As usual time has flown by and I have not posted a blog. I was in Idaho for three weeks enjoying time with my kids and our grandson. He is a stitch, bright as can be and even at 16 months is developing an identity and personality.
I want to discuss something less savory though. That is the flourishing knife trade in reproductions of WW-II daggers. I should be flattered that many of them are copies of knives from my website, but I am not. For example the maker who has copied this miniature dagger made by Travis Evans,even down to stealing my photos with Travis' initials on the knife. I realize these are people trying to make a living, in Pakistan mostly. BUT that does not make me feel any less taken advantage of. Many of these makers fail to mention their wares are reproductions of WW-II knives. Is this intentional or not? I have to wonder how many new collectors are fooled into thinking they are getting a rare knife for a really good price?
I want to discuss something less savory though. That is the flourishing knife trade in reproductions of WW-II daggers. I should be flattered that many of them are copies of knives from my website, but I am not. For example the maker who has copied this miniature dagger made by Travis Evans,even down to stealing my photos with Travis' initials on the knife. I realize these are people trying to make a living, in Pakistan mostly. BUT that does not make me feel any less taken advantage of. Many of these makers fail to mention their wares are reproductions of WW-II knives. Is this intentional or not? I have to wonder how many new collectors are fooled into thinking they are getting a rare knife for a really good price?
I have posted this particular knife photo on my homepage because it is the most egregious case of fakery. I guess if one is stupid enough to think they are buying an "Iconic F?S..... that is brand new" thinking it is an original, maybe it is a good lesson in critical thinking. This sort of fakery is why I do not publish the actual dimensions of rare knives on my website. There are only three people whom I have shared this information with. They are Peter Parkinson, Paul MacDonald, and Travis Evans. So if you buy from them you are getting knives that are correct. They have also done their own homework and research to make sure their knives are correct.
I am not saying not to buy from Pakistani makers... just be aware of what you are getting and know that some things like steel composition, heat treat, dimensions, etc may not be the equal of the knives made by other (original) makers. If you are willing to accept that then fine. Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving holiday.
I am not saying not to buy from Pakistani makers... just be aware of what you are getting and know that some things like steel composition, heat treat, dimensions, etc may not be the equal of the knives made by other (original) makers. If you are willing to accept that then fine. Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving holiday.
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