Your analogy is spot on. I just bought several Bugout Clones. I spent 1/10th of the price of a Benchmade, for a knife that is very comparable. Minus the blade steel. Most likely 8Cr13MoV or D2, instead of CPMS30V. They didn't take any of my business away from Benchmade. Because, I was never going to spend $140 on a Benchmade Bugout. Even with CPMS30V steel...The Benchmade Bugout is not ten times better than the Bugout Clone. I dare say, it isn't even twice as good. The price vs the quality doesn't add up.

Got that Praetorian clone. Up here in Canada they go for $1,024 total with taxes. The clone was $40. Works great and i am not spending half a months rent on a knife lol! Great video man. Well explained.

@jacobcombs2269

Жыл бұрын

Half a month rent. Damn. Maybe 4 days

@yourdad2389

6 ай бұрын

I got that one as well and been using it to pry up baseboards. Its badass.

You are 100% correct - I just wanted a decent knife, and like it or not, the Chinese knives are definitely the best value for money. I don't collect them, I don't invest in them - I just wanted a (single) nice 50$ knife. I would never have been spent the (in my opinion) insane prices the American made knife brands are asking for a piece of sharp steel. And I don't care if it's made out of novel and exotic metals/materials or made out of common 1095 steel and 6061 aluminium...

@Minecraftrok999

Жыл бұрын

Well I don't think that's the right conclusion for you though. Yes, US manufactured knives are too expensive, BUT if you just want some knife there are countless other really damn good Chinese options. And you will actually get a better performance out of them than with clones, because they have a reputation to protect. CIVIVI, Petrified fish and Kizer make absolute beasts of budget knives between 20 and 70 dollars. If your scenario truly is as you propose you would be better off with one of them. I'm not anti clone (in fact, I just ordered by first one) but I think you must really want to try out THAT one in order to buy a clone. If so you want is a good knife there are so many other more reliable options out there.

@Minecraftrok999

Жыл бұрын

In short: You're making a false dichotomy with American made knives and Chinese knives, but 98+% of Chinese knives are not knock-offs or clones.

@Oysteims

Жыл бұрын

@@Minecraftrok999 You need to re-read my comment because you're misinterpreting it. I never mentioned clones or knockoffs.

@Minecraftrok999

Жыл бұрын

@@Oysteims sorry, yeah you're right. I've read a lot into it that wasn't there

@curiouscat428

Жыл бұрын

I got myself the cheap browning greyscale and browning standard hunting knife that's a Chinese knockoff yesterday. Let's see if they're as good as original pieces. Because at the moment I can't afford too many originals 🥲. I want the mini free Benchmade with the red accent, but they expensive as hell. Edit: mini freek

I am a web designer and just like every designer we see other websites and see elements we like and we incorporate them into our own design, this does not mean I stole their design

Well said. As a knife collector I've gambled several time on high end knives and been disappointed. Spending $30-70 on a clone is a great way to see if you like the knife before spending the big money on the genuine item. Medford have several designs i like the look of but their no disassembly/maintenance warranty policy is a deal breaker for me personally. Come on a loose pivot requires sending it in for Medford to adjust is a stupid policy. Great video! I agree 100%.

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

The Medford is nice, but that warranty does seem over the top. I ended up giving mine away to my brother in law, as a wedding gift to him. He's a big dude, a sheriff's deputy and likes hard use knives.

This is by far the best US vs China knife video I’ve seen. You have a ton of great points. Love to buy US products when I can. Unfortunately, most of the US knives I like (they’re not that many designs I like to be honest) are priced entirely to high for me to be able to purchase. It costs a lot to live in America right now. So I can’t spend $500 on a knife. That’s way too expensive anyway. If I spent that much on a knife I’d be afraid to use the damn thing anyway. It sucks that if you live in the US, you can’t afford to buy US made products. It also sucks that the Canku C1136 in this video is no longer available because I would spend $30 on that. 😂

@SquireSCA

7 ай бұрын

Thanks man, appreciate the feedback. I do appreciate WELL MADE knives made in the US, but if you want quality, good grinds and excellent fit and finish made here, under $100... It's hard to find. There are a couple, but when you can buy a truly decent knife for $30-$60 made in China, why not? I buy both and take a lot of hate from some folks who call me a communist... I guess they never watch all my other videos... pro gun, hate Biden, pro Israel, I rant about how the current Admin has messed up the country, rail against our current open border... pro cop and military... Yet somehow because I like a good bargain that is made by people who "don't look like us", I need to move to China... lol You can't make everyone happy, I guess. :-)

@cwalker228

7 ай бұрын

@@SquireSCA absolutely! I love it when people are bitching about buying a quality affordable knife made in China from their $1,200 Chinese made phone. 🤦🏻

@andrashavas

6 ай бұрын

@@SquireSCA That is funny! Communist???? I just watched the video Oppenheimer. There everyone who was not with the current government was a communist. Strange, I thought that was in the 40s... Don't tell me that America never learned a thing since then...

@SquireSCA

6 ай бұрын

@@andrashavas Yeah dude, the hate and toxicity of some folks is kinda amusing... They just hate anything that's not "MURican", despite half the crap in their house coming from China, including whatever device they are whining at me, on... Not everyone wants to spend $300-$500 on a pocket knife. I spent some time discussing this topic on this weeks Ride with Dave podcast that went up this morning. Take a listen/watch and tell me what you think?

@knuckles-3386

2 ай бұрын

That’s alright you’re supporting a country that uses slave labor comparing a cover band to the ccp is ridiculous the cover band has to have permission to use the music have you been paying attention to the DonHenley lawsuit.?

The biggest problem with clones nowadays is that they are so well made you feel like a sucker paying 5x the price for the branded version.

@SquireSCA

5 ай бұрын

Some truth in that.

@dubester1982

Ай бұрын

Exactly this

Excellent video. I've also purchased a clone and then bought the real thing. Similarly, I'd purchased a clone and decided that it's not for me. Subscribed.

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, I liked the Praetorian clone so I got the real deal, but I didn't like one of the other Medford clones... It was ok, but I can't see myself spending $600+ for their Infraction...

Finally an informative well spoken person making good points!! I actually want to talk knives with you!!

I might have to get my hands on that Strider copy for review, could be interesting! Great video

Excellent Video! I used to get a lot of heat for reviewing clones years ago, but I tried to explain it like you did (except you did a much better job of it) but I still go the heat. Just found your channel and I hope you do more videos like this one 🙂

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback. I know that China does some crappy stuff, but they also make quality stuff... You can't just write off an entire country because the people running it are sh*theads... If that were the case, half the world would write us off due to Biden, and the other half would have written us off under Trump. lol Counterfeits are a different matter, but none of these are that.

@catmandu6776

Жыл бұрын

@@SquireSCA WHAT?! You know that China does some crappy stuff but screw it, they make some quality stuff too?! Can't write off an entire country just because of shitheads running it? I'm glad our grandfathers and great grandfathers didn't think like you. "I know that Nazi Germany does some "crappy" stuff but screw it, those Germans make some quality stuff!" If you don't care about global politics and/or the negative impact on the US and world economy due to the dirty trade practices of the Chinese government and all you care about is buying stolen ideas for cheap, then do you. But I'm sorry, your justification for doing so is willful ignorance bordering on stupidity. Just the fact that you need to give any justification or reasoning for doing so should be a big hint. I bought an Italian made knife a few weeks ago, a country with fair trade practices, respects intellectual property and zero genocide. No justification needed! It's one thing for people on an extreme budget to do so but it's an absolute shame to see collectors and KZreadrs spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on Chinese made knives. But this country lost it's grasp of morality and standards a long time ago. Hence Joe Biden sitting in the Oval Office! After rewatching your video, I'm leaning towards willful ignorance. You understand the problem, you're just not yet willing to sit down to take your thoughts and what you know about the issues with China to it's logical conclusion. I like how you use American companies that make $500+ knives to say that they're not really being hurt by the Chinese knockoffs because that's true for the most part but do you know what companies are getting hurt? Companies that make knives in that $75-$200 range like Benchmade, Spyderco, Kershaw, Boker, Lionsteel and the list goes on. If I'm not mistaken a Benchmade Bugout use to cost about $105 and was made from 154cm when it first came out as a lot of their knives use to be. Now Benchmade has abandoned 154cm for more premium steels and the prices keep slowly rising for their products. They have versions of the Bugout that goes over $200 now. Why do you think that is? The American market used to make good budget friendly knives but that's all but gone now. The China problem wasn't created over night. It's been a slow grinding process over the last 30 or so years. So yes, it's gone on so long that some products made in China are unavoidable. But you say screw it, keep going until there's nothing left made in America! You're cover band analogy is off. What do you think would happen if a cover band released a cover album and started selling it at a discount to undercut the original album? Well, if it's a Chinese cover band then the answer is absolutely nothing. People like you would buy it up and sing praises about your savings! You ever heard of a "Mechanical License"? I'm assuming not, judging by your reasoning in this video. At least I hope you haven't. I'd go ahead and look it up if I were you.

@jerrydonquixote5927

Жыл бұрын

​@Dave's Man Cave yeah you know the Chinese people I deal with are very courteous and kind and I like dealing with him I like mine out some them they even if things break they send me the parts next time I order from them they're nice people I like them the other government sucks so does our government they all suck but the people are decent people trying to make a living just like me. I'm a disabled veteran I don't live on a fortune you know. I'm not I'm not saying for me I get buy have more than I need but I'm not going to go out and spend $700 on an ugly Medford knife that's ridiculous I could buy an AR-15 for that and there's no way I'm going to buy knife most I've ever spent on a knife is about $550 and I've done that less than three times and I have spent a lot of time 350 but that's a big deal for me I typically like to spend about 150 or less on a knife in the Chinese can do that. I like your review to I was really scared about making my first review about Chinese clones but you know I don't really don't care what people think I'm going to do what I want to do this is a free country!

I agree. I never was super interested in OTFs. I bought a Microtech clone on a whim, played with it for a bit and then bought 3 more legit Microtechs than my wife wanted me to. Had I not bought a clone I would have never made the investments. Now I buy clones first to see if the blade/handle shape fits into my "intended purpose and functionality" idea and if it feels like a match: BOOM I buy the legit blade from the manufacturer.

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Exactly. Cheap way to try before you buy! 🙂

I recently bought the strider clones and they’re amazing. My first clones were of Bastinelli karambits and they are, as defense weapons, effectively the same thing as the original for me. The construction is impeccable and the steel takes and holds an impressive edge.

I've got the SMF clone in titanium and my detent was similarly stiff. To remedy this I filed a little ramp into the detent hole using a diamond file and made a detent ramp where the ball hits the back of the blade when it first starts to close. I don't know if this explanation was very clear, let me know if I can be of assistance. The action is better now, but still not ideal in my eyes.

That “cover band” analogy just changed my entire perspective on knife “clones”! 👍🏽‼️

@SquireSCA

11 ай бұрын

Yeah, I feel like it works... So long as it's not a counterfeit, I don't mind a "tribute" that is clearly marked and priced as such.

I have the Canku 1136 and the Land 912 and both perform amazing for a fraction the price. I know that the originals are way way better, but also very expensive so I agree with you that I'm not the target audience for CR or Medford. Also, we have to understand that much of the best fit and finish are from China companies like WE and Reate and Twosun and US labour is just expensier. I own a Spyderco Smock made in Taiwan and it is amazing as well.

If im going to spend hundreds of dollars on a knife its going to be on a full tang fixed blade knife

At the end of the day when you have a clone, you may want to try out the real one also. But in case of Extrema Ratio Fulcrum 2, the clone also had the advantage of having a blade half as thin, making it a smaller version an effective EDC knife. So I bought the Nemesis and the MPC, which is a bigger version of the Fulcrum 2. So the clone was a gateway and actually made me buy two originals, which would not have taken place had I not tried out the very good quality clone. Finally although it is a clone, the Fulcrum 2 knife sits along with the Real ones, because it is a design offshoot of the real thing, making it unique and a joy to take into the hand. So clones are not all bad. Good quality clones are a testament to the real products, and I believe actually help the original companies.

@SquireSCA

6 ай бұрын

totally agree. So long as they are not outright counterfeits, trying to pass themselves off as the real deal, I don't have a problem with it. Anyone looking for a Chris Reeve Sabenza, is not going to even consider a $23 clone on Amazon, and the reverse is true. The guy that just sees a decent knife for $23 on Amazon, is not likely gonna be the kinda guy to spend $600 on a Sabenza... There really isn't any situation where one brand is stealing business from the other...

Totally agree. Thanks for this reasoning.

You make a very valid point about the labour costs and iphones... its so obvious but it never crossed my mind in that way

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, its something that a lot of folks don't think of. I see the occasional yahoo on here railing about China, while sitting in their house on their Chinese iPhone, surrounded by objects from China... But for whatever reason, knives are sacred and that's where they draw the line... lol

You like that strider one . It is nice , super nice . You have to file the detent or put a little angle on it so it comes out of the hole better . I know the second from the right kn the bottom , the ef 335 has been an awesome knife . I actually polished one of the blades and it turned out beautiful . So yeah came with the tool so I took it apart and the screws go into the screws in the other side . I d check all the screws . Seems like there’s always a loose one by clip or in the rear . Thanks for the vid

EF225 detent update please check if your pocket clip puts its pressure 100% on the lock bar. if so, rotate it a little so that it rests 50% on the frame and floats 50% over the frame lock. this way it takes a lot of pressure off the detent and can function as an overtravel stop.

very nice video - thanks ! on the Eafengrow the thumb studs are actually the stop pin. try the hole to flip it ;-) nothing wrong with Chinese knives. they build decent stuff nowadays. The Land 910Plus is awesome, there is even an M390 and Titanium version. CH, Shooziz, Sanrenmu/SRM, Firebird - all decent knives with very good fit and finish and action. their D2 is decent, too. and they offer 12C27, 14C28N, very good 440C and others along with very good heat treatment. sooner or later people will think twice before spending 150 USD on a knife they can get for 30 with the same features and with some even superior quality. edit: these Chinese brands have their own knife designs. and they are not 3Cr13 gas station knives anymore. hmmm, if i am indirectly supporting Putin attacking Ukraine, then i support the attacks on Syria, Somalia, Libya, Iraq, Yemen, and homemade terrorism and and and and if i buy US knives ? maybe people don't know that many popular western knife brands have their knives made these very same Chinese factories. many US brands are with Sanrenmu for example. well, mainstream corporate media can do alot with people's minds ;-)

@jamesm1

Жыл бұрын

Agreed dude. It's been interesting seeing Chinese knife makers both in kitchen and daily carry spaces rapidly catch up to many us, japanese, german, etc... brands and make them sweat. It's been great for the market imo.

The "big goofy handle" you mentioned is because that knife handle shape is optimal for the reverse grip for knife fighting. The thumb rests on the angled end of the handle, and it is extremely stable. Try it with that knife in your hand, and you'll see exactly what I mean.

@badlaamaurukehu

13 сағат бұрын

​@@chudleyflusher7132That's an awfully confident comment.

I have that same Eafengrow Socom copy. Love the thing! Some of the grind lines doesn't match on mine though.

Recently I bought a Ganzo delica clone because I didn’t see the value of an FRN back lock for the price Spyderco charges. The Ganzo gave me a feel for the design and about 4 days later I bought an s30v delica

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

See, try before you buy!

I honestly feel the same way about clones. Weird thing is I got into Benchmade clones AFTER I had my genuine Bugout in m390. If I'm honest I kinda like the clones better in that specific case. Benchmade, even in their higher end steels like m390, has a real issue with putting on a proper edge and blade rock. I bought 3 of the exact same Clone just to make sure there was constancy and NON of the clones have either of those issues. IMO the standard Bugout is significantly overpriced for what you get. Outside of better blade steel, m390(original) 9cr(Clone), the clone beats it out. Don't get me wrong I still really like my Bugout but with Benchmade's QC I'd probably but a 4th clone before I'd buy a standard Bugout.

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, I love my Bugout for its size and simplicity and light weight, but it really isn't a $140 knife. It's an $80 knife, at best, but you pay for the Benchmade name. My new Chinese Sitivien ST995 is a vastly superior knife to my standard bugout. M390, Titanium, Carbon Fiber and ball bearings, and it's half the price...

@magouliana32

Жыл бұрын

Benchmade clones I’ve seen are all D2

H Dave, do you have the link for the Vespa OTF ?? i seen the links you mentioned you'ld put in here but i don't see the Vespa and am interested in it, thanks brother, i look forward to the link, jerry

@SquireSCA

3 ай бұрын

www.dhgate.com/online-shopping/vespa-knives-online.html

@jlcougilljr

3 ай бұрын

@@SquireSCA thanks brother

I like what you have to offer.. Knife wise that is. The extra 30 minutes of rant I could have done with out. But I am hooked on the knowledge and have subscribed.. thank you..

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Thanks. Sometimes I set out to do a short review and overview, but then I go down a rabbit hole and have a larger discussion...

@broken1965

Жыл бұрын

I luv rants lol

I went to a gun show the other day and bought a mini bugout for $60.00. has the carbon fiber scales, blue annadized thumb studs. Took it to a couple people who sell Benchmade knives to see if it was a knockoff. They could not tell. Said it probably was. But said it was very well made. I m going to carry it in my pocket as a backup to my For Sure COLD STEEL Recon-1 clip point. I damn sure would never pay the outrageous price Benchmade wants for a carbon fiber scaled mini bugout.

@SquireSCA

Ай бұрын

I have a legit Bugout with the normal grivory scales. It's a very nice little knife, but it doesn't feel like a $150+ knife, that's for sure..

@gregorygolden1296

Ай бұрын

@@SquireSCA I bought my son a mini Bugout 3 or 4 years ago. A legit one. Paid o think $ 130 plus for it. He loves it. Really enjoyed your video Brother. You are spot on.

Great video and great points Dave! Got a new subscriber.

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, and welcome to the club!

reg the action of the EF225: try to loosen the first body screw after the pivot. mine runs like a charm now.

for losing at camping , a cheap copy is the best knife ever

New subscriber brother, looking forward to watching more of your videos, I agree with you clones don't bother me ❤

Brilliant Video Good Buddy!! I Have That Same Vespa! It’s Amazing!

Hi mate. Just wondering if you think Amazon is the best place to shop for knives? I’m currently using EBay mainly. Would love your thoughts. I here Amazon mentioned on these reviews a lot.

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

I get a ton of my stuff from Amazon. I am a Prime member so I get free 2 day shipping on most items.

I have a medford preatorian knock off that is a total beast,going on 5 yrs and still going strong

Love your take on this topic. I’m now subscribed 👍🏽

@SquireSCA

5 ай бұрын

Thanks. People either love it or hate it... no real middle ground on this topic. Either Chinese knives can be decent and they are part of the global economy with us... or you are a sissy communist for having a knife made in China, because 'Murica! LOL

Thank you for this. I consider myself a moderate collector, who loves both premium and budget knives. I've got some relatively expensive knives, like the Bugout 535 CF in S90V, the Pro-Tech Malibu, the ZT 0470 Sinkevich, plus others. However, I am fascinated with the quality that exists in today's budget knife world and have many Chinese budget folders. If it weren't for the Canku C1136 I never would have known about Medford and the Infraction. So, in a way this cheap, Chinese clone brought another high-end manufacturer to my attention. Also, the Land10 taught me who Chris Reeve is and why this clone is everywhere. While I can't bring myself to pay +/- $600 for a knife, I may very well pull that trigger someday. I'm okay with clones, so long as they don't cross the line into counterfeiting.

@Hungrybird474

2 жыл бұрын

I ordered the 1136 a few days ago . How is it ?

I actually got a no name brand multitool from Temu for £5ish it was a little blunt from factory but after a quick brush on a whetstone its sharp AF. Its a really solid knife and its actually been able to replace my Victorinox officer as my daily knife (my victorinox is the first propper multitool i brought so its sentimental)

Great video 👍 Love the take on clones

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! 👍

Excellent vid! Well spoken and thought out. Am in total 100% agreement with everything you said. 👍👍

Great Video and Points, I appreciate it all Brother........🤝🏾🇺🇲💪🏾

I also love the comparison to covering music since I myself am a musician, mind if I use that idea in a video of my own? Crediting you for the idea of course

@SquireSCA

2 жыл бұрын

Go for it. It's not like I can copyright an analogy... haha

@CutleryNovice

2 жыл бұрын

@@SquireSCA I always like to ask first! Great video, I enjoyed it alot

That LAND is a really nice knife I edc it over my spyderco persistence I have it in G10 with the liner lock and with the metal scales and the frame lock. The sanrenmu 7010 is a small version of that knife and another sebenza knock off it is sharp AF.

I just ordered a microtech sbd clone I don’t care about it not being the same quality… I want one shaped like the sbd to see if I’d actually carry it… So far all the clones I’ve carried have worked perfectly man!

I recently purchased a Vespa knife which is a clone of the Microtech scarab II. The steel is 154cm and the assembly quality is very good. I also own genuine OTF Microtech and the quality of the Vespa is almost as good, but there is one thing to think about, I would rather have a $130 knife in my pocket than a $600 knife.

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, I want the Scarab II, but I am just not willing to spend that much to get it...

@jeffkodiac

Жыл бұрын

@@SquireSCA Exactly !

Yup. Got a $1000 Medford Praetorian T that I don't love at all, but it's a very worthy tool. And other similar scenarios with CR, etc. However i much prefer my Chinese Kevin John Venom pieces from China.

will really be funny if the clone turns out to be better made than the original

I have that Land knife in titanium and VG-10, I wanna get the m390 variant too. Great knife. They have a carbon fiber front flipper with s35VN for $89 I wanna get sometime soon.

wow...my english is not so good but this confercation between you two is very interesting both sides i can understand. peace to you two❤

@SquireSCA

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, we can both articulate a good argument, even if we don't agree. That's ok, its a free country, for now... haha

Looking at the Infraction. Really like the way it looks. Would like to get a clone but not available any more.

@SquireSCA

Ай бұрын

I like the design, but I am not willing to spend $650+ for one. I will poke around and see if I can find a clone

I love your points and video, I'm kind of sad you single out the Ccancu 1137 (Praetorian clone) as the only one feeling like a $30 knife. I'm still gonna get this one though. I've always wanted a beefy boy just like it but could never stomach the cost (because much steel = many expensive).

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Its totally worth the money, I would go and get it. In the end I went and got the $450 Medford one, but its a very cool knife. If you want a large beefy knife that doesn't break the bank, get that, or better yet, the Artisan Cutlery Proponent. amzn.to/3Mz3Tc3 I did a review of that one, and its a MUCH better knife, and roughly the same size...

@Minecraftrok999

Жыл бұрын

@@SquireSCA thanks, the proponent is a really compelling alternative. I've had to look a bit until I found your video (maybe putting the knife name in the tie helps? Idk), but it's a really good video and that screw lock just blew me away. Technically it's not legal to carry here in Germany, because we have a stupid ban on carrying a knife that locks AND can be opened with one hand (that's why I actually prefer it when a knife sticks enough that it can't be opened with one hand). Sadly it is relatively hard to find the D2 version in Germany, so I widened my search to Europe wide and after 40 minutes I finally found a somewhat acceptable price of ~95 USD (much better than the 135 I found in Germany), it's still kinda hard to convince myself to do it, but I think I will buy the beefy boy within the month at 93 Euros. The green or blue G10 also looks really good. Thanks again for the beefy boy suggestion.

@Minecraftrok999

Жыл бұрын

@@SquireSCA In terms of usability the Proponent seems like day and night compared to this clone. Of course then it doesn't have the looks, but damn, that blade shape of the proponent seems fine too and it'll be awesome for camping and slicing potatoes.

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, maybe having the name in the title would help. lol I updated that, its there now. Knife carry laws are so weird sometimes. I see one handed opening as convenience, and locks as a safety device, so that it doesn't close on your hand... I have an innate mistrust of a government that doesn't trust the people that elected them, to carry basic tools... :-(

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

It's a beast of a knife, and it's very well made...

Automobile reference was spot on....Greg was just trying to justify people paying $800 for a knife.

No, most Chinese clones I've handled have been pretty good knives. Never too sure about the blade steel, or heat treatment, but for my usage they work well enough. Whatever your budget is you're spending money up to a certain amount. If you don't have $170 to buy a BM 533 Mini Bugout then you're not going to buy a Mini Bugout, regardless of what else you might buy. So it doesn't matter if you buy a Ganzo or a Chinese copy of the Mini Bugout. I don't really approve of copying the trademarked items, like the brand name, but it has already been ruled you can't patent a blade shape (excluding innovative shapes like the S-curve Spyderco used in the Civilian/Matriarch), and even the Axis Lock went out of patent a decade ago. So a knife that simply applies the axis lock to the RAT-1 knife, like the Ganzo G727M, is completely legit.

I'm a father of 5 grandfather of 3 and husband of 1 when I'm not buying kid things I don't have 500 dollars for a pocket knife so....... clone away.

You called it the ef 335 is excellent . Excellent I’m telling everyone , for $29 too . It comes in titanium but it’s $70 . Different blade , kinda like a trigger smg or sng with a little thumb hole

The Clone Wars begun, they have.......

I agree 100% with your philosophy about clones. And I take exception to knife reviewers who group clones and counterfeits as the same. I began knife collecting about 3 years ago with knives like Ganzo, Eafengrow, Free Tiger, etc. and they were all good quality knives. I love your selection of 5 knives and may buy 1 or more of them. Great video - I don’t know why I haven’t seen your videos before but I’m sure gonna watch for them now ( or subscribe ). Thanks!

On point. Subscribed.

@DavidV4444

Ай бұрын

On point supporting an enemy - unsubscribed for me.

Thank you for saying it!!

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Someone's got to! haha

Well said Sir. I completely agree with your argument.

How true when you said "you're buying stuff from China whether you like it or not"...that's just the reality of the world we live in this day and age...unless you can manufacture everything yourself, and/or able to find (and pay the price) to find sources within the U.S. , it's inevitable that you will need to purchase Chinese made products (or products made in other similar countries).🙁

If you stil could not find a way to softer the detend let me know i will help you

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Turns out, what I was trying to use as a thumb stud, was actually the blade stop. haha When I flick it open with the thumb hole, like a spyderco, it works perfectly.

@quayron2138

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, in most cases blade stops are dual purposes, if you still want to softer the detend , there are couple ways, 1-getting tension out from lock bar 2-smoother the ball contact corner on the blade (very very very slightly otherwise you will loose your detend) 3- replacing your ball with a size bigger ball (you just need drill bit size smaller than ball)

I love these knives! I tend to look at materials, and dont give a shit about brand history or any of that stuff. Bottom line, if an American maker can put out a product with similar materials for a competitive price, id happily buy them, but they often just cant. This also happens in the watch community. You can buy a Seiko dive watch for $800 or a chinese made homage watch with oftentimes better materials for sub $209, sometimes sub $100. Sure, qc can be spotty but this can be mitigated by buying from Amazon with their easy returns. Sometimes i like it so much i am willing to buy the real thing, but often i am happy with 85% of the look and function for 20% of the price. I wont wear or use actual counterfeits though in the sense that the brand name is also copied.

@SquireSCA

Ай бұрын

Yeah, counterfeits are one thing... Someone just borrowing the design, not a problem, especially when they add their own flair... It's expensive to do things here in America. I don;t mind paying a little extra, but I don't want to pay double the price and still only get half the quality, and that is often what happens with these things. If you are into homage watches, check out Pagani Designs...

The difference is cover bands have to pay for the privilege of using copyrighted songs if they are recorded and used to make profit (live play sessions/concerts are covered under separate public performance rights). I agree with your argument though. The people buying clones aren't going to buy the real one anyway... unless they are just wanting to try out a design to see if it resonates. Although, often the fakes have dimensions and proportions very different from the originals.

I think the reason clone brings up so much heat is because everyone one knows what the definition of clone means. To copy, duplicate identically. So that's why you see people in your comments that support your idea. Those knives are not clones. They are knives that have similar design cues that remind people of the original. If you and others found another word to describe these knives, there wouldn't or should not be any issues. Presently 2022, I did watch a video knife reviewer that said the owner of Spyderco got made at a designer that had a cut out in his blade, but it wasn't a hole. This was a blade show. I own 3 expensive Spydercos ( expensive to me). I bought them because I got a ganzo that looked like a Spyderco but had ganzo blasted all over the knife. I liked the Spyderco m390 steel and knife specs. That said the gonzo wasn't a clone. 440c written on the blade isn't pretending to be m390. But because of Spydercos attitude, I will never buy one again. 🤣🤣🤣 Now back to the video. I was only two minutes in.🤣 ✌️🦁 Edit. I thought this video was a few years old. Are people really making these statements still? I can't believe people are complaining about china made. Edit #2 I disagree in one point. In the 60's Greed was the reason for going overseas for making items. We as a country made most things we needed. Sewing machine, tools, cars, clothes. Instead of retooling factories to keep up with new tech and robotics one company started it. The second company had to do it too to not loose share holders. Instead of adapting, and taking a loss in profit for a year. Corporate greed went overseas. Like now, we are currently selling 300 acres of land to China, next to an American Air force base. We're doing it to ourselves. Edit 3. I think ( only in the knife business, because everyone needs knives in their home's ) If a American company really cared about America first, Maybe they could produce knives cheaply and didn't make a profit, but made enough to pay the bills and the employees. Maybe mass produce knives and sell at a price that will sustain the company. Maybe government can give them a tax break, maybe an American steel makers can give this company great low prices on steel because this company is trying to lead the way. I am just a old man pondering 🤔. But the knife community is large, but united enough that KZread knife reviewers can influence companies and customers. I know, it's crazy. But so was the first crappy Toyota tercel in the 60s. The only Japanese car sold I think, at the time. Crazy can succeed. ✌️🦁

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Well, some are clones in that they are exact copies, although the steel might be different. Others clearly use a popular knife as the foundation, but they change a few things and add their own flair... I use the term rather generically... When it's obvious that they just took someone else's design and made their own version of it. To me, that's the Cover Band. It's Aerosmith's song, but it's obviously not Steven Tyler's voice and they aren't charging $250 per ticket to see them play... It's a $20 cover charge... haha

@leodegas7731

Жыл бұрын

@@SquireSCA 🤣 yes, the good ol days. 🎸. Yes, I only have one of those knives. I don't know the name of the original. It's the eafengrow. I think you said sowcom? I bought it when I first started. It looked cool, but I definitely knew it was an expensive knife. When I think of clones in retail sales , I think of Rolexs, Nike, jewelry that are trying to be identical in order to deceive and profit greatly. I guess some of the knives you have were doing that. So yes, I agree with you if that were the Chinese retailers intent. Be blessed, ✌️🦁

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

@@leodegas7731 Yeah, I mean if it is a straight up counterfeits with the original maker's name and logo, that's a different matter...

It was once explained to me by Bill Moran (yes, hisself, personally) that "every good idea is copied". That is life. The only way to stay ahead is to constantly innovate and improve your own work! When they copy it, you are already on to a new 'height'! I forgot who said, though; "Truly great ideas are not stolen, you have to stuff them down people's throats!"

Never seen your show before and I hate to admit it lol, but I agree absolutely with everything you said. Metal complex is really the primary knife show I watch, but now I think I have another. Don't tell him though. He does not share the same clone view lol. Let's all joke guys! Don't go nuts here. Anyway great content.

@SquireSCA

Ай бұрын

Welcome to the show! Yeah, I try to have fun and be open minded with this stuff. I get why a company doesn't like China copying their design, but at this point, I don't think you can legally patent a blade shape or style. And most lock mechanisms are now open for use, the patents having expired... Even Rolex... Rolex never patented their design. They patented their logo and names, but the design itself is open for anyone to make. And Rolex knows that nobody that value's a Rolex would "lower themselves" to buying a clone or an homage... And the person that likes a cheap homage, is never gonna spend $10k-$60k on a real Rolex. One is not stealing business from the other... Rolex maintains their profits and high roller clientele, and us "poors" get a cheaper but nice looking watch. haha

Key takeaway casual people who buy knockoffs are Not going to spend $500 or even $100 on a flippin knife, never....

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Or, some use the cheap ones as a way to try the design out, before dropping big money on the real deal.

Where did you find strider clone for 30 ?on Amazon it's 70 .. do you have a none titanium? Great video brother 👍

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Price may have gone up since then? Amazon prices have been crazy lately. The motorcycle oil I was buying was $29, now a month later the same bottle is $44. The one I used to buy for $33 is now $25... Plus, they either lose or delay fully 1/3 of all my orders. They are on the truck for delivery, and suddenly they are lost or delayed... So who knows....

@piperkennard1039

Жыл бұрын

@@SquireSCA I hear you brother I can't trust Amazon to buy knives anymore . I bought a petrified fish beluga last month and it was 2 day prime and here a month later still no knife. There really starting to go down hill. Now I just buy cheap knives from them. But I do love that knife I wished they'd make one that's not titanium get the price down a little. But it being titanium knife with d2 I guess it makes sense. Thanks for the info brother love your videos.

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

I love my Beluga! It's a bit large for EDC, but man is it a nice knife. Its probably one of the sharpest knives out of the box that I have owned, and the fit and finish is top notch.

I totally agree!!! People purchasing the cheaper clone, understand that, this is a Disposable knife. Use it and throw it out. People who buy Authentic Medford's Never think about purchasing Clones!! I own 2 Medford knives and Dont Need a cheap clone.

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

I might be the oddball then, because I tend to buy both... I like cheaper knives that I can use and not cry if I lose it, but I also appreciate having a real quality knife that I plan to keep a long time. I have the Medford, and it's amazing, but I just compared it to my new Artisan Proponent... and I am struggling to find where the Medford is worth 9x as much for the same materials, size, etc... I am happy with the Medford, but the Artisan is a tank, designed by Dirk Pinkerton...

@aaronboo8172

11 ай бұрын

"disposible knife. use it and throw it out" it's funny how arrogant knife snobs are, for most people an 50$ knife isn't an disposible.

I had the same idea to buy a good copy/clone (no branding) of the OTF I wanted and carried it for a week to see if 5 ounces was too much for an EDC. I purchased the real deal and am now waiting for it. So in theory Microtech got a sale because China made a good copy. Did they ever think about those sales??

@SquireSCA

5 ай бұрын

I think that rational people with open minds, that keep their ego in check, realize it. The problem are the "Knife Bro's"... They are like the hardcore Harley guy, or the Mopar Guy, or an Apple fanboi... The over the top person that attaches their ego to a particular brand name because they believe it gives them status. It's to help bolster a frail ego and lack of self esteem. In order for their them to have status and value, the products that they align themselves with have to have it... and in order for that brand to have it, they have to put all the other brands down. Having brand preferences is fine, its when one becomes a loyalist or a fanboy, that it gets annoying and obvious... I bought a few clones, and they in turn were the reasons why I went and spent lots of money on the real deal. The clones win, the legit brands win, everyone makes money... the only one being hurt is my bank account. haha

Copyright laws are different in different countries. American companies abuse cheap overseas labour. I have mainly original knives but I have nothing against clones. It's a global econony FFS.

I agree with you completely...i left basically the same message on medfords rant video... the chinese started out with counterfeits and then over time realised its better to just go the clone route... the private people buying counterfeits and then passing them off ass the real deal are the worst... but the clone has its own market in the knife world... I believe it even adds more value to the genuine product... its the copying is sincerest form of flattery idea... there are many who have the genuine product and even go out and buy a clone so they can use it as a beater..

Just got a Medford one for $26 in d2 nuts one sale from $40 crazy couldn’t turn it down. I’ll never be able to afford a $400 knife

In total agreement. Great video.

These are perfect knives for people like me, who are in poor EU contries. A Medford Praetorian Scout costs more than half my salary , you bet your ass I am not spending that much . Even if I wanted to delivering it to my country litaraly adds another 200 bucks on top . I can't even buy cheap 50$ knives ,cuz afer I get them delivered they cost 250-300 .

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Ouch! What country are you in, where shipping costs that much?

@MrFanntaz

Жыл бұрын

@@SquireSCA Bulgaria , they charge so high ,cuz our govenment (although they wont admit it ) still want us to buy mainly from Russia ,becuase we are ex-commie country .

About the everything being made in china bit, I think a great point to add to that aswell is that china is a massive exporter of steel, the CPC has been obsessed with steel production since Mao, famously making everyone have their own forges to make steel (didnt work out but yeah), so even if something was made in america it could have been made with chinese steel.

@SquireSCA

6 ай бұрын

That's a good point. At this point, its really just a small handful of vocal FUDDS making static in the background...

I love knives but I would never ever pay the absurd prices the American brands ask. AliExpress is my friend ;)

Words of wisdom.

One of thoes is a copy of a schrade i got 20 years ago

I bought clones or look a likes for years, if it catches my eye and is workable for I need it for I'll get it, brands are not big on my list..

The Land 802S, titanium frame lock w/S35VN steel for $85 is quite possibly the most impressed I’ve ever been by a knife. I did not expect the quality I received. The only and I mean only complaint I have is I wish it was bigger. Everything else was/is perfect.

@thepugilist4379

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video, btw…👍

@SquireSCA

4 ай бұрын

Where did you buy that model? I haven't see the Ti frame lock version on Amazon...

@thepugilist4379

4 ай бұрын

@@SquireSCA Amazon. And, I’ve seen it on there as recently as a couple weeks ago. In fact, every time I scroll with those specifics it shows up. I’ll try and get you a link…

@thepugilist4379

4 ай бұрын

@@SquireSCA Man, it appears to be gone. I just scrolled for a while, trying different search variations and nothing. Next best arguably was the VG10/SS. It’s been on there for months. First time I haven’t seen it.

@SquireSCA

4 ай бұрын

@@thepugilist4379 Yeah, I have looked for that one for awhile, but I can't find it on Amazon. I think you have to go directly to AliExpress or DHGate...

Clones are awesome ...your correct when they put the name on them to trick buyers and sellers

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, and I think that's an important distinction, the difference between a clone and counterfeit...

I feel like clones are away for the majority of the population to be able to experience knives they would on the other hand never have a chance of seeing or feeling or knowing why they are even considered good now they can aesthetically get a glimpse. I too have a similar experience with clones only I started with the Microtech Socom clone to see if I liked it and once I got it I knew I had to have it and got the real one shortly after!

@bladeboysfv5646

4 ай бұрын

Strider SNG is the smaller SMF the larger... PS- The Preatorian clone even has M Logo on clip though!

I'm happy with your video. My income is not High and a lot of my friends go camping and outdoors stuff,,,and I want to buy a survival knife clone. Thanks soo much. I will subscribe.... I dont care if the knife comes from any country, as long as it works.

we the people vote with the dollars we spend

This is the video that made me buy the Land 910 👍

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Its a great knife for the money!

This is smeone who knows how it works in this world.

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, I try to be open minded...

Clone quality is improving.

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

It really is. I mean, if you have the right materials and a CNC machine, you can crank out just about anything...

Lol. I have 5 of the 7 , can’t believe I hit KZread gold finally !

You Sir have common sense, damn hard to find anymore. EF makes a better knife than I will ever need. At 68 I can afford about anything I desire. Harley is nice, Goldwing for me is better. I have many knives, a lot of them are Efengrow. I just subbed.

Every damn product on earth has been made from globally sourced items. Even stuff made in USA either has globally sourced products within, or the machines that made the stuff does. Got a few Eafengrow or similar, and they serve me well in a world where John Law (in certain jurisdictions) might take it or I may lose the thing in one way or another. Knives are tools to me, I open the tool box and take what's needed for the job at hand; if I can get by with a cheaper tool, why buy an heirloom quality tool for a lot more money? Nice video, very informative!

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, at this point it's pointless to worry about it. I have another video processing now... It's a Spyrderco, but the knife is made in China. But its still an American company that owns it, sells it, warranties it, etc... So do the "Only MURICAN" guys get upset about that too? haha

I see an eafengrow 👍👍. They make some real nice knives , well apparently CH makes a lot of these knives ?

If a buyer knows they are purchasing a Fake Benchmade off AliExpress and it shows up completely branded properly but they knew when they bought it it was a clone is it really a bad thing --- who cares if it says Benchmade on the box or Binchmaid

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, but I do want to be clear, that there is a difference between a clone, or a knife that borrows heavily from a design, but with it's own name and packaging, versus an outright counterfeit. The former I am fine with, the latter I am not.

I'm 54 and have toted a knife since I was 10. I've probably got 100 but there is no way I'd pay $300 for a knife much less any more than that. To each his own but I just don't think all this super steel is worth it. I don't mind a bit tuning my edge up every once in a while

Cover bands have to pay royalties to the songs creator or secured the rights to perform.

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

So all the bands at your local pubs, are sending checks to Poison and Bon Jovi?

Maybe if he wanted us to buy his American knife make it affordable to most Americans.

@SquireSCA

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, I mean, $500 for a knife made of G10 and D2 that you can't even adjust the pivot yourself, does seem a bit crazy...

Do you have the link for the tanto knife?

@SquireSCA

10 ай бұрын

amzn.to/3OSoPN0