[BlindSquirrel]

I have heard of these fake Benchmades being distributed through dealer before. I first heard of it about two years ago. Guess it is still going on. So sorry for you getting hooked by this.

 

[IronButt]

From what I've read on the errornet, there are a lot of counterfeit Spydercos out there too.

 

[Flash LB]

My EDC, a Benchmade 9051 SBK.

 

[Firearms Collector]

LOL!

Getting back to the topic, that's definitely a shame to see such a fine knife counterfeited. Benchmades are great, and they're my personal favorite for an everyday pocketknife. I'll definitely keep this in mind the next time I go shopping for one.

It's also a shame to see at GS owner either being so ignorant of his products or so unscrupulous in his business practices. Whichever he is is unexcusable, and you did the right thing in deciding not to frequent his store anymore. I'd do the same.

And yes, counterfeiting a Benchmade knife is trademark infringement, and is just as illegal as any other counterfeit branded product. Unfortunately, the agencies that enforce such laws are far too over burdened and will likely never get around to putting an end to these knock-off knifes.

Hate to say it but a lot of manufactures could care less.
A few years ago I found a shop that was selling fake golf
clubs and accessories for Nike, Taylormade Callaway etc
and reported it to each company. I was thanked for the
info but none of Them did anything. That shop is still operating.

 

[poppasohn]

Yes,Spyderco,BUCK,Strider,Benchmade,Cold Steel all come to mind....The
really bad thing is that some of the Fakes are really nice knives.....If only
they would not use someone elses good credit for their sells.....They could give them a brand of it's own and do well without hurting some other USA made product......I have a couple that I traded for and they are hard to tell apart at first glance.....It's gotten so bad that you can't tell unless you have an original to compare it to....Little subtle things are what gives them away.....No one has ever traded me a fake as being the real deal,but im sure it happens all the time....Especially with something like a BM42,Infidel,or a Microtech Trodoon.
I have a 42,and since I never could afford a real one I had no idea what to look for....But I've gotten pretty good at catching some of them......
But you know it's also happening with rare Vintage USA made knives as well....People here in the States are doing the same thing as China,only with Vintage stuff....They're welding new cheap blades to rare stamped tangs...If you don't know what to look for,you'll get burnt.....Seems the country has lost it's values anymore and only live for the mighty dollar.....It's such a shame that people will stoop so low these days.....it's tripled in the last 7 to 10 years it seems....
God Bless America,
Poppasohn

 

[mbogo]

What are the 'tells' of a fake Benchmade?

 

[Flash LB]

What are the 'tells' of a fake Benchmade?

That question might best be answered on a forum dedicated to that exact subject:
Fakes, Copies and Counterfeits - Forum

 

[sbubrick]

How do you tell it's a fake, aside from the price?

 

[sigke]

How do you tell it's a fake, aside from the price?

Most times its the little things of course.
The only one way to avoid it is buying from a legit authorized dealer. Whether it be Benchmade Spyderco or what not.
The Chinese are getting really good a counterfitting these knives.

 

[SteveAikens]

Actually, price is the leading indicator. If you find a full-sized Blue level Benchmade knife - new - for less than $80 - you can be pretty certain it's not from the Benchmade factory. Red's are from China.

Quality of finish is a pretty good indicator.

 

[sigke]

Speaking of the ole butterfly......an 810-1401 M390 Contego landed on my doorstep today
Ill try and get a pic up....

 

[Koyote]

A Benchmade for $35 should alert anyone. If GS selling at that price, he surely must have known it was counterfeit!
I own two ($135+) and bought another for my son for $95...