Recently, I was nearly taken in by what I discovered was a fake.

Now granted, I do not know as much as I would like to about the family of knives in question.  In this case, Kukris.  I came across an auction for a 1917 military issued kukri.  Interesting!  (to me anyway)

My initial research showed me another kukri that had the similar markings and same handle construction and design  was being offered from an established auction house.  I took that as confirmation that the first knife I had seen was authentic.

Further, and detailed research showed me that this particular knife was in fact a known and documented counterfeit (aka a FAKE) that is given a scarcity rating of ‘common’.  This assertion was echoed by multiple forums dedicated to the kukri family.  I am making the assumption that the members of those forums are people that are asking advice from those that are ‘experts’ in that family of edged items.  From my impressions they seem to know details about those blades quite well.

I am going to take this opportunity to include some definitions and examples that our own Lars has shared with me.  Multiple conversations regarding the meaning of these exact words have been undertaken.

Definitions:

These definitions are standard and readily accepted terms across various disciplines, whether it’s art,

manufacturing, or collectibles. While many mistakenly use these terms interchangeably, they each have

specific meanings, and therefore should be used appropriately.

• Replica (To Replicate):  A deliberately-made copy intended to match an original closely in

appearance, dimension, specifications, and sometimes materials; typically produced for legitimate

purposes (museum display, restoration, licensed manufacture).  

Transparency about its status as a non-original (a copy) is essential for it to be legitimate.

A museum-quality replica of a Stradivarius violin made for performance, or a licensed replica of a historic sword sold with clear labeling would be good examples.

• Reproduction:  A copy of an original item intended to reproduce its appearance; often made for

practical or commercial reasons (prints, furniture, literature). Reproductions may be authorized or

unauthorized but are generally not presented as originals.

A Giclée print reproduced from a famous painting, or a factory-made reproduction of an antique chair sold as a reproduction are prime examples.

• Counterfeit:  An item created to deceive by passing as the genuine original or trademarked

product. Counterfeits violate intellectual property and consumer-protection laws; intent to defraud

is the defining feature.  A bag bearing a forged luxury-brand logo and serial number sold as authentic, or fake pharmaceuticals packaged to mimic branded drugs are examples.

• Knockoff:  A cheap or inferior imitation that copies general design or style but avoids exact

trademarked logos or brand identifiers. Knockoffs aim to capture market demand for a look at

lower price and usually infringe design rights or trade dress, though legal status varies.  A cheap handbag with a similar silhouette to a luxury model but with different, unbranded hardware; a smartphone case copying a patented design but lacking the brand name would be an example of a knockoff.

What disturbs me about my experience so badly, is that the worn, distressed look was so well done.  I do not think I am completely ignorant of real wear and honest patina.  No attempt was made to signal that this was anything other than an authentic piece of history.  Actually, it was claimed to be a real military issue.  Someone (like me) that is venturing into a slightly new arena of knives, probably does not know that much about that specific family of knives (it’s a new field after all).  It was only by doing a bit of research, and dare I say, chance that I avoided this pitfall.  I would think that to many, the financial impact of an error like that would keep that person out of that new arena for good.  Unfortunately, the only way to acquire such a knife is on the secondary market.  So you cannot purchase a new one from a reputable source or the manufacturer.  Being as this was a private seller, was there intent on the sellers part to sell a counterfeit?  I cannot vouche for that.  It very well might be that the seller was unaware of the duplicity they were engaged in.  Of course I cannot prove they were not either.   Let the buyer beware, right?

Some brands are common to have ‘fakes’ out on the secondary market.  Namely Case, Spyderco and Benchmade.  These fakes are manufactured with sub-standard materials and then passed off as ‘real’ brand name knives.  Some of the fakes are easy to spot if you know what to look for.  But it seems the newer ones are getting more and more difficult to spot prior to purchasing them.  After you purchase and use the knife, it quickly becomes apparent that the blade steel is not what is marked on the blade, as the performance degrades very quickly.  FAR faster than an authentic branded knife.

Recently, I have found that Kershaw is now a target for these scammers and fakes are out there.  I am having a little more trouble wrapping my head around this one as they are not normally what most would consider expensive knives.  When dealing with fakes, one needs to get into a purely fiscal mindset.  If the scamming company can make a look-a-like knife for a fraction of what it can sell for, then that is their target.  Knives commanding a healthy price tag are typical targets for these unauthorized reproductions.

It is a shame that there are unscrupulous characters out there that prey on your lack of knowledge about a family of knives.  I have found that the best defense against inadvertently buying a fake, is a very thorough knowledge of that knife and basically knowing it and it markings inside and out.  And be careful!  

The lure of finding the ‘diamond in the rough’ is soooo tempting!  Everyone wants to find one (I know that I do!).  Just because a knife is cheaper than you would expect, does not necessarily mean that you have found one though.  Every situation is different and a great many variables need to be accounted for in a moment.

Learn all you can about a purchase target before you buy!  I do not believe this can be over emphasized.

Stay Vigilant and Gang Warily!