Spyderco Knock-offs, "Replicas"and Fakes

[TazKristi]

As most of you know, the growing number of Spyderco-like knock-offs, "replicas" and fakes is a problem.

As Sal says, 'tis a PITA.

As a small company it’s not possible to have someone on staff searching for these things. You are a key part of our awareness. Your efforts are appreciated more than we can express.

In an attempt to consolidate the information, all posts alerting the forum to Spyderco-like products (knock-offs, “replicas” and fakes) will be moved to this new sub-forum.

Please post any new threads regarding knock-offs, etc. here.

This will not only help us, but it will help new members become Edge-U-cated on the problem.

Thanx Much! :spyder:

[tonydahose]

if you ever to want see all (or almost all the fake ones) just go to the chinese ebay...i typed in spyderco in the search and 2100 items popped up...the real ones have a much higher price

http://search.eachnet.com/search/c3B5ZGVyY28=--0-2.html

[jezabel]

No problem Kristi, anything to help y'all keep on top of things.

[224477]

Thanks for creating this subforum Kristi, was about time!

[SoCal Operator]

Excellent idea for a subforum.

[bohica1998]

I've been trying. Whenever I see one that doesn't look right, I usually sound off.

(Of course, I sometimes goof too. How was I to know the Assist has a "crack" built into it, hehe?)

A possible candidate for this sub-forum?

http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38576

[MountainManJim]

It's not a knock-off, but it is false advertising.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Spyderco-Firefly-NEW_W0QQitemZ180366157216QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item29fea925a0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C 301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Jim

[tonydahose]

Rob found these but i didnt see that he posted it here so credit goes to him.

http://cgi.ebay.at/TACTICAL-POCKET-FOLDING-LOCK-BLADE-flat-ground-knives_W0QQitemZ180316948096QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_ DefaultDomain_0?hash=item29fbba4680&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A30

http://cgi.ebay.at/NEW-STAINLESS-POCKET-FOLDING-LOCK-BLADE-NAVY-knives-631_W0QQitemZ170302662659QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item27a6d46803&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=|301%3A1|293%3A2|294%3A30

[waco kid]

Is nothing safe from cheap copies? I'm used to seeing threads about fake wristwatches. Now we have to watch out for fake pocket knives? Personally, I avoid Ebay like the plague and stick to forums where fake sellers don't last long.

[The Deacon]

Is nothing safe from cheap copies? I'm used to seeing threads about fake wristwatches. Now we have to watch out for fake pocket knives? Personally, I avoid Ebay like the plague and stick to forums where fake sellers don't last long.Probably not, damn precious little anyway. I've heard tell they clone $15 SAKs.

[Ms89glide]

I noticed a c-15 on ebay, but it is a g-10 handle with plain edge. I don't think spyderco made this combination.
ms89glide

[Fishstalker]

Here is a knock off Poliwog: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.18078
It even comes with a spydie hole.

Or how about this knock off S Silver: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.21376

[john row]

Particularly for Tazchristi, but please - I welcome any one to respond.

Does Spyderco pursue the perps now?

I've been out of circulation for awhile, but, it appears to me (IMHO) that this is still a problem more of rip offs of spydieholes, blade shapes, poor efforts at locking mechs,etc. As opposed to "professional" attempts at fooling people passing POS as real spydies. IE Stamping of "Seki Japan", "Spyderco", metal designations, etc. (patented stuff, but still not a serious attempt at counterfeiting. Just proprietary theft. Which is just as bad.

This seems to be a problem much the same as it was 10 or 12 years ago when I started buying Spyderco products. Can anyone who owns or has handled one real spydie (or Benchmade, Emerson, or other high quality products even Rolex for that matter) be fooled. I realize that people buy a lot "touch unfelt" but still a little research ...

And yes, I see that some novice could be fooled. Which IS a bad thing. I ask myself, whether that buyer who is attracted to a $6.00 look a like would spend the money for the real deal, anyway. IF there would come a time where he/she becomes enthusiastic enough to get the real thing, I believe he'll take time to research probably coming here.

Have there been any POS fakes sent in to SFO requesting warranty replacement or repair? Or even any lawsuits against Spyderco for a Fakes' failure of performance or safety?

There is no argument from me that knockoffs are bad. But it is mho that this is a "Caveat Emptor" situation. Aggravating, disgusting, but ...

Sal had a very laid back philosophy regarding this matter (or it seemed to me anyway) years ago. Has that changed? Spyderco / Mr Glesser gives credit / royalties to Ernie Emerson and Mr Boye, etc. He and his company have integrity, and honor.

Others don't.


Just my observations. Not arguing for or against anything. I can't remember an iota of what I used to know about Spydies. I came back to re learn and find out abut the stuff I missed.

Cheers,
John

[SmoothOne25]

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT DISCUSSION TO ME. very interested in it!
john why dont you move this to the "gen discus" area? this is def worthy of a long discussion among us. i am eager to know about such things as well...
imo sal is still really passive/laid back. but i would love to know the answers to those questions.
i was ripped off too on a tuffron civilian for $130 shipped. (great deal, right? i thought so too. :rolleyes: lol) got my money back though from ebay, which if you look has just recently changed there insurance policy to include every form of payment

[john row]

Didn't mean to infer it wasn't important. It sounds like you exposed and were made "whole" again in your bad deal. (sorry for the "legal" like viewpoint).

I've been ripped too (though not on a knife) Exposed him, got reimbursed, and he/ she got banned from the auction site. It was a much larger scam and State Attorneys got involved (not Colorado) I wasn't the only victim. Others exposed him too.

In any event, it would be interesting to hear about warranty turn ins or liabilty concerns.

[ssmtbracer]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Spyderco-Tim-Zowada-w-Combo-Edge-RARE-LTD-EDITION_W0QQitemZ270554917647QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCo llectible_Knives?hash=item3efe546b0f

I don't know about this one.

[waco kid]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Spyderco-Tim-Zowada-w-Combo-Edge-RARE-LTD-EDITION_W0QQitemZ270554917647QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCo llectible_Knives?hash=item3efe546b0f

I don't know about this one.

The odd position of hole made me think it was fake, but it looks just this one in the catalog. What good is the hole if you can't get to it when the knife is closed?

http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=453

[araneae]

Not a fake, and the hole is accessible from the right hand side. When in doubt, check the spyderco.com catalog first.

[paulkelley42]

New to Spydercos. I bought a Tenacious online for EDC based on reviews. How can I determine if it's a clone? I would expect even an entry level knife to be sharp. It's not. It's far duller than some Kershaws, SOGs and even cheap $10 CRKTs. Thanks.

[224477]

New to Spydercos. I bought a Tenacious online for EDC based on reviews. How can I determine if it's a clone? I would expect even an entry level knife to be sharp. It's not. It's far duller than some Kershaws, SOGs and even cheap $10 CRKTs. Thanks.

Post a pic and we will tell you.
The dullness can be individual feeling in comparison to other knives. I would not worry about that, make it sharp.

[The Deacon]

New to Spydercos. I bought a Tenacious online for EDC based on reviews. How can I determine if it's a clone? I would expect even an entry level knife to be sharp. It's not. It's far duller than some Kershaws, SOGs and even cheap $10 CRKTs. Thanks.If you bought it from an eBay seller in China, it probably is a clone. I can't say for sure it's never happened, but I've yet to see an eBay seller located there selling genuine Spydercos.

If you bought it from a reputable online dealer, it isn't a clone. You just happened to get a Tenacious that was poorly sharpened. That's not common on Spydercos, but it does happen occasionally, even on the more expensive ones. They're sharpened by hand, by human beings.

If you bought it some other way, then it's probably not a clone. AFAIK, no Tenacious clones have been reported yet. Granted, that's no guarantee, but it's a pretty good indicator.

Bottom line - purchasing from reputable dealers is the best defense against knock offs.

[224477]

Paul, afaik, there is no fake Ten so far.

[aarya]

I've found some knockoffs being marketed in Norway, but i believe the manufacturer is ShuangRong Company. On some websites it's even described as a "Polliwog", which is a blatant ripoff.
Pictures can be found in this photobucket album: http://s755.photobucket.com/albums/xx193/praagyah/spydercoknockoffs/
I will not post links to the website, unless ok'd by a spyderco representative.

[jackknifeh]

When someone is selling these replicas or fakes do they claim they are Spyderco knives or do they admit they are copies? I've never come across one myself but I've only bought knives from what I assume are legitimate web site companies. I haven't used ebay or anything else where you are dealing with a one person situation. Where should I be concerned about getting ripped off?

Thanks,
Jack

[The Deacon]

If you buy from reputable online dealers, you have nothing to worry about. eBay and private sales from strangers are always going to be something of a craps shoot. If you don't trust your ability to spot a fake, it's probably best to avoid those.

[Bluntrauma]

Just wanted to mention something some of you might have already seen. I pissed and moaned over at Blade Forums and they put up a sticky for fakes/knock offs and clones. I added some stuff I had on my PC as well as some of the pics from this area of the forum. Figured we should spread the knowledge as much as possible. The thought of anyone not not knowing better and getting taken by this $h}T kinda gets under my skin. :eek:

[p3pe]

I have searched the net and found some negative reports about fake spydies from this ebay seller. I bought a civilian from him on ebay. Can I assume its a fake. It looks nice, came in a pouch and with the tag. But chinese fakes is known to be exptremely good sometimes. He did not give me feedback, and I sent him messages about this feedback 4. times over a period of 1 month.

The "only" problem I can tell with the knife is that it is not very smooth in the lock, it sort of have a little snag.

How will I know for shure if its real?

[The Deacon]

Not sure where you got that idea.

There are a lot of folks who believe that Seller ID is just another name for Spydieguys. Spydieguys does have at best, a somewhat spotty track record for reliability. But that because they tend sell knives they do not have in stock and then to respond rudely, if at all, to inquiries regarding shipping status. However, they have never, to my knowledge, been accused of selling fake knives.

[p3pe]

Thank God:) The knife looks great, all looks new exept the G10 scales that was a bit dirty, and as mentioned the lock snag, but that is not a big problem for me. I do confirm that they do not reply to questions.

[Bluntrauma]

If you are really concerned post up some pictures for some of the members here to look at. They can spot a fake a mile off. If we are talking about the handle of Spydieguy, there have been some issue's with him in the past but to my knowledge he has never sold anything that wasn't the real deal.

[kariblueberry]

Can Someone help? I need help. i am very new to Spyderco and love them, however I was given this knife and need help distinguishing if it's a knockoff. it's a Chinook 3. C63GP3. I don't know how to post a picture though. Who could I send a picture to?
Thanks.

[Bluntrauma]

Go to

www.photobucket.com

Set up an account. It's free. Then follow their upload directions. Keep the photo in the 700 pixel range. Then copy the direct link code. Make a post and click on the little yellow box with what looks like a mountain range and when the gray box pops up paste it in and post. Then preview your post to see if it's there. You can take the same action for multiple photo's. Hope that helps.

[The Deacon]

or you can email it to me. thedeacon at earthlink dot net (with the "at" and "dot" replaced by the proper symbols and the whitespace removed).

FWIW, I'm not aware of any Chinook knockoffs, so unless it's a factory second, which would have a notch in the right edge of the blade spine, above the Spyderhole, it's probably OK.

[Bluntrauma]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130489023936&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT :(

[ChrisR]

Reported - plus the fake UKPK on the same page :(

I am just amazed that eBay tolerates these traders who blatantly sell fakes or trademark infringements ... I hope Spyderco can put pressure on them through their own channels to eBay.

[Fort Worth Bill]

I recently bought a Tasman C106PBK on eBay. It has Torx screws instead of pins. My other Tasman (C106PYL) has pins instead of Torx screws. All the pictures I've seen of Tasmans have pins. Did I get a knockoff?

[The Deacon]

Nope, just a Tasman produced since they changed over to screw construction a few months back.

[Spyderbro]

Is this "fake" Spydie 101 or what! :mad:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Spyderco-119B-small-pocket-folding-knife-/160582476418?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2563762282

:D

[mikerestivo]

Yeah, that's an obvious fakie.

[Redeye]

Unbranded fake UKPK (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-No-brand-G10-Handle-Pocket-Folding-Knife-B59-/170648067895?pt=AU_KnivesSwords&hash=item27bb6adf37)

[The Deacon]

Looks more like they've just blurred out the markings. Maybe that means eBay is cracking down a bit on the fakes.

[ChrisR]

They've been selling them as "no brand" for a while ... as you say, presumably to avoid being pulled instantly. The message will get through if they keep getting reported and the accounts closed down ... but it takes a lot of vigilance :)

[Meshuggah]

How about this one : http://cgi.ebay.com/Spider-Spyderco-828-Tactical-knife-Full-20cm-/170648289255?pt=Collectible_Knives&hash=item27bb6e3fe7

[rycen]

Fake

[EricTheRed]

Hello, I found another terrible :spyder:knock-off. This claims to be a :spyder:Tanto and even has "Spyderco" emblazoned on it along with the :spyder: but the truth is obvious.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220795231533&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Just hoping to make the world safe for all fresh SpydieHeads:)

[WMR]

This one on ebay says it is a mule.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Spyderco-Mule-CPMS30V-Super-Steel-Blank-Mint-Knife-/120737068150?pt=Collectible_Knives&hash=item1c1c7d7476#ht_500wt_1156

[calstyleee]

I don't own a spyderco so I don't know but if it says "made in golden Colorado, USA earth" is it a fake?

[Pinetreebbs]

I don't own a spyderco so I don't know but if it says "made in golden Colorado, USA earth" is it a fake?

Good question, some Spyderco knives are made in Golden and are marked that way. Since some makers of fake Spyderco knives go to the trouble of making fake packaging they could easily fake the markings.

A picture would help.

[EricTheRed]

I don't own a spyderco so I don't know but if it says "made in golden Colorado, USA earth" is it a fake?

Spyderco has that inscribed on some of there knives (my Caly3 CF being one) post a picture or a link here and we can give a more definitive answer.

[WMR]

The reason I posted that link is because the knife blank shown is not a Spyderco from the Mule Team collection. So it is, at least, mislabeled as a Spyderco Mule.
I see nothing like it in the Spyderco catalog. So what is it?

[Pinetreebbs]

The reason I posted that link is because the knife blank shown is not a Spyderco from the Mule Team collection. So it is, at least, mislabeled as a Spyderco Mule.
I see nothing like it in the Spyderco catalog. So what is it?

http://www.spyderco.com/pix/products/large/FB26SPEC_L.jpg

It looks like the Spyderco Bushcraft blank sold by Woodcraft.

They still list this blade on their website (http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2080369/26397/Spyderco-Mule-Team-Knife.aspx): http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2080369/26397/Spyderco-Mule-Team-Knife.aspx

This is a link to the catalog listing: (http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=471) http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=471

[WMR]

Thank you Pintreebbs. That is just what I needed to know.

[klamp]

How many sprint run Para 2s are in circulation? Does anyone know if anyone is faking this one (gray, CTS20CP)? I'd hate to drop $200 for a knock off. There are several on ebay (US site), but I don't know if they're legit.

[Pinetreebbs]

How many sprint run Para 2s are in circulation? Does anyone know if anyone is faking this one (gray, CTS20CP)? I'd hate to drop $200 for a knock off. There are several on ebay (US site), but I don't know if they're legit.

None that I have heard about. Most of the knock off knives are non locking or liner locks, the exception being the Pollywog fakes.

[WalzAaronFFG]

Spyderco has that inscribed on some of there knives (my Caly3 CF being one) post a picture or a link here and we can give a more definitive answer.

The Caly 3 CF is made in Japan

[SockMonster]

Hello. New here. Whatever. I reported a site called dhgate.com on Spyderco's facebook page last December (the person running the FB page told me that they'd look into it), as well as reporting them to other manufacturers because of what they were doing to those manufacturers as well. All brands of every knife you find there are all fakes (put spyderco into their product search bar and prepare to be appalled). I've seen a majority of fake Spyderco's that sell on ebay being sold there, and quite a few other fake spydercos I haven't seen. It isn't just 20 or 30 knives either but actually I say thousands of fakes of all major knife brands.

[sal]

Thanx SockMonster and welcome to the Spyderco forum. I'll forward your info to legal.

sal

[TBob]

Sal,

dhgate.com is based in China, FWIW. They sell a huge variety of knock-offs, including electronics and toys. It's like a huge Chinese clearing house for counterfeiters.

[smitty704]

I purchased a spyderco tenacious tonight on eBay from username "unitedoutdoors". It was for $29.99 shipped. I think this is a pretty good deal, and was curious it this sounds to good to be true, or is this a pretty reasonable price seen lots of times before. Also, has anyone heard of there being any fake "tenacious" models, or is this not an expensive enough model for the need to manufacture a fake?

And hello to everyone here, I am new to this forum. Great to be on a knife forum for a change, I pretty much live on gun forums.

[ChrisR]

No knock-off Tenacious as far as I have seen ... it's a budget, Chinese made model so that's how Spyderco kept the costs down. It's a great knife though because it has Spyderco's design & quality control. :)

[19cohiba75]

I purchased a spyderco tenacious tonight on eBay from username "unitedoutdoors". It was for $29.99 shipped. I think this is a pretty good deal, and was curious it this sounds to good to be true, or is this a pretty reasonable price seen lots of times before. Also, has anyone heard of there being any fake "tenacious" models, or is this not an expensive enough model for the need to manufacture a fake?

And hello to everyone here, I am new to this forum. Great to be on a knife forum for a change, I pretty much live on gun forums.

Nice price !!! I won a bid for my Tenacious on Ebay for 21.00 shipped :D Best 21 bucks I spent ;)
Have there been any fakes on the Spyderco Para Military 2 that anyone has seen ?

[Deal4]

Hi still quite new to Spyderco, and the reason that attracted me was Spderco's famous quality. But, with so many knock offs floating around, I am starting to get a little leary.
Can anyone give me some good basic ideas of how to spot a fake out there in cyber space?
Like I said, I am very new to Spyderco, and can't spot a fake a mile away like so many of you can. Any hints for me?

[The Deacon]

Hi still quite new to Spyderco, and the reason that attracted me was Spderco's famous quality. But, with so many knock offs floating around, I am starting to get a little leary.
Can anyone give me some good basic ideas of how to spot a fake out there in cyber space?
Like I said, I am very new to Spyderco, and can't spot a fake a mile away like so many of you can. Any hints for me?Simplest way is to purchase your knives from reputable dealers. I won't suggest that it's all inclusive, but this thread (http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51138) contains the names of quite a few of them.

I've yet to hear of anyone selling fake Spyderco products on the BladeForum Exchange, so I would consider it to be a safe source for older and/or used knives.

If shopping eBay for Spyderco, avoid sellers located in China like the plague. Have not seen one yet that sells legitimate Spyderco products. Beyond that, this section is an excellent resource. When in doubt, check it out.

Also pays to keep in mind that this problem is by no means unique to Spyderco. Knives of every major brand get copied and their names and logos get tacked onto designs they never made.

[TBob]

simplest way is to purchase your knives from reputable dealers. I won't suggest that it's all inclusive, but this thread (http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51138) contains the names of quite a few of them.

I've yet to hear of anyone selling fake spyderco products on the bladeforum exchange, so i would consider it to be a safe source for older and/or used knives.

If shopping ebay for spyderco, avoid sellers located in china like the plague. Have not seen one yet that sells legitimate spyderco products. Beyond that, this section is an excellent resource. When in doubt, check it out.

Also pays to keep in mind that this problem is by no means unique to spyderco. Knives of every major brand get copied and their names and logos get tacked onto designs they never made.

+1

[Andreas]

Although there are only 2 hours left for the auction, I would still like to show this item which I believe is to be a fake Swick.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SPYDERCO-KNIFE-AROUND-NECK-SHEATH-/180792501329?pt=Collectible_Knives&hash=item2a1812a451
Maybe I'm wrong and this is an actual real Spyderco?

[MachSchnell]

Although there are only 2 hours left for the auction, I would still like to show this item which I believe is to be a fake Swick.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SPYDERCO-KNIFE-AROUND-NECK-SHEATH-/180792501329?pt=Collectible_Knives&hash=item2a1812a451
Maybe I'm wrong and this is an actual real Spyderco?

That looks legitimate, it's a spot.

[Andreas]

That looks legitimate, it's a spot.

Thanks, looks like it yes. I couldn't find it in the fixed blades part of the catalogue, using search did the trick :)

[Dr. Snubnose]

Here's another:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Tactical-Self-Defense-Pocket-Karambit-Knife-/160684000034?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2569834322
Doc:spyder:

[nakahoshi]

Never saw this one before... (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Serrated-Spyderco-Delica-style-Knife-stainless-ORANGE-RESQUE-/260944356449?pt=Collectible_Knives&hash=item3cc17ee461#ht_500wt_950) :eek:

-Bobby

[sal]

Hi Nakahoshi,

That's the knife that damn near put us out of business about a decade ago. Sorry to see it return.

It's a difficult problem to solve. Kinda like fighting mosquitoes, but these mosquitoes carry damagae.

sal

[JAfromMN]

I'm glad I'm following this thread. I almost bought one of these last night .http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=160684000034
I couldn't rember it from the catalog.

I'll hold out for my Spot or Swick :)

[sal]

Hi JA,

Thanx for noticing.

I guess I'm one of those fools that thinks; "whatever the problem, education is the solution". We also go after them legally whever we can, but it's expensive and if I had my "druthers", I'd "druther" spend that part of the budget on crew, or R&D or Mfg equipment.


There is a current discussion to create a light neck knife. We can also do sprints of Swicks. There might even be some left from the last run, (which was the most evolved in ergos and control). I haven't checked in quite a while.

sal

[Darkfin]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260944356449

I love when people use the word "Style" to feel it gives them the right to put up a patent infringing Chinese knockoff....

[TBob]

I reported it.

[Darkfin]

Thanks. Maybe multiple reports will help ebay get their head out and remove it.

[TBob]

I also sent a message to the seller just in case he's not aware that the knife is a counterfeit.

[TBob]

Here's the response from the seller:

Eagle has been making these for years- they get by the copyright by having a plastic "Bandit" insert in it. Too bad you can't read "Serrated Spyderco Delica" S T Y L E.

Regards,
Marc

I guess that ethics are optional for some jewellers in Houston.

[Darkfin]

So he is ok breaking ebay's brand keyword spamming then? Well, it is good to have scruples....