AliExpress clones.

[Moab]

Instead of dropping $300+ on a new knife. I decided to pick up a clone on AliExpress of each model I was considering. And I am so glad I did.

Models:

Protech TR3 Auto
Benchmade CLA 4300 Auto
Benchmade Adamas Mini

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And a few I have not received yet:

Benchmade 3551 Stimulus Auto
Benchmade Adamas Mini Auto
Benchmade Griptilian
Spyderco Para 2 micarta
Spyderco Para 3 micarta
Spyderco Shaman micarta

First about the clones themselves:

The days of crappy stuff that was "Made in Japan" or "Made in China" are over. China has been making at least 95% of the knives sold in the US for many years. Their CNC work has even evolved beyond ours as so little can afford to be made here anymore.

These clones can even be purchased with the same high end metals. Or at least something very exceptable. I am amazed at how almost perfect they are. And for about 1/20th of the price. $20-$25.

All of the first three I have received are very well made. To the point I don't think the average knife user could tell. These are world class clones. That honestly I would carry with as much faith as if they were originals. These are not cheap copies. So much so they appear to be night shift versions from the same factory. But many of them like Benchmade are not made in China. But nonetheless, China knows what they are doing with metal and knifemaking.

The only issue I had was the paint on the Benchmade scales was not fully cured and very slightly tacky. Solved with an alcohol bath. Thus the slight discoloration in the two Benchmade scales. I have not cleaned that up or oiled them. But no more tackiness. And as soon as I rinse off the residue that will no longer be visible. And they will look new.

I'm glad I bought and handled them. As I would not have been happy had I purchased the $300 versions of the two Benchmade knives.

I thought I was gonna love the Adamas. But I would elect for the full size. As the Mini is a bit small. But between the off center thumb stud placed closely to the scales, and the axis lock, I don't think I will be purchasing the original. I do love the clone enough (for $25!) to keep and use it. But the thumb stud is hard to get your thumb on. Maybe .25" between the stud and scale edge. So a bit hard to get access with your thumb and open it. And the axis lock is just not for me. It feels "fiddly" and requires to much hand motion to release. I really don't like knives that require alot of movement within the hand to operate. But it is very sharp and is very rugged. A great knife even in the clone. I just don't care for the design. I might pick up a fullsize to see if that changes my mind. But I think the axis lock kills it for me.

The Benchmade CLA 4300 is a great sized knife. And the clone is spot on. However the blade and scales seem a bit thin. (Same as original.) And the torsion spring seems weak. A common complaint from owners of the original. It also uses quite small embedded metal liners. Relying on the full G10 scales for support. It's a great knife. But more of a slicer than a strong stabbing blade. Although I'm sure it would be fine for either.

But the Protech TR3 is by far (even in the $26 clone) the nicest knife I have ever owned. I of course don't own an original. But it is perfect. Pics match exactly. And the materials are top notch. It has a 158 CM blade and aluminum two piece handle. And the opening spring is STRONG. This feels like a real knife. Like a really strong, top quality, real knife. My new favorite.

It's just a push button release and lock/unlock. So you do have to push the button for the blade to release and close. Requiring you to either push the blade back down into the handle with your other hand. Or push it against your jeans as to close it. But this knife seems unreal for $26! I don't see how spending the full $300(?) on the original could improve this? Maybe a bit better metal? But honestly I am fine with D2 or better. I don't need Magnacut. But you can buy Magnacut knives from AliExpress. The Adamas is Cruwear. And feels and cuts like Cruwear. But even if it isn't I am more than happy with it.

I'll post more once I get them. I'm shocked at how nice these are. Right down to the packaging. They are perfect clones. They don't clone every knife. But they have a huge selection of clones. That are easily better than any regular US brand $100-$200 knife. And for $20-$25 I do not see a downside. Except resale value.

My normal folders are in the $50-$75 range. CRKT, Spyderco, Gerber, ESEE. But I will never buy another. With knives this well made for a fraction of the price.

I know many will object to clones. But in the current economy, and the fact that I otherwise would not be able to spend full dollar on any of these. And the fact that knives - especially like Benchmade - are so way overpriced, I don't have a problem with it. Ever hold a Benchmade Bugout? The only thing that thin pile of crap is bugging out from is maybe a paper bag.

These are probably 95-98% of the originals for 1/20th the price. I got 9 knives for the price of one $200 knife. Which isn't even the full price on any one of these first three. More like $300+.

And if you have a problem with clones. Lots of companies on AliExpress sell their own knives. That are no doubt just as well made. Search knives and you will see what I mean.

OK Knives is a good seller. They also have a US website to buy direct from. They still ship from China though. www.ok-knives.net

And Jufule is also a good seller. But there are many places selling what I am sure are knives from the same factory. Search "AU TO" or "AU/TO" to find autos. They are not supposed to sell them. But they obviously do. The pics are doctored to not show things like the auto button. But if you contact sellers directly they can send you pics.

These are really nice knives. I've been using Japanese whetstones and diamond stones as of late. These are sharpening up nicely. But these were surgical sharp right out of the box.

[Moab]

These clones are the best deal in knives ANYWHERE. At about 10% of original price. In D2 steel. Average cost is $25 for a $250-350 knife. Exact clones. I don't know why anyone would buy a US knife. These will blow you away. But I would stick to Spyderco or Protech. More below.

Wanted to update this with an even better source for clone knives.

www.ok-knives.net

They have a full line of all the available clones brands. Benchmade, Spyderco, Protech etc. I ended up purchasing 20 knives from AliExpress - but most from ok knives. 

My general opinion:

Same as above - any of these clones would be very hard for 98% of knife owners to tell the difference. Most are very high quality clones made of D2 steel. Which was a top of the line steel 10 years ago. And still holds up very well. A few knives are offered in better steels. With a corresponding price point. But all of mine in D2 have held great edges. A few say better steels in them. And they may very well be. But I'm going to assume they are all D2. And at an average price of $25, are massively better than anything in the US market for less than $75. And even given the steel, are 90% of the original. At about 10% of the price. 

Benchmade:

I was hoping to fall in love with a Benchmade. Their designs look so cool. Although I was not impressed with the Bugout at all. It's a massive scam of a box opener only knife for over $200. A huge rip off. You can literally snap it in half with your bare hands. Videos on YouTube. 

But I digress. I really don't like any of the Benchmade designs. Now that I've held them. And most of the clones were subpar for one reason or another. But mostly wet sticky paint. All of them except for a couple fixed blade models are nothing I would want to own. In the original or clone. 

For whatever reason the clones had weak springs in the autos. And terrible finishes. But the designs didn't sit with me well either. If you want a rundown of which models I didn't like and why - just ask. My overall opinion is avoid Benchmade. I don't like the locking mechanism. Most have odd ergonomics. And appear to be more about looks than function. They are wildly popular. But VERY overpriced IMHO. I would definitely avoid the clones. Except their fixed blades. I got a couple and they are very nice for the price. They sell a cloned runner handled fixed blade that is very good. Otherwise avoid the folders. Original or clone IMHO.

Spyderco:

Easily the best folders made. Also the most sold knife brand. And is easy to see why - even in the clone models. I've owned both real ones and clones. Very little difference between the two. The clones are very well made. Easy to open with their patented blade hole. Also is the most silent opening knife. Which I appreciate. 

The two models that stand out. And I bought several. Are the Para 2 and Shaman.

Spyderco Para 2:

Better than the smaller Para 3. Most carried knife by military personal in the middle east. The Para 2 is a perfect size and weight folder. I prefer micarta but you can get just about any scale material from ok knives or AliExpress. As a go to EDC this model is non plussed. The right weight and size. Opens and closes flawlessly. Their odd looking unlocking mechanism is actually very easy to get used to. And keeps you from ever folding the knife closed in your fingers. A much better design than the Benchmade axis IMHO. The Axis is very fiddly and requires you close it on your side or with a second hand. The Spyderco is true one handed opening and closing. 

Spyderco Shaman:

This was the nicest out of the 20 I purchased. Excellent knife all around. Same easy opening and closing one handed operation. Solid built. Nice contoured micarta scales. You can get other scale types too. Excellent blade. This knife is a bit beefier than the Para 2. It's the knife you want in your survival kit. I wouldn't hesitate to use this knife anywhere. The blade is noticeably thicker than the Para 3. Solid pivot. Like really solid. A bit bigger and heavier than the Para 3. Just a really robust folder. Better than all the Benchmade knives I purchased. Better design, better materials, just an all around excellent folder you never have to worry about.

The Para 2 is excellent too. Maybe better for an EDC as it's a bit lighter. But still robust enough to handle pretty much anything. Just a bit pointier and thinner blade.

Tips:

I did take some 600 grit metal sandpaper to the blade top edges and the metal liner edges. And the opening hole. Spyderco are known for sharp edges in these areas. Not the cutting edge. Just the spine and liners. Took about 2 minutes. Try to only hit the edges/corners. It will scratch the flat sides of the blade of you run the sandpaper along any of the flat surfaces. Just keep the paper at a right angle to the edges. Just makes it nicer to carry, hold, open and close. I think they just leave those edges as a cost savings or something. My original Spyderco had sharp edges too. Mostly just on the top of the blade and opening hole. 

You should do this with all your folders. Use it for awhile. Then put some Locktite "blue" on the pivot pin. Just a very tiny bit. And adjust the pivot screw to where you want it. This keeps the pivot pin from loosening. And keeps the opening closing pressure exactly where you want it.

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[Moab]

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