Last night I was flipping channels and came across the Home Shopping Network. Two guys were hawking a 100-piece knife set for $180. Several of the knives were dead-on spydie ripoffs!
If I got them all, it looked like a delica ripoff, a military ripoff, and a harpy/merlin ripoff. There were ripoffs of other manufacturers as well, but those were the relevant ones!
Blech! Knowing that there were over 3000 people buying this product (according to their onscreen tally) made my stomach turn!
Spydie ripoffs on HSN!
So what time was this. On Blade forums, several folks have indicated that there is frequently cause for great hilarity. One said that the hucksters were so bold as to label everyone who didn't buy 30 pounds or more of Pakistani crap metal a fool. Of course, that could make you mad, but if you let it, I think one could have a bunch of yuks. Besides, it might be fun to try to get thru on the phone and ask a couple pertinent questions. So, I'd really appreciate learning what time to look for the show. Is it a regular, at the same time each week?
Thanks in advance,
Stare
Thanks in advance,
Stare
Yep - the hole was there. It looked just like the Delica - same blade shape, same hole, everything!
It was probably about 9:30 EST when I saw it. I don't know if it is a regularly scheduled show, but they did have another show coming on Sunday, I think. But it was scheduled for very early in the morning (like 1 AM or something).
It was funny to see the crap they were hawking, but at the same time, not funny because what if someone buys the crap, and later sees a real one, and assumes that is crap also? Or spreads the word to their friends that the round-hole knives are crap?
It was probably about 9:30 EST when I saw it. I don't know if it is a regularly scheduled show, but they did have another show coming on Sunday, I think. But it was scheduled for very early in the morning (like 1 AM or something).
It was funny to see the crap they were hawking, but at the same time, not funny because what if someone buys the crap, and later sees a real one, and assumes that is crap also? Or spreads the word to their friends that the round-hole knives are crap?
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sam the man..
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Thanks, mpclb. I appreciate the info. May try to catch the program soon.
I agree that the direct ripoffs are not funny, and maybe I gave the wrong impression. I just believe the absurd claims the hawkers make for POS could be humorous. I don't know the names given to the ripoff knives. If it is the same or identical to SPyderco's choice, then it indeed could prove destructive for Spyderco. I'd hate to see that happen.
When I caught sight of a similar program once -- my wife hollered at me to come watch before I'd heard the shows could be funny -- all I saw were diamondwood handles on enormous fantasy-type knives that were for the most part way too large for reasonable carry, let alone useless for most cutting jobs. I heard the price for a group of knives, then laughed and went on.
There have been a couple recent events on the custom forums at Blade Forums that have clearly demonstrated how strongly people -- and I assume companies -- can feel about intellectual property. Things got real nasty -- and then a bit ludicrous when a 7-yr-old pic was posted.
I'm going to have to really struggle on the issue of buying a couple Darrel Ralph collaboration knives. I want to collect his collaborations, but in a couple instances, the company with whom he collaborated has demonstrated repeatedly a complete lack of ethics when it comes to copying custom makers and manufacturers' knives. You can be certain that I'll not buy anything from that company but the collaborations, if I buy anything. I kinda feel like the Ralph collaborations sort of chose me, rather than vice versa, if you get my drift. I just really like his designs, and no way can afford the $$ to buy originals. We'll see. It would make the choice a lot easier if the basically ethical dealers would exercise the discretion beforehand, so to speak, and not even offer them. Well, we all have to wrestle with our consciences now and then.
Stare
I agree that the direct ripoffs are not funny, and maybe I gave the wrong impression. I just believe the absurd claims the hawkers make for POS could be humorous. I don't know the names given to the ripoff knives. If it is the same or identical to SPyderco's choice, then it indeed could prove destructive for Spyderco. I'd hate to see that happen.
When I caught sight of a similar program once -- my wife hollered at me to come watch before I'd heard the shows could be funny -- all I saw were diamondwood handles on enormous fantasy-type knives that were for the most part way too large for reasonable carry, let alone useless for most cutting jobs. I heard the price for a group of knives, then laughed and went on.
There have been a couple recent events on the custom forums at Blade Forums that have clearly demonstrated how strongly people -- and I assume companies -- can feel about intellectual property. Things got real nasty -- and then a bit ludicrous when a 7-yr-old pic was posted.
I'm going to have to really struggle on the issue of buying a couple Darrel Ralph collaboration knives. I want to collect his collaborations, but in a couple instances, the company with whom he collaborated has demonstrated repeatedly a complete lack of ethics when it comes to copying custom makers and manufacturers' knives. You can be certain that I'll not buy anything from that company but the collaborations, if I buy anything. I kinda feel like the Ralph collaborations sort of chose me, rather than vice versa, if you get my drift. I just really like his designs, and no way can afford the $$ to buy originals. We'll see. It would make the choice a lot easier if the basically ethical dealers would exercise the discretion beforehand, so to speak, and not even offer them. Well, we all have to wrestle with our consciences now and then.
Stare
Hi Stare
This was a similar sort of program. 100 knives for $180. (and in flashing letters on the tube, "Only $1.80 per knife!!!" <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> And they had some of the similar "fantasy" knives that you mentioned.
It seems as though they were equal-opportunity thieves, though, as I also saw (but didn't recognize till later), a ripoff of the AFCK...
You certainly didn't give the wrong impression. I know that none of us likes to see others riding on the coattails of another's ingenuity and innovation....
BTW, what is POS? I've seen this several times, and still haven't figured it out!
Matthew
This was a similar sort of program. 100 knives for $180. (and in flashing letters on the tube, "Only $1.80 per knife!!!" <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> And they had some of the similar "fantasy" knives that you mentioned.
It seems as though they were equal-opportunity thieves, though, as I also saw (but didn't recognize till later), a ripoff of the AFCK...
You certainly didn't give the wrong impression. I know that none of us likes to see others riding on the coattails of another's ingenuity and innovation....
BTW, what is POS? I've seen this several times, and still haven't figured it out!
Matthew
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Sean Richings
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If you go to gun shows much, you'll see vendors flogging all kinds of Chinese and Pakistani Spyderco rip-offs, usually for around five bucks or so. I've observed that the vast majority of buyers are adolescent boys. At one show recently I heard a kid, maybe 12 or 13 years old, exclaim to his pals, "Hey look, I finally got a Clipit", after plunking down a fiver for a piece of crap. (No hole, just a black plastic thumbstud)! Of course, the vendor said nothing to enlighten the youth as to the true origin of said P.O.C.
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Sword and Shield
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I saw a show like this as well, but they did not stop at Spyderco knockoffs. I saw remakes of knives from Buck, Case, Knives of Alaska, Old Timer, and of course Spyderco.
What eludes me is that they were selling 10 knives in lots of 12, with 30 more for their count of 150. Unless the knife was absolutely incredible, who would want 12 of them? Even if it was so great you wanted another, that takes care of 2. What about the other 10?
Say you wanted to start a collection of these knives. A good tactic is to save 2, one for use and one for carry. That leaves you with 50 knives, and 100 duplicates that you couldn't possibly use. Wasteful. Take the $380 that you would spend and buy some real knives.
Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.
What eludes me is that they were selling 10 knives in lots of 12, with 30 more for their count of 150. Unless the knife was absolutely incredible, who would want 12 of them? Even if it was so great you wanted another, that takes care of 2. What about the other 10?
Say you wanted to start a collection of these knives. A good tactic is to save 2, one for use and one for carry. That leaves you with 50 knives, and 100 duplicates that you couldn't possibly use. Wasteful. Take the $380 that you would spend and buy some real knives.
Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.
Yes, unfortunately, it is a weekly show. I have a friend who orders knive's from them. I sharpened them once for him. They took a really good edge, but then got dull when i tested them on paper. The blades loosen up really quick too. Why would anyone want a knife made from an old pakistani bumper anyway is beyond me.
I too have seen these junk knives hawked on HSN. Had to remind myself that if there were no market
these guys wouldn't have any fools to pander to. Just for grins and giggles one day I tried to find
out where I could buy a name brand "good" knife in my area. Guess what.. I found not a single brick
& motar store within 75 miles!!! No wonder this junk has a market and no wonder most folk's think
that $20 bucks is an insane price for a knife. NO consumer education, availbilty or main stream
advertising to show folk's what really good cutlery is. That's why these guys and their junk fill the
gap. Not to mention that's why Joe Average wouldn't know a good knife . Kinda have to lay this
at the knife makers feet even tho I know ads cost money, Just about everybody in the U.S.A. has a
T.V. how many Buck, Spyderco, Schrade,& Camillus T.V. ads have you seen lately? These hucksters
have an HOUR of T.V. time to convince folks to buy this junk and love it!! Spyderco are you listening?
these guys wouldn't have any fools to pander to. Just for grins and giggles one day I tried to find
out where I could buy a name brand "good" knife in my area. Guess what.. I found not a single brick
& motar store within 75 miles!!! No wonder this junk has a market and no wonder most folk's think
that $20 bucks is an insane price for a knife. NO consumer education, availbilty or main stream
advertising to show folk's what really good cutlery is. That's why these guys and their junk fill the
gap. Not to mention that's why Joe Average wouldn't know a good knife . Kinda have to lay this
at the knife makers feet even tho I know ads cost money, Just about everybody in the U.S.A. has a
T.V. how many Buck, Spyderco, Schrade,& Camillus T.V. ads have you seen lately? These hucksters
have an HOUR of T.V. time to convince folks to buy this junk and love it!! Spyderco are you listening?
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Frankiecrabs
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"50 PIECE BLOWOUT!!!!!!!!!!! Buy 1- 5- 10 sets...there's NO LIMIT!! 50 knives- and ONLY $1.79 each - AMAZING!!! AND, buy RIGHT NOW, we'll THROW IN the 11" ALL BLACK TACTICAL sheath knife- a $10 VALUE!!!! And for ONLY $1.79!!! AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
I actually saw this stuff on the Shop@Home Network tonight [11:30pm EST]- "renditions" of Harpies, delicas, enduras, Benchmades, etc. 12 of this pattern, 7 of that, and, of course, the 11" ALL BLACK TACTICAL WITH THE SEMI-SERRATED EDGE- A $10 VALUE!!! I'm so glad I discoverd the various blade forums, and learned what real knives were about. At $1.79 each, these knives must be overpriced by at least $1.78 each (except for the 11" all black tactical yadda yadda, which is obviously a bargain at half the price).
CAVEAT EMPTOR
Frank
I actually saw this stuff on the Shop@Home Network tonight [11:30pm EST]- "renditions" of Harpies, delicas, enduras, Benchmades, etc. 12 of this pattern, 7 of that, and, of course, the 11" ALL BLACK TACTICAL WITH THE SEMI-SERRATED EDGE- A $10 VALUE!!! I'm so glad I discoverd the various blade forums, and learned what real knives were about. At $1.79 each, these knives must be overpriced by at least $1.78 each (except for the 11" all black tactical yadda yadda, which is obviously a bargain at half the price).
CAVEAT EMPTOR
Frank
****! I actually had remembered and was going to look for the show tonite, believing Tuesday was the night. Well, I'll still check it out, just in case.
mpclb -- sorry I didn't get back to this when you asked the question. POS = Piece of S%&t. I think that is one acronmym I "got" pretty easily. The one that kept me guessing the longest was RKBA! Kept thinking it meant "Right Back Atcha" or something similar. Finally figured it out a month or so ago.
Stare
mpclb -- sorry I didn't get back to this when you asked the question. POS = Piece of S%&t. I think that is one acronmym I "got" pretty easily. The one that kept me guessing the longest was RKBA! Kept thinking it meant "Right Back Atcha" or something similar. Finally figured it out a month or so ago.
Stare