Is my TOPS SXS a fake/clone???

[Hale Storm]

Just got a TOPS SXS in trade. I noticed in the video reviews that the saw back teeth are sharpened and uncoated. On mine, the saw back is coated and appears to be unable to saw.
There is also a small chip in the edge even though the knife looks to be in mint condition. I always thought TOPS 1095 was done well?

Wondering if it’s a clone since the saw back has coated “teeth”?

 

[SwissHeritageCo]

Looks real to me, TOPS uses unique weird red liners made out of a different material than most and those appear to be identical.

Maybe the saw teeth are exposed from people using the saw and wearing off the coating? If it's a knock off, the match in materials is spooky close.

 

[shane45-1911]

Looks legit to me too.

 

[Hale Storm]

Thanks to all of you. I actually called TOPS as well and sent them pics. They verified it is their knife. Not a clone.

 

[Hale Storm]

Please close.

 

[beestokk]

Replying since thread is still open - did Tops say why the teeth were coated? I've had a few SXS blades and none have had coated saw teeth.

 

[Frosted flakes]

Looks real to me, TOPS uses unique weird red liners made out of a different material than most and those appear to be identical.

Maybe the saw teeth are exposed from people using the saw and wearing off the coating? If it's a knock off, the match in materials is spooky close.

My Tops came with no coating on the teeth. Easy to tell it wasn't worn off, though.

 

[Frosted flakes]

Tops site, shows SXS like this :

 

[HP2114B]

After the coating process, the teeth are supposed to be ground sharp with an alternating bias on the top faces. It looks like they forgot or omitted the machining step.

^^^That listing pic is turned slightly away from the camera. The main listing photo shows the uncoated teeth.