Fake Delica 4 FFG?

ejames13

ejames13

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Mar 30, 2015
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Hey everyone,

I'd like to solicit your expertise on a Delica I just bought from Amazon (ships from and sold by them). There are some red flags that make me think I might have gotten a fake.

1. The laser engraving on the blade is in a weird font. I've searched around and can't find any other Delica's with this font. The letters look fatter than normal, and the "SEKI-CITY" is usually larger than the "JAPAN", but on this blade they look like the exact same size.
2. The spider on the clip is engraved lower than on any other Delica I've seen.
3. The inside of the thumb hole has really rough machine marks. All of my other Spydies are well polished inside the thumbhole.
4. After cutting some potatoes last night, I noticed that some patina quickly developed just below the thumb hole. It was probably less than 5 minutes and then I washed the blade off. There are also tiny speckles of rust all over the blade now. This seems very unusual for VG-10.

Can you guys looks at the pics and let me know what you think? Thanks for your help!

Eric

Delica01.jpg

Delica02.JPG

Delica03.JPG

Delica04.jpg
 
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Can't see it. Link won't open.

Just based on your description, I'd send it back.

Not uncommon for Amazon to unknowingly pass along a fake returned by a previous unscrupulous buyer.
 
TravisH said:
Can't see it. Link won't open.

Just based on your description, I'd send it back.

Not uncommon for Amazon to unknowingly pass along a fake returned by a previous unscrupulous buyer.
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Just updated original post with embedded pictures. The box was sealed with a clear sticker on either end so seems unlikely that it was a return. I wouldn't expect to get a fake when shipped and sold from Amazon, but the laser engraving on the blade is really different...
 
FWIW, the "SEKI-CITY" and "JAPAN" lettering are the same size on my SB Stretch. They are also the same size as the "SPYDERCO" and steel markings lettering on the opposite side. Those things are also true for my ZDP-189 Stretch 2, although all the lettering is smaller on it than on the SB.


Still, once you doubt something's authenticity, your going to have at least some question about it, even if everyone says it's genuine. So, I'd agree with Travis that your best bet is to return it to Amazon.
 
ejames,

I believe the equal-sized lettering between 'Seki-City' and 'Japan' is on more recently-made knives. I have a new Endurance 4 FFG, and its lettering is equal-sized.

IMO, your D4 looks legit to me, but I've never heard of rust forming that easily. However, I do have one D4 (saber-ground SE) that developed some minor rust staining and spots just from being in my pocket (humidity?). None of my other VG-10 blades have had that happen before. Could it be variation in whatever batch of VG-10 it came from?

Jim
 
My salt has the same square e as your d4. My older d4 is rounded. Looks like they changed the stamp/etching process.
As for the rusting, I'm with Jim. Variation of the batch. If you're unhappy, I would swap it out with Amazon. They are really good about returns.
LS
 
I remember the time l almost bought a fake delica back in 2013. It was in a sporting goods convention. I remember the dealer trying to sell me what appeared to be a stainless steel delica for $ 100. I would have almost fallen for it ; but then my grandfather noticed the 440c sign on the blade. Then it occured me. Spyderco never made any knives in 440c.
Regarding your question : The knife does not seem legit to me. There is no way Vg-10 patinas THAT fast.
 
carbonsteelfan said:
I remember the time l almost bought a fake delica back in 2013. It was in a sporting goods convention. I remember the dealer trying to sell me what appeared to be a stainless steel delica for $ 100. I would have almost fallen for it ; but then my grandfather noticed the 440c sign on the blade. Then it occured me. Spyderco never made any knives in 440c.Regarding your question : The knife does not seem legit to me. There is no way Vg-10 patinas THAT fast.
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They never made the Delica in 440C, but they have made several others in that steel. I have a Golden-made MeerKat, an S and a SpydeRench with 440C blades that I can think of off hand.
 
My D4 ZDP-189 has the exact same Seki-City etch as yours. My older Endura 4 in VG-10 has the older style Seki-City stamp you referenced. At first I was worried the D4 (also ordered from amazon) was a fake but after researching it a bit, chalked the difference up to different finishing on different blade steels. After owning it for a while and sharpening it, if its a fake its got some very hard fake ZDP-189 :p
 
I've never seen a confirmed fake Delica 4 to even know if they indeed exist or not...?



Oh and btw, I also have a Salsa with 440c... but not the point.
 
Looks legit to me too.

Concerned about the patina though. But, in the top photo, I notice a fingerprint over the "Spyderco". Maybe its just a 'dirty' blade? Have you tried washing the blade with soap then 'polishing' it with oil then wipe it down? Maybe even then try a bit of metal polish.
 
TravisH said:
Looks legit to me too.

Concerned about the patina though. But, in the top photo, I notice a fingerprint over the "Spyderco". Maybe its just a 'dirty' blade? Have you tried washing the blade with soap then 'polishing' it with oil then wipe it down? Maybe even then try a bit of metal polish.
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Washed with soap and water and then rubbed with oil, but that didn't seem to help. I haven't tried metal polish.
 
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Seems like most everyone agrees it is genuine. Now I'm with TravisH...why the patina? It doesn't bother me so I'm not going to put a lot of effort into trying to get it off. I just thought VG-10 was supposed to be one of the most stain resistant steels out there.
 
I bought one from Spydercostore and it looks exactly the same as yours. It's real. Can't help you on the patina though.ine has never done that, and it sees absolutely no care from me to prevent it.
 
Gizler00 said:
I bought one from Spydercostore and it looks exactly the same as yours. It's real. Can't help you on the patina though.ine has never done that, and it sees absolutely no care from me to prevent it.
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Thanks. Do you use yours for food prep?
 
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