How do you guys feel about China copies?

Status
Not open for further replies.
shecky said:
Copy does not equal counterfeit.

Copies are good. Keeps designers from getting fat and lazy.

Counterfeits are frauds. They fool customers and damage brand names unfairly.
Click to expand...
+1 on this.

[opinion]
There is a difference between the copies that utilize existing design, and clones that use the exact same dimensions & branding.
Once they slap a name and logo on there, then it's just deceiving and definitely crossing the line.

I think knives such as the Sanrenmu 710 and the Inron MY803 that sell for under $20 are fine since they are obviously not trying to replace their more expensive and better-made counterparts. However, the infamous Strider SMF DGG clone is definitely crossing the line as it uses the identical dimensions and has the name and logo stamped on. Unlawfully branding an inferior product with the name of a trusted quality brand is pure deceit.

An example outside of the knife hobby is the design of the Hyundai Genesis Sedan. People can say with confidence that the Hyundai utilized design cues from Mercedes (E- and S-Class), but the general population doesn't really care as long as they don't slap on a Mercedes badge because there is enough difference in performance and quality between the two.

tl;dr: Copying a design is ok, but unlawful branding is not.
[/opinion]
 
I've handled one of the fake SMFs and the claim of Ti lock side is real, but it is definitely really crappy Ti. Tried heat coloring it, and it doesn't take heat well. Colors, but ugly, and not smooth, with lots of weird spots, which to me says that it isn't very good quality Ti. Also the blade steel doesn't seem like the D2 they claim it is, at all. I've taken one to the sharpener, and then gave it some use, and can say that the steel is total crap. Thick stock, not gonna break or anything, but edge retention and even ability to take an edge is garbage.

Probably didn't need to go into so much, but I can say from having personally handled, and used a friend's fake SMF, don't waste your 70 bucks or whatever. Take that 70 bucks each month or whatever, and put it in a shoebox. In a few months you'll have the cash to buy the real thing, made with real quality material, backed by real knife makers that you can actually get a hold of if your quality, US made knife ever needs any service done. Oh, and then there is that pride of ownership thing. It just feels right.
 
xperiaarcs said:
i feel like it isnt right but i dont see why crk and strider dont offer some more budget friendly knives, im not saying a 50$ line but something a bit cheaper then their original prices. I know it wont happen but i think itd do well if it did happen.
Could be wrong though.
Click to expand...

What's wrong with this Hinderer designed (and looking) Kershaw for $50!

[video=youtube;z2Hpd4Wdurw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2Hpd4Wdurw[/video]
 
docbp87 said:
I've handled one of the fake SMFs and the claim of Ti lock side is real, but it is definitely really crappy Ti. Tried heat coloring it, and it doesn't take heat well. Colors, but ugly, and not smooth, with lots of weird spots, which to me says that it isn't very good quality Ti. Also the blade steel doesn't seem like the D2 they claim it is, at all. I've taken one to the sharpener, and then gave it some use, and can say that the steel is total crap. Thick stock, not gonna break or anything, but edge retention and even ability to take an edge is garbage.

Probably didn't need to go into so much, but I can say from having personally handled, and used a friend's fake SMF, don't waste your 70 bucks or whatever. Take that 70 bucks each month or whatever, and put it in a shoebox. In a few months you'll have the cash to buy the real thing, made with real quality material, backed by real knife makers that you can actually get a hold of if your quality, US made knife ever needs any service done. Oh, and then there is that pride of ownership thing. It just feels right.
Click to expand...

Yeah the fakes that come marked or branded are usually ok-crappy knives, but the unmarked or branded with the chinese makers mark are usually of much higher quality.

Steel being used for new $150 hinderer clones.
345yc5s.jpg
 
I have no problem buying a quality knife made in China (a Spyderco Tenacious is on my wants list) but I will not buy an unlicensed blatant counterfeit that is being passed as the real thing regardless of where it's made.
 
However, the infamous Strider SMF DGG clone is definitely crossing the line as it uses the identical dimensions and has the name and logo stamped on. Unlawfully branding an inferior product with the name of a trusted quality brand is pure deceit.
Click to expand...

Being blatantly ripped off by Chicoms couldn't happen to two more deserving stolen valor types.
 
I'm not terribly bothered by them, I'm actually a little bit impressed at how well executed some of the copies appear to be.
 
To the op:

Don't care for a P.O.S. in my pocket. I want the real thing. I'll scrape and claw; work tooth and nail to get it, legally, - it's more gratifying for me that way. Knowing that I paid for an item that is exactly what I wanted- not settling. I'm just wired that way.

As you already know, if you are seriously considering buying a knife that would put you in a financial bind, you've got more pressing issues to resolve than ones of morality. Proper moral standpoints are at times a luxury, but to not uphold it is an ineptitude you suffer alone.

But hey, it's your world and I'm just a squirrel in it.
 
espnazi said:
Yeah the fakes that come marked or branded are usually ok-crappy knives, but the unmarked or branded with the chinese makers mark are usually of much higher quality.

Steel being used for new $150 hinderer clones.
345yc5s.jpg
Click to expand...

Curious where these photos came from?
 
Frankly, I think the designer fashion, watch, knife, whatever companies create their own misery. They build a business around an aura of exclusivity and uniqueness, tricking people into craving their products just for the image and name. Of course somebody's going to realize that the image and name aren't that hard to copy... and since that's all 99% of exclusive-brand buyers are really looking for (i.e. bragging rights), then ba-da-bing ba-da-bam.

Sure, these companies may or may not make a fantastic product, but most of the price is really that exclusive brand name... so they are basically selling air (their exclusive image). Which is pretty evil, when you think about it; the dark side of Capitalism; the brand worship. Then they get pissed when some smart guy in China sees through the charade and decides to do a little evil himself to make a buck, also feeding on people's brand-worshipping souls. And then those "exclusive" companies expect me to feel bad for them and be morally outraged that they got punked at their own game. Nope. I'm laughing.
 
Last edited:
The fact that there is even a market for that crap pisses me off.
 
The pics of the blade steel crack me up, I could write and stamp GOLD or PLATINUM on a piece of foil, does that make it true? COME ON!!! Are you seriously that gullible? They are chinese rip offs, you are going to take their word for it? I for one did in fact buy a Reeve knock off to see what it was like, after I seen it and felt it I sent it to Chris's shop so they could do the same. After they looked at it they asked if I wanted it back in which I did not, let them keep it and they sent a t-shirt in return. It was a serious POS!!! Just re-confirmed why spending $400 on a Reeve is well worth it.

And lastly, all these comments about kids don't know better, really? I am only 28 at the moment and the only knife that I own that was not produced in this country is a Lionsteel Sr-1B. I have been purchasing knives for 4-5 years and think that I know better. :)
 
China is just so corrupt. They have government sponsored copyright infringement. It seems like they have been reverse engineering American products for ever. I love American made knives, because they are high quality and the money stays in the country. There is a reason that you would never find an American made product in a Dollar Tree or an American made knife in a case at the gas station. The quality of American made products and the working conditions are high in America. Its the exact opposite in China. I am sorry if i got too political there, but i feel strongly about it. I understand some Coldsteel knives are made in China, and those aren't bad, but just because they are made in China, i wont buy them. And a Chinese copy..... blah.
 
Last edited:
Nixelplix said:
I think anyone who buys these illegitimate copies is a fool and is doing their part to destroy this hobby. They are denying the labors of those that made the origional products, and supporting thieves who would profit from stealing these designs. A shame on anyone who thinks that purchasing one of these fakes doesn't hurt anyone. There are hundreds of perfectly good inexpensive knife designs out there that are not rip offs of respected makers. If you want a certain knife, and can't afford it, or can't acquire it somehow, than you don't want that knife enough. You are lying to yourself if you buy one of these fake, rip-off knives.
Click to expand...


plus one or three on that :thumbup:
 
Its so unfair to the hard working people who put time into their designs. Out of respect you shouldn't buy copies.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top