that the handle was at least non-magnetic (thus, potentially titanium).

I haven't heard much about the build quality, though, or how they stand up to use.

 

[jeffsenpai]

buy one and tell us about it, I would be interested in knowing the fit and finish.

 

[Comeuppance]

buy one and tell us about it, I would be interested in knowing the fit and finish.

Hey, send me a spare 60 bucks and I'll get right on that

I might, actually. It's just hard to justify a month's worth of grocery money on a knife that may be of unknown quality and cannot reasonably be returned. I suppose that's the cause for the massive feedback vacuum.

 

[EagleScouter]

That's my thought - but I have read of a few people who have purchased such knives and found that the blade steel seemed to be accurate, and that the handle was at least non-magnetic (thus, potentially titanium).

300 series stainless steel is also non-magnetic. I'd shy away from them, for more than one reason.

 

[Jasonsdman]

If you're gonna get a fake/replica/clone get the ones made by Kevin John. Trust me, get one, and you'll be hooked. As a matter of fact, here's a video demonstrating it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAOEaLYjOXY

 

[Luis G.]

300 series stainless steel is also non-magnetic. I'd shy away from them, for more than one reason.

316L is magnetic for sure. A few other 300 series are also magnetic.

But point is made, some stainless is not magnetic.

 

[pap11y]

You want justification to buy from people ripping off quality companies.

Not cool...

 

[Esav Benyamin]

This thread began with a nod to a dealer which is not on Bladeforums list of paid Dealers. It continued with an interest in fakes and replicas. We do not support these practices. This thread will be closed.


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