I need some help with Spyderco Fakes mainly Southard

nosaj750

nosaj750

Larevo Knives
Joined
Aug 28, 2010
Messages
207
I need some help determining which spyderco southard is real and which one is fake? Or, if both are real or fake? The first one i purchased on ebay which i know is notorious for fakes. I had no idea there were fake Southards already but the knife was awesome, high quality, looked and performed good. I recently traded it. A few days later I traded another knife for another Southard. When the second one arrived it is totally different than the one I just got rid of. Different feel, different look to the titanium, and the one thing that really makes me think the second one is fake is there is no lanyard tube and it was supposed to be unused and new. Also the blade has been sharpened unevenly in one spot I noticed. This first picture is the original one i purchased on ebay several months ago. The only other thing I can think of is a change in material vendors being used possibly? Highly unlikely I would think though. The one i received today is lighter as well weighs in at only 3.7oz. The original one I don't know what it weighs but it was heavier I do remember that much. Thanks for looking and any feedback. I've emailed Spyderco to see what they say as well but have not heard back from them yet. I'm not looking to blame anyone for this just trying to figure out what is going on since they are both so different in look and feel.

Southard OG G10jpg.jpgSouthard OG Ti.jpg



This is the one I just received. Notice the different color of titanium.
New Southard & Hinderer.jpgSouthard new G10.jpg
 
If I had to guess, I would say the first one is a fake. Look at the placement of the pocket clip. The clip rests partially on the lockbar, which is incorrect. The second knife the clip rests entirely on the frame like it should.
 
None of your pictures are good enough for me to say either way.
 
jeffsenpai said:
If I had to guess, I would say the first one is a fake. Look at the placement of the pocket clip. The clip rests partially on the lockbar, which is incorrect. The second knife the clip rests entirely on the frame like it should.
Click to expand...

I think you're correct, but for different reasons. When I had a Southard my clip was fully on the frame like you say it should be, but I took it off because I like to see how every knife I buy feels without the clip. When I put it back on it rested on the lockbar, and I discovered that there is actually enough wiggle in the screws that secure it that unless they're tightened down, you can slide the clip to fall on the lockbar if you just push it.

I do think that the first one is fake. The reason for this is that the hardware on the first one has flat heads, and there has never been any flat hardware used on the Southard. That, combined with the lighter lock side, which should be the color of the second one, leads me to believe that the first is likely a fake.
 
Also the fact that in the first one the relief in the scale to reach the lockbar is not cut properly. It is supposed to flow into the same line as the flipper, and I have never seen a Southard that has that issue that is real. In fact, the entire front scale is not shaped entirely right (the front is too rounded, and the lines aren't right, hard to explain). I also just read and saw where you got it, which certainly does it no favors for credibility. In my opinion, the first one is certainly fake.
 
First one has upgraded standoffs on it which came with the flat heads which I installed forgot to mention that...damn good eye you have tho. Original hardware was not like that. I was in the process of pimping it and didn't get a chance to counter sync the flat heads so they didn't fit 100% yet. I will try to find some better pics and post. Thanks everyone
 
Once more, the only way to assure yourself of getting a legitimate knife is to purchase from a legitimate source. No idea why so many people insist on gambling with what little money they say they have (they must have wanted to save a few bucks to begin with).
 
RevDevil said:
Once more, the only way to assure yourself of getting a legitimate knife is to purchase from a legitimate source. No idea why so many people insist on gambling with what little money they say they have (they must have wanted to save a few bucks to begin with).
Click to expand...
Always trying to save a buck! But honestly when I purchased the original one I didnt think the fakes were around yet so felt pretty safe buying it frome ebay. The seller had over 600 sells and 99% positive feedback. The new one I got today was acquired in a trade from a reputable collector. Just trying to figure out if both are legit or what.
 
The clip on the second one looks wrong, did you change it? The Southard fakes are so good it's tough to tell, I swear the factory in Taiwan sold the schematics to another factory in China. That is one knife I would never buy other than from an authorized dealer. Wouldn't get one used either unless they were very trustworthy and had original receipt.
 
evilgreg said:
It's hard to tell much from your pictures. I posted teardown side by side photos of a fake Southard next to a real one here, way back when:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/796442-Spyderco-Fakes-amp-Knock-Offs-Info/page13
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/796442-Spyderco-Fakes-amp-Knock-Offs-Info/page14
Click to expand...
Your post is a huge help thank you for shsring. I do know the first one had bearings like your fake. I'm going to tear this one down and see what it has.
 
And there we have it!! I think that solves my problem...thanks again eceryone you've been a tremendous help.
uploadfromtaptalk1405647151510.jpg
 
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