What brands are copycats

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Mo2 said:
Y start has some clones. They are also very low quality. I'd avoid.

Try some budget brands like we knives new Vivivca brand or however you spell it. Bestech knives is another one. Ruike and real Steel are made by Senmenru but have some original budget knife models.
Two sun knives that are designed by "night morning design" are original designs.

Crkt and Kershaw are poorly made budget models but original designs. Might be better to splurge a few more doll hairs and get one of the better budget knives from the better Chinese manufacturers.

Avoid ganzo... Every one is poorly made and a clone. We don't like them here.
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Yes I recently saw a Ruike on here that was recommended in another thread and I loved the look so I bought on Amazon and fell immediately in love. It was my first introduction to flippers and flat grinds, which I've since come to determine to be my top two preferences in folding knives. I love how the tail that you use to flip it open acts as a partial guard when opened, genius. Also just love the action of a flipper!

I've also got my eye on an LAPG S35VN flipper as well. It's not flat grind but appears to be hollow, which is my backup go to for folders. Great reviews for the steel quality, not so much the pocket clip or thumb studs, but I can sand the studs down and don't need the pocket clip, as I prefer to attach Paracord and remove pocket clips all together. This lets the knife reside fully encompassed in my fifth pocket with the Paracord tail hanging out which I can much more easily and quickly grab, give a jerk, and voila, knife at the ready.

Pocket clips, for me, inevitable catch on things, cut my wrists up (because I rest my hands in my pockets) and just generally annoy me to no end. I've tried carrying them in back pockets, but they scrape up my nice leather seats in my car. My front pockets are already loaded down with cellphone, wallet, and keys in left and gun in right.

Anyway, thanks for the other suggestions. I'm also planning to try a steel will which I too found here through another thread posting. Looks like quality stuff.

katanas said:
Buy what you like and can afford IF you are not aware of it (or it's maker reputation) being a copy (copier) and you have looked around here and found nothing. If you really are unaware of anything wrong and find out later, that's just a mistake; no big deal. ;) Over time, you will get better but will not likely ever catch EVERY one, there are too many. :( Buy with a clear conscience and don't stress over mistakes which ALL of us make sometimes. :thumbsup:
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Thanks for that. I was starting to feel like a real bum. I'm a kinesthetic learner. I don't learn by reading, because, simply, I can't read past a few lines of anything if it doesn't hold enough captivation for my attention immediately. So I'm a hands on learner. Anyway, before coming here I bought a few cheapies on Amazon, those bring SanRenMu and Ganzo. Maybe I just didn't give them enough time to prove their lack of quality, but they were all very very nice to me, still are, honestly. Super sharp out of the box, amazingly smooth locking mechanisms (ripoff axis lock). I didn't even know what steel they were, didn't even know there were differences, but I'm learning quick. I scratched my teeth on fixed knives first, nowhere near the copycat problem there it seems.

Anywho, IIhad no clue I had bought all this ripoff trash, and being from the watch collecting world before this, buying something that copies designs but doesn't steal the name isn't taboo. They're called homages. Sure there are some that frown on this, but the overwhelming consensus is that it's all fine. I figured that would transfer over. And I do still honestly say that me buying those cheapos was because there was no way I was going to buy the real deal, not yet. Not while I'm still trying to get a grasp on what it is I even like in a knife, let alone how to identify the features that make it so. But after arguing with a lot of you here I realized that it isn't just about me and the knives in buying or for what purpose. It's also about giving money to these cheaters, which is essentially supporting their business to continue to ripoff and take advantage of others, let alone using loopholes to steal from American companies that have to obey American property laws. So I, in essence, was ripping then off as well. Maybe not an illegal act, but an important one for sure. And I'm a very proud American who believes in supporting American companies before all others.

So I'm thinking of expanding by "beginners budget" so I can experience better stuff while supporting the right companies in the right way. I mean heck, if I was willing to spend thousands on a single watch, why not a hundred on a knife or two here and there.
 
SpySmasher said:
Rather than trying to avoid the bad actors seek out the good ones. They are easier to identify.

Save up for a Spyderco. Then a Buck. Then a Case. Then a Cold Steel. When tax refund/Christmas season rolls around (depending on your age) get a CRK. Stake out the Exchange and try to snag a ghost GEC. Etc.

By that time you'll be several years into your collection and an expert on knives.
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Well, don't get me wrong, I've bought several more expensive knives as well, before I knew what I was doing at all. That's why I've taken this, back off stance, trying to regroup.

I own two Spydercos currently. Have had a Byrd as well. Really don't like Spyderco locking mechanisms. They seem to only use slip joint or what I call lock back, not sure what it's really known as. I also don't like their blade shapes, designs or handles much. I can attest that they seem very very high quality, just not at all my style. I've got one with an Emerson wave attachment, vg10, terrible grind for me. I've got one I love other than design, locking system and handle, a Manbug in zdp189 I just bought recently. I actually love it, despite it's flaws. Perfect flat grind and the steel just cuts everything like it was hot butter!

I've had a DPX Heat something or other in Elmax, long before I knew anything about steels at all, just thought it looked cool. But I hated how fat it was, and thick, and the frame lock was super stiff... In fact it's the only knife I've spent over $100 on, it was almost double that, and probably the only product I've ever bought that I actually returned for a refund. I usually punish myself for bad purchase decisions by giving things away instead. Perhaps that's part of the reason I'm backing off also. Lol

And I've got several name brand fixed blade along with other folders like case, buck, SAKs, Boker, Boker+, Boker Magnum and more... And I live in Oregon, so you know I've had several Kershaw, CRKT and Gerber. I'm a fan of Kershaw, not of the other two much (except Gerber multi-tool are okay).

The reason I enjoy the idea of finding budget knives is because I love finding gems like the Ruike 801 and the LAPG I'm looking at. They aren't just cheap knives with cheap steels, they are cheap knives with decent to darn good steels. That's a whole lot more rewarding, to me, than spending $200 on some Benchmade. So yeah, both sides are a snobbery thing, I can admit I have cheap gem snobbery problem. Lol

Anyway, I really appreciate all the suggestions. I found a few more brands I've not looked into yet so I look forward to seeing some new stuff soon.
 
BeyondTheBox said:
So I'm confused, is Kizer okay or not? I found one I really want, but, again, I want to do this the right way.
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Kizers a decent budget brand. They got their own issues just as everyone else does, but I do believe they license many of there designs. I'm not a fan but they have a large following.

The Lapg is real s35vn, but it's not a great knife. They did change it a bit and made it better than the original release, but it wasn't for me regardless. Try one and see for yourself.
 
BeyondTheBox said:
So I'm confused, is Kizer okay or not? I found one I really want, but, again, I want to do this the right way.
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Kizer is great. There's a few models with worse QC, but every one I've had has been perfectly fine. Worst issue I've had was a perfectly usable, but lighter than I'd like detent on my M390 Shoal. Overall a strong conpecompe in the market.

Mo2 said:
Kizers a decent budget brand. They got their own issues just as everyone else does, but I do believe they license many of there designs. I'm not a fan but they have a large following.

The Lapg is real s35vn, but it's not a great knife. They did change it a bit and made it better than the original release, but it wasn't for me regardless. Try one and see for yourself.
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To my knowledge Kizer has licensed every design, unless it was in house (obviously you don't have to license your own stuff). Only real issue I've seen aside from the few models with a bad release (like the Feist) is the crazy pricing variance and sales. Black Friday they went insane and dropped some models down like 60% off retail, and some people got mad about purchases they made before Black Friday.

The LAPG knife is actually awesome, at least mine is. Detent is about spot on, clip was swapped to tip up, and the blade is proper S35VN and heat treated well. Action is about what I'd expect from a $50 knife, not phenomenal but pretty good. Only issues I've had are that the thumb studs stick out a fair bit, and just got in the way of sharpening (so they lost a little on the corner), and the lock could be chamfered better.
 
I don’t think that just sticking with the reputable forum supported vendors is neccesarily a sure thing. There are a few brands who have managed to slip through the cracks.

There are also a few companies that seem to have there integrity debated a bit on here. They are often carried by good dealers and it is up to you to orient your own moral compass in regards to them. That might take some time and some research.

Spysmasher’s advice is the same as mine. Just stick with the known good guys with unquestionable integrity in regards to intillectual property. Kershaw makes good budget knives. Ontario does as well. I still need the Dozier Arrow. Spyderco is my go to. There are too many good budget knives from reputable companies to need to wander into the grey area.
 
bearfacedkiller said:
I don’t think that just sticking with the reputable forum supported vendors is neccesarily a sure thing. There are a few brands who have managed to slip through the cracks.

There are also a few companies that seem to have there integrity debated a bit on here. They are often carried by good dealers and it is up to you to orient your own moral compass in regards to them. That might take some time and some research.

Spysmasher’s advice is the same as mine. Just stick with the known good guys with unquestionable integrity in regards to intillectual property. Kershaw makes good budget knives. Ontario does as well. I still need the Dozier Arrow. Spyderco is my go to. There are too many good budget knives from reputable companies to need to wander into the grey area.
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I hear ya, the problem is that none of this has anything to do with needs. I only need one knife, the rest are completely frivolous and superfluous. No, this is all about wants, and I want the diamonds in the rough.

But I understand what everyone is saying and thanks for the help. I'll keep trying to find those diamonds in the rough, but I'll do my best to research them before I impulse buy. Lol
 
Much easier to ask about knives you want, not knives you don't as other have stated.

I've owned SOG, Cold Steel and Gerber's decades ago before some knife brand even existed and they are still functional for their purpose and price point. There are forums for lots of makers and manufacturers here, go visit them and see what you like and start buying. If you don't like something upgrade your membership and sell. You've been here a while, so think about upgrading your membership regardless, it's worth every penny.

My example is, before I joined BF, I really didn't know a thing ("really") about knives, steel, makers, manufacturers, traditionals, really anything at all. Since joining I carry a Beer Scout daily in a pocket slip and use it regularly. Didn't even know what a Beer Scout was 3 years ago, saw cases of Traditionals at guns and knife shows for years and had no clue what they were. Also carry fixed blades from a handful of makers here when outdoors, and never had a fixed blade before BF (kitchen knives yes). Folders I've upgraded to CRK and Spyderco (Para2 and other unique releases), they wear nicely and work with my lifestyle. Have a few and gifted a few fixed blades from makers on BF in the eastern bloc, excellent craftsmanship, very good values and usually unique.

Figure out what you want to do with a knife and ask what people prefer for that activity or task. Many varied opinions will boggle your mind but narrow choices from infinity to a few dozen. Research and buy what speaks to you.
 
SOG copied the arclock from Benchmade s axis lock...to an extent. They also jumped on the assisted opening after Kershaw.
Microtech copying Mikov and ZT. I started buying chinese MT's because theyre better and cheaper.
Cold Steel made some Victorinox copies a few yrs back. They sucked.
 
BeyondTheBox said:
Since I'm new to any seriousness about knife collecting, is there any listing of knife brands that are rip-offs to avoid?

I'm a bang-for-buck kind of guy when it comes to this. That may change some day, but while I'm in my growing phase I'm not at all interested in spending hundreds on learning lessons. I still don't know what I absolutely like yet, let alone why I like it or how to identify and repeat in others.

So far I've come to learn to stay away from SanRenMu. Okay, fair enough, I heard you guys, considered all points and succumbed to the rationale. I also just saw a posting from another person about an Amazon brand I've come across a lot and considered several times, this Efangrow (I think). Saw that it was banned for being a copy brand, added that to my avoid list.

So I'm guessing I can add Ganzo, which is too bad because I really liked their knives I've tried.

I've seen around a couple brands, Y-Start & LW, as cheapies and I want to try one of each. Is this a no go as well? I don't want to believe that all things Chinese are equal, but I don't want to step on the toes of American businesses, ever. I'm almost ashamed I ever defended that point.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
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Sierra Zulu, this brand is so shameless in their cloning they even use the same name for the knives/machetes/ect. For example the trident from United cutlery or what ever the name is, or that woodcutter axe, they just take a slightly popular design, use 3cr13mov, give it a black and white makeover and Tada, you have their new product. Sometimes they add a karambit loophole at the end but that's barely anything to take credit for.​

 
BeyondTheBox said:
Since I'm new to any seriousness about knife collecting, is there any listing of knife brands that are rip-offs to avoid?

I'm a bang-for-buck kind of guy when it comes to this. That may change some day, but while I'm in my growing phase I'm not at all interested in spending hundreds on learning lessons. I still don't know what I absolutely like yet, let alone why I like it or how to identify and repeat in others.

So far I've come to learn to stay away from SanRenMu. Okay, fair enough, I heard you guys, considered all points and succumbed to the rationale. I also just saw a posting from another person about an Amazon brand I've come across a lot and considered several times, this Efangrow (I think). Saw that it was banned for being a copy brand, added that to my avoid list.

So I'm guessing I can add Ganzo, which is too bad because I really liked their knives I've tried.

I've seen around a couple brands, Y-Start & LW, as cheapies and I want to try one of each. Is this a no go as well? I don't want to believe that all things Chinese are equal, but I don't want to step on the toes of American businesses, ever. I'm almost ashamed I ever defended that point.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
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Sierra Zulu is a copycat brand that uses cheap 3cr13mov and they even have cancer warnings on their products. I'd avoid em at all cost
 
Many outfits have cancer warnings on their knives due to California's prop 65 requirements. Means nothing.
 
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