yes clones aren't all that bad, we can get to handle the design for 50$ and use the shit out of it like it's disposable, then you're ready to decide if the design is worth paying ten times the fee. I doubt they really hurt sales, the real things are almost always backordered lol
Most knockoffs are junk. There are some that are very high quality, but they're also more expensive, which kind of defeats the purpose of buying a knock-off.
@Randy Johnson - Why is it a stabilizer on the Hinderer but not on the Umnumzaan, you said it's just an over travel stop on the Umnumzaan, what's the difference? Just curious.
The clone I bought makes me want to buy a real one one except after I saw a video of the Sebenza's edge failed during a rope cut test, The CRK have a HRC of 58 and the clone Sebenza I have has a HRC of 60-62 which is much better for S35VN. My Clone Sebenza is made by Kevin John and he has no markings of the real one in fact he puts his own name on it with the S35VN and date it was made. If Chris Reeves would harden his blades to HRC 60-62 I would buy a real one.
How do the Chinese manufacturers copy the authentic knife? Do they purchase a authentic, take it apart, have a computer scan/copy it, then have computer driven machines manufacturer the parts?
Good information here man, I really appreciate that. One thing I will tell you, this is now 2016. The knock offs are even better now and a lot of the items you mentioned have been addressed. They still use the old pivot and no lockstop but many other misses have been corrected on the newer ones. I just don't see paying $475+ for a pocket knife when you can get so close to it for $50+. I bought a knock off Sebenza and it is done really well.
+michaelinsanantone "so I think he knows how to build them"; dude im not attacking you man, it was just an honest question. I dont own a CRK knife so seeing that surprised me 10 months ago when I made this post!
I got a Microtech Halo clean for $45 from Wish and let me tell you that things is exactly like my friend real one accept the steel is AUS 8. I’m so impressed. It’s mind blowing how it’s only $45. Wish has some amazing clones. You can buy a Bugout on there for $12 and they’re actually really nice.
lock up 100% on a titanimun frame lock... I honestly hate that. Harder to squeez the finger getting the damn thing to lock up... And see how long it will hold before it hits the other side of the frame...
I thought the whole purpose of putting that stupid "Idaho Made" inscription on the knife was to eliminate clones... Whoops.. back to the drawing board.
Oh okay, I thought you noticed that small gap between the milling on the handle and the pocket clip. I'm pretty sure it would develop play after awhile. It's little things like that which can't be faked. You have to mill that out to really tight specs for it to fit perfectly.
Thank you so much for this. I wanted to see a comparison since I saw the fake one for the first time. Did you notice that the clip and milled out groves don't line up? That's the most important diference.
Comes down to pride of ownership. Because those 2 are just about deadnuts. Major difference is the fake is thicker! Its just knowing you dont have the real deal and people who buy CRK and all the high end productions are buying it for pride of ownership. Great vid man.
erik hanneman If you don't have money for a real one chinese knockoffs allways have good quality that you get several times more bang for your buck. hardly anyone regrets buying them.
Yes, the Chinese have copied everthing. The knife, the box, the towel, the paper documentation etc. You can buy one here at AliExpress.com for $55 delivered: www.aliexpress.com/item/Chris-Reeve-brand-UMNUMZAAN-U-Sebenza-D2-Mirror-Blade-full-tianium-alloy-TC4-Big-stone-Pattern/1941819295.html
Dude this is a good video and I found a fake at the gun show an old fella was trying to sell as legit. I think he is a good guy and just didnt know. I told him why it was a fake and how to do the research including this video and he just ran me off. I feel bad for the old guy probably got hosed in a trade. I dont think he should pass that misfortune on, however. good info here
Ummmm, I honestly think I'd rather have that clone. For the price, and what you get for te price...good shit. I think it goes to show that Chris Reeve is just a bit overpriced. Taking the tolerances that CRK produces, {which are EXCEPTIONAL} in to account, I still have to believe that $200-$250 is reasonable for the original, not the 4-500 they demand for em. so, overpriced vs affordable and just about as good. Take yer pick.
Got a newer clone, and much of what is pointed out between the real and the fake in this video is no longer correct. Newer clone has thinner scales, correct spacer, and correct O-rings on the thumb stud. Tolerances are tighter too so no gaps. The clip on the clone is still longer. The pivot is bevel is larger, like the real one, but still not as large. Other than the clip and pivot bevel.. they are practically impossible to tell apart from a visual inspection now.
Why they can't desiign because of marketting they wont sell as much CR has it's name but their design will not even if they spread news in various communities still it'll take months even years to get same sell numbers.
I do not like the inscription either. Of course, I have purchased 3 CRK's that have it. I will say, though, that it does look worse in pictures. In real life, it is not that bad.
Easy to see which one is the fake if you already own an Zaan. A few things are quite conspicuous, but I can see how these can slip though the cracks for new owners.
I noticed that the jimping on the real one was chamfered while the clone was not. The clone looked really close and I bet it would fool the majority of knife guys. I bet the clones are made in Asia and no money benefits the USA. The reason why the USA made knife is high is because the workers are skilled and can get good pay for fine work. If you like getting paid well for fine work, don't buy clones.
