Expensive Lanyard Beads with NO Counterfeits- HOW?!

[Boxer .45]

I scoured the forums for this- maybe its in here somewhere but I can't find a thread on this.

Put aside the fact it's basically jewelry and unnecessary. There are a few bizarre things about these beads starting with the fact there is really no clear consensus on what to even call them. EDC beads, lanyard beads, paracord beads, knife beads... obviously you need something more than just "beads" or you end up looking at charm bracelets for women, but it seems the jury is out on any "official" name for them.

The thing that puzzles me the most though is that while I understand the original sculptor's time and artistry, once you make the mold 90% of these beads are either just lost wax cast, die cast, or machined with some occasional finish work. Compare with the detailed miniatures made for RPG's like Dungeons & Dragons which used to sell for about $5 at most and had a ton more detail. Even factoring in titanium or steel vs. lead or pewter, it amazes me that the sellers won't budge from the $30 avg price on these things. I have to believe that means they are selling enough of them.

The craziest part though is that there are from what I can tell ZERO knockoffs, clones, counterfeit, bootleg, whatever you want to call them. Most of the detailed ones that aren't just skulls or plain cylinders are from Ukraine from what I see.

How is it the Chinese haven't knocked these off yet for the $1 it takes to make them in bulk over there?

There are a few I really like- there's an owl that looks like the cover art of "Fly By Night" from Rush and a cool Cheshire Cat with removable top hat. Some neat helmets, creatures, etc.

The ones I see are just bronze or stainless or some other base metal.

The last thing is (and I am going to email the dude and see what's up with this) is that the "engraved skull" advertised up front is totally different from the one once you click in inventory. Same seller.

Totally baffling how these designs don't ever get cheaper or get knocked off. I find it hard to believe some Chinese seller would worry about copyright infringement from a small time artist when they are out there boldly slapping CRK or Strider logos on obvious fakes.

Anyone know what;s up with this? Or find a decent way to get similar designs without dropping $30?

Check out some pics- especially the 2 very different qualities on the skull- you can see (again this is the exact same seller and page) the detail on the first pic and then clearly a worse version being offered...I don't think you can even get the nice version.

This isn't a gripe about how no one "needs" these, we know that.

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I'm reading this...
"Put aside the fact it's basically jewelry and unnecessary."
....and cracking up thinking about all of the people on knife forums with fancy steels that cut as good as most other less fancy sharp steels, have annodized clips, micarta or specialized woods and synthetics, worry about "drop shut" etc and then poke fun at people that carry a lanyard with a bead on it. For the record I like several of those types of knives as well, just making a point.

As far as what they are called, its generally "lanyard beads" which people use on lanyards, and edc them on key or light fobs, or knife lanyards.

You can buy cheap chinese beads by the dozen for about $6-8. Some pewter oned are a dollar apiece.
There are several (dozens) of popular casters and machinists here that make simpler lanyard beads from several materials from brass, copper, stainless, acrylic, and even micarta starting at about $7 to $14 all day. They are really nice beads too.

Then there are brass, bronze, copper, micarta with far more detail that cost $20-30.

They are worth it if you want the detail. If not buy a simpler cheaper bead.
I think a lot of times people forget the time invested in sourcing materials, buying and paying shipping- sometimes rush shipping. Then you have to get your materials ready, to be processed. Then you have machine casting which is no small chore, finishing work to work small details, cleaning, maintenance to machine or molds, sourcing parts to keep those in good shape, packaging, advertising, electricity, dealing with returns etc.
Ask any of the knife makers if they think their customers realize all of the time and money behind the scenes? They just see the end product but theres a lot more goes into it.
There is of course labor and time as well, but its not a lot, each, if you consider the prices I mentioned above.

Beads are unnecessary, but as much as having more than one knife or specialized features on a knife. If you like certain details or want to express yourself with certain gear most of the time you're going to pay for it or make it.

There are some that have a specialized following and make a "branded" gear, which generally goes for a little more, but there aren't as many of those as you'd think. Most just make reasonably priced gear really.

Below are pictures off of google-
This is a $7 bead out of solid brass

$22 Bronze

$26 bronze with articulating parts

$24 brass

$22 Bronze

All of the above seem like a good value for the materials, time, and detail. You can see the first is only $7 and still a nice bead. There are hundreds in each price range, everything you can think of. Some of the more detailed go up to about $70 but take better molds and more finish work.

If you want to see crazy, there is a particular knife seller that has very detailed beads out of silver and gold and those cost a few hundred dollars or more. And its about as crazy as buying a higher end knife if the bead suits you and you want it bad enough.

Some people collect beads, like a character, or want to express themselves. Some people are fine with a cheaper bead, and some people don't like them at all. I don't think there is a WRONG, just different opinions.

 

[Boxer .45]

Google "lanyard beads" and click "images" and scroll through the choices. You can find any of the price ranges and types you want that way. Also go to several sites and look around and you'll see all kinds of stuff. From simple to special.

I'd drop lots names, dealers, and links but thats not allowed.

 

[Blues]

It's premature to start a survey at this juncture. Wait for Spark to provide a response.

Carry on with discussion of beads, how they are made or whatever else may be of interest to those who wish to continue with this topic.

 

[Motega]

If you have the time hop back through the thread... we're way past that now...

I learned ther process and wad suggesting an exclusive Bladeforums bead, we can work together to design it if the boss man says it's OK

The thing I like best is that they melt Russian coinage to make some of them

Anyway I asked Sparks to take a look ans ser if we're can do this ad post above

 

[Motega]

Thanks for the input Blues!
I didn't start a formal survey of course.
I am awaiting a few more pics from that guy to show us the whole process from melting down the coins (made from some weird metal called "Melchior" which I had never heard of or just we call it something different) to polishing the finished piece. I have been interestd in this kind of stuff lately since I learned what a "hobo nickel" was last week.

I am getting a little ahead of myself, you are right, the idea of everyone collaborating instead of busting chops 24/7 to create something to strengthen our sense of community plus raise a few dollars for our site here and for those really in need right now seemed like a cool thing to do together right now while a lot of us are stuck at home.

Hopefully we will hear back soon.