How can I spot a chinese fake?

Cassull

Cassull

Joined
Mar 31, 2012
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318
Hey guys, I searched for answers on google, but all I got was Chris Reeves, the actor, stuff.

So anyhoo, how do you spot the difference between a true CRK and that $100 Chinese rip off? I'm not sure the name of it, but it looks EXACTLY like a CRK in every way. It uses D2 blade steel and Ti handles as well.

Not sure of its name, but I've seen pictures of it, and I honestly could not tell the difference.

I want to buy my first CRK, but I'm worried that I may end up paying 400 bucks for Chinese crap.


Thanks.
 
Easiest way is to only buy from reputable dealers. Don't buy off any eBay type sites.
 
The ones on ebay are exactly the same price as if you were to buy it from a dealer, unless you're bidding on a used one.
 
Stick with the authorized dealers listed on the Chris Reeve Knives website.
 
Have my eyes on this one: REDACTED

Digging that foliage tattoo on it.



EDIT: Removed the URL because it's against ToS to link to a site selling a knife. Don't feel like getting banned. Anyway, it's the large 21 with the leaf print on it on bid for $410 (currently)
 
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Looks authentic to me, but IMO it's quite atrocious what that guy/girl did to that knife. Looks like they used duracoat or some type of a spray paint. If that floats your boat, go for it. You might be the only bidder though.
 
As I understand it, retailers are not allowed to discount new Chris Reeve knives. So there's no reason to go to anyone but an established dealer. That also guarantees legitimacy. Even better, if you can get to a knife show, buy from them direct. Or, you can order by calling the company. Then you're sure.
 
The Logical One said:
Looks authentic to me, but IMO it's quite atrocious what that guy/girl did to that knife. Looks like they used duracoat or some type of a spray paint. If that floats your boat, go for it. You might be the only bidder though.
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Hmm, I thought the pattern was anodized on the handle. He has 'anodized' on the title, but I guess he was referring to the thumb stud...?
 
Cassull said:
Hey guys, I searched for answers on google, but all I got was Chris Reeves, the actor, stuff.

So anyhoo, how do you spot the difference between a true CRK and that $100 Chinese rip off? I'm not sure the name of it, but it looks EXACTLY like a CRK in every way. It uses D2 blade steel and Ti handles as well.

Not sure of its name, but I've seen pictures of it, and I honestly could not tell the difference.

I want to buy my first CRK, but I'm worried that I may end up paying 400 bucks for Chinese crap.


Thanks.
Click to expand...
the $100 price tag?
 
Try not to buy any cutlery on eBay unless you PERSONALLY know the seller.

I'm sure there might be many reputable people plying their trade on eBay but the risk is too great. There are too many unscrupulous crooks, selling cheap trash and knock-offs, to risk your money on a cutlery purchase. A lot of the genuine name brand cutlery sold there can be had for a similar price, and sometimes cheaper, by purchasing from reputable sellers online, who will provide proper customer service and will stand by their products. BTW, the same goes for buying vintage VW bus parts on eBay. DON'T!

The seller ratings cannot be relied on, and if you run into any kind of problem eBay is totally noncommittal about trying to sort it out, after you jump through the hoops and fire of their ridiculous customer (dis)service automated function. Honest sellers on eBay will acknowledge this problem.
 
rjdepedro said:
Try not to buy any cutlery on eBay unless you PERSONALLY know the seller.

I'm sure there might be many reputable people plying their trade on eBay but the risk is too great. There are too many unscrupulous crooks, selling cheap trash and knock-offs, to risk your money on a cutlery purchase. A lot of the genuine name brand cutlery sold there can be had for a similar price, and sometimes cheaper, by purchasing from reputable sellers online, who will provide proper customer service and will stand by their products. BTW, the same goes for buying vintage VW bus parts on eBay. DON'T!

The seller ratings cannot be relied on, and if you run into any kind of problem eBay is totally noncommittal about trying to sort it out, after you jump through the hoops and fire of their ridiculous customer (dis)service automated function. Honest sellers on eBay will acknowledge this problem.
Click to expand...


I've bought over 6 quality knives from eBay and so far haven't been disappointed by any of them. Then again, I'm not an idiot who sees a new "Strider" selling for $50 BO and jump on it.

I always do my research before buying each knife, which is why I'm here asking about CRKs and googling them as well as checking legit knife sites on them.
 
I'm not an idiot either. I had 16 seller complaints with eBay, out of almost 100 purchases (not items) totalling more than $10,000, due to non-delivered items, incorrect merchandise, non-registered payments, counterfeit items, and other problems - with no help from eBay, until I decided to stop using eBay. And I do very good reasearch, so I've never had to post to ask for an opinion on this forum. I offer my opinion based on my knowledge and experience.

You've asked for responses by posting your thread. The least you could do is be respectful if you don't agree with a response to your query.
 
buy one from the BST, asking for a fair number of good pics
the ricasso, CRK logo, box, birthcard are some details used to spot fakes, have seen good ones but mostly boxes and papers were different
there are different copies around
 
rjdepedro said:
I'm not an idiot either. I had 16 seller complaints with eBay, out of almost 100 purchases (not items) totalling more than $10,000, due to non-delivered items, incorrect merchandise, non-registered payments, counterfeit items, and other problems - with no help from eBay, until I decided to stop using eBay. And I do very good reasearch, so I've never had to post to ask for an opinion on this forum. I offer my opinion based on my knowledge and experience.

You've asked for responses by posting your thread. The least you could do is be respectful if you don't agree with a response to your query.
Click to expand...

Eh, my response wasn't meant to be taken as a jab against you. I'm not insinuating that you are an idiot who buys without researching, I was just saying that in general, I try to do my homework before buying a knife on eBay; especially one over $400.
 
Hmm, so you guys think

$(KGrHqV,!gsE+O!cNM5fBP319,DkDg~~60_57.JPG


$(KGrHqRHJEsE+Tk,gBEwBP319VrKS!~~60_57.JPG


These are anodized in by CRK or are they an aftermarket paint job?
 
That's funny. I emailed CRK and asked about that knife yesterday. Angela responded:

" I looked up that link to eBay and yes it is a CRK however, that is not an original design by us. That was done after the knife was purchased."

Hope that helps. If in doubt, just ask.
 
onespdfrk said:
That's funny. I emailed CRK and asked about that knife yesterday. Angela responded:

" I looked up that link to eBay and yes it is a CRK however, that is not an original design by us. That was done after the knife was purchased."

Hope that helps. If in doubt, just ask.
Click to expand...

Cool, thanks.
 
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