Did I Buy A Fake Buck Knife?! How To Tell

How can you tell whether you've purchased a fake Buck knife? We've found a couple of identifiers to share with you! Please note this video is for entertainment purposes; please use caution when buying products online.
Some helpful links:
Buck website: www.buckknives.com
Buck Knives: amzn.to/2Zq8X9i
A good blog on BladeForums from user: oregon: www.bladeforums.com/threads/fa...
Disclaimer:
This video expresses only the opinions of the reviewer. Please read your owner's manual for any system you purchase. We, nor the reviewer, are liable for any use or misuse of these products.
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[@LC8Media]

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[@ORIGINALDaveB]

Lesson learned for me is that I am willing to pay the few dollars extra and go directly to the manufacturers sight to ensure I'm not getting counterfeit. I have an Amazon Prime account but I only use it to buy things that are linked to official sellers who also stock genuine things on their own sight. Ray Ban put out a video on how to authenticate their sunglasses because the Eastern European countries became experts in counterfeiting their brand.

[@AnestaKrautz]

When will people learn - there is no such thing as a ‘great deal’... if it’s too good to be true then it is.

[@fbomb2077]

There are exceptions. Like finding an old Mustang forgotten in a Barn, mint. I had this happen to me with 40+ knives for 300$ or $7.50 per knife. It was her dead husbands collection that I got 1st dibs before an auction. Bought everything that wasnt made in China.

[@danieldeason169]

​@@fbomb2077the problem is that they are Buck knives, just made in China

[@cliffordrandell735]

Very good video. Chinese fraudsters need to be shut down. Thanks for taking the time to warn people.

[@GlennMileyOutdoors]

The BUCK font is wrong first off.

[@semco72057]

I have two Buck knives which I purchased through the military exchanges, and the most recent one which is a model 119 which I got from the Buck store online. I had it personalized just in case someone stole it. I am careful about where I buy knives or anything else as I don't want a phony product.

[@MarkPdot]

I'm so glad I found this video. I just picked up a 119 pro. I thought it was a "plus" but rather it was a symbol for a 2021 model. 5 years late but, thank you.

[@LC8Media]

Excellent. Glad our video could be of use to you! Good luck with the new knife.

[@OnTheRiver66]

Thank you! I didn’t know Buck knives were counterfeited but I guess I’ve been naive. Great video!

[@MrM14sa]

And thanks I was looking for the model number on the folder 450 I bought one back In 93 or 94 and lost it around 02 loved that knife

[@yaboi9714]

This video is very helpful and informative, definitely earns my like and subscribe

[@SpiritwolfOfthewild]

Thank you. Very informative

[@dewaynecummings5210]

Thank you, never knew this.

[@thomastommy1192]

Contact EBay and tell them what happened. They may make it right for you. Awesome video thanks for sharing. I just bought the Buck 119 at my local Wal-Mart. The case is made just like that. It was made in Mexico also.

[@InstantChicken]

Well regarding the stamp. I bought a Buck Vanguard 100 year edition back in 2002, ordered in a danish store. This is of course a fixed blade version, but the anvil stamp on mine is on the left side.

[@grumpyoldwizard]

If you have any trouble with the phenolic handle being slippery, gun grip tape really helps.

[@jamespolucha6911]

Man there are fake everything now days, I bought 2 fake knives and just a few weeks ago bought a fake Makuni carburetor, you really got to know the place they come from and hope they don’t lie to you, man it’s a shame

[@knighthawk3759]

the vanguard was never issued with a black blade. also the vanguard never had "Buck" printed near the spine. they always stamp at the hilt. vanguard was only available as black handle or cocobolo handles and a satin finish

[@LC8Media]

Thanks for watching. And thank you for the additional information! Hopefully this will help out some other viewers.

[@3henry214]

That is incorrect, there is an Alaskan Guide version of the Vanguard, the earlier version had a black finish called Tungsten DLC (Diamond Like Carbon), current production is now black Ceracote.

[@norvillesdingus3917]

@@3henry214 very true. Also the Alaskan guide is only for Cabela's.

[@Jordy1979]

Got the same knife off E bay on auction for $5 I love beating it up. It's alright I guess. If I spent $150 on a real one I'd be scared to scratch the thing.

[@milestesti4454]

Thanks I hope more people see this!

[@johnmeier270]

Ebay seller sold me a fake 120!!! I love beat it up camping as soon as the parks open again!!

[@norvillesdingus3917]

That is a counterfeit 692 vanguard. From a quick glance I would say the stamp is definitely a good tell. Other things I can tell from the video is the butt/guard are all wrong, I don't remember ever seeing black ones, also the hollow grind looks wrong, although I can't quite tell without measuring it.

[@jackdillon4467]

Great video! Thanks!!!

[@moz7677]

Thanks, never knew about the dating, my 119 was made in 1990 :-)

[@wolfinthewildssurvival2765]

I've seen a few fakes just like that. On the ones I've seen the back of the handle unscrews to reveal it's not even full tang, but has a threaded rod welded to the blade.

[@LC8Media]

That's great feedback. I wish I had known some of these tell-tale signs before I bought some of my knives.

[@wolfinthewildssurvival2765]

If I can offer some advise, I bought a Buck Selkirk about 4 months ago. I've used it on 5 camp trips and a number of day trips in to the woods and it's never let me down. In my opinion it's a good solid knife that is excellent for bush craft.

[@jimmyanderson1823]

Your 119 is a real Buck knife but the other one i believe you're right you was ripped off unfortunately . great video thanks for sharing

[@MADMAX353]

Thank you...good video!

[@tomritter493]

Not in that sheath vanguard came in nylon craphad the same problem with falkkiven f1 and came almost perfect except it didn't have As many line of checkering

[@krazmokramer]

A $100 knife for $20. You didn't get ripped off. You got a nice knife that you seem to enjoy for almost no money. It may not be a Buck, but it's still a useful knife. If the blade had snapped or the handle fell off, then you would have gotten ripped off. Since it's a user and not a collector knife, use it and enjoy it.

[@joejones9520]

yes and the Chinese knockoffs arent clones at all, the differences are very obvious to anyone who knows anything about Buck knives, I have an obviously fake auto 110, it works better than my real one and was only 30 whereas real one was..dont even ask.

[@punchdrunkatheist]

Using that dating chart I just learned my pathfinder is a 2012 model. I'm glad I got a legit one from Amazon.

[@LC8Media]

Glad it was helpful!

[@physicalgrafitti4684]

Wait so is amazon trustworthy to get a real buck?

[@geico1975]

Aw man, makes me curious about some of the knives I've gotten on Amazon. I guess the only way to be safe, is to purchase from the brands main website, even though you'll be paying top dollar MSRP for everything.

[@Joe-fz6ni]

A lot online is counterfeit. I like to get straight from the factory but it isn’t cheap that way. I would rather cry once

[@likebutton3136]

There smaller folders are made in China. The large folders like the 110 are still USA made. I believe all the full tangs are as well. The leather sheaths are made in Mexico tho. Still Buck is making quality products that you can't beat for the money in my opinion. Part of my every day carry is a Buck 110.

[@razgriz814]

Not all of the small folders are. Just a few models, the Vantage line and the Ranger line are American as well a few others. Just a small few are made in China. Just have to look at the package. Both of my Vantages are American made.

[@likebutton3136]

@@razgriz814 good to know I'll be looking into those to complement my 110 :)

[@razgriz814]

No worries man. I have a 110 that gets carried every now and then, but my Vantages are my work knives.

[@humanboywarrior]

That's why I only buy USA products online

[@cephasmcpher67peteroutdoorspip]

You got me nervous there for a minute. I just bought a Buck 110 off Amazon and didn't really check the blade for stamping.But to my relief it is stamped 110 with a symbol and USA. But will definitely be on the look out in the future.

[@mountainman971]

Look up counterfeit 110. I've got one with the date stamp and everything. But, alas fake. And I paid real money for it.

[@joejones9520]

@@mountainman971 if it looks just like a real one then it's not a fake, fakes dont look like real ones side by side at all.

[@Eric-cm9ri]

A foot note for anyone wanting to buy the Kershaw Blur, I bought one not very long ago off of Amazon that was $70 bucks the Blur that is made here in the USA from the Kershaw Company is around $125. The materials are Kershaw materials I think but probably put together in China.

[@hafertr1235]

If it says Buck 75 and an anvil around 75 and USA is it legit? And on the handle it says 1942-2017 and 75 years. Some one please help. Thanks

[@dannymcnamara2554]

Thanks from Alberta!,

[@arkcabinets]

Thank you for your video, I almost bought a vanguard off amazon too. After watching your video I discovered that most of the knives that where sold on the internet the logo was blurred. I searched for places that sold the vanguard that was close by and discovered that Bass Pro sold them. While at Bass Pro I was able to see the embedded logo and the symbol. It may cost a little more than the China knock-offs but the warranty is worth it. thanks again.

[@grahamparr3933]

A cautionary tale, always consider if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

[@joejones9520]

but people who know knives can tell simply by the price what is what, these Chinese knockoffs arent truly "fakes," theyre just decent budget knives that kind of resemble a Buck, no one it mattered to would ever be fooled.

[@GLOCK4LIFE0]

Please tell me the video recorder you were using wasn’t made in china as well...

[@Britishshooter]

All my Bucks have the model number and year code stamped on the hilt end of the blade. A slight clue, duh?

[@gonzo38pp53]

I had to stop the video for a moment. I don’t know if you get to it in the video. but the little symbol you’re talking about next to the 119 is a mark for the year the weapon was made you can go to Buck’s website and they have a calendar with all the symbols. if you have an old knife you can find out what year it was manufactured just match up the symbol with the one on your blade. now I will continue watching your video

[@richardmcginnis5344]

wanna know if its a full tang? stick a magnet on the handle

[@Dragon_Camp_Cooking_]

The 119 is a great knife mine was made in 1967-1972 it was my dads like have a knife that’s over half a century old

[@DeeegerD]

Looks like the fake has a better grind on the blade ;) Which isn't surprising when I look at the crap grind on my original Buck 110.

[@raiderrichard7291]

My favorite knifes are Buck. Today i received my package from amazon (buck vantage select large, black) and the blade wasnt polished with that brushed steel look. I sent it back to Buck thinking it might be counterfeit or a defect. But today i went to bass pro shops to buy a knife in person (shoulda done in the first place) and i saw a lot of buck knives that actually didnt have that shiny polish to them. Whats happening. P.s. i ended up buying a spyderco persistence for 60$ at the bass pro.

[@subparmonkey9186]

My 110 doesn't have real brass bolsters. It has a cheap paint over aluminum. Is that a sign of a counterfeit

[@LC8Media]

I would go by the stamping on the blade overall. I would also refer to the chart on the Buck website. Real brass should be the same color all the way through.

[@gabrielirizarry4189]

Subpar Monkey if it says Pakistan it is a fake, if it doesn't say anything, then you judge the materials, weight, and that kind of stuff and you determine whether or not it is real, for well made fakes, look at minor details, they go a long way.

[@brucelaborin2124]

Not all of the Buck knives have the anvil logo on them. The price should've been the one and only sign that you were gonna get robbed. I've only ever seen Vanguards go for $65 and up. To be fair to the knife dealer, I've seen the Vanguards that aren't brass and cocobolo, and they look like this online, with only the BUCK name with their copyright symbol, so he wasn't wrong to assume, but if you told him the price, and the fact that you got it on Amazon, that should've given him pause to go grab a more experienced person working there.

[@rogersiples3335]

Thanks.

[@ScottSmith-lx5xb]

I purchased my Buck 119 fixed blade new at Walmart. I know for sure it's a real Buck knife since walmart sells no foreign China made products. Right? Aw yeah !

[@Eric-cm9ri]

There is a replica of the Gerber Strongarm as well that isn't a Gerber Strongarm. When ordering a knife that you want made in the USA it's best to buy it from the company themselves or somewhere like HQ knives or Neeves knives. If you don't really care where the knife is made then Amazon is okay.

[@Eric-cm9ri]

Thank you for the heads up. I like the message on the Buck leaflet too. - John 3:16. The Buck knives are top quality knives. God bless you and you got a thumbs up and I hit that subscribe button. 👍😎🙏🕊️✝️📖♥️

[@joey0077d]

Great video. Sucks to have been taken.

[@bobkrohn8053]

Check out the Gordon hunting knife at Harbor Freight. Copy of the Buck 119. With coupon, got it for $20

[@richardmcginnis5344]

a little bit of research and ordering from your favorite knife store would have kept you from being rooked. the vanguard 192 has a wooden handle and the 692 has the rubberized nd neither comes with a spray painted black blade

[@bicparker1]

There was a 692 Alaska Guide Vanguard version which came out several years ago with a dark grey bluing on the blade (it is sitting on my desk as I write this). It is marked as an Alaska Guide on the blade and came with a sheath so marked, also with “Buck” marked stamps. Nothing like what was in the video, however.

[@kirkmuffie7542]

@@bicparker1 I have that knife too. It's almost too pretty to use! Lol

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

What the Buck ?

[@robcasolco5086]

My thing is, these are two very different knives you display in the video. They may have just stamped the one you purchased differently then others. I would’ve just compared another version of that same knife instead of two different knives

[@firstfinger207]

Buck requires dealers to sign a form that they will not sell Buck Knives online, I just signed the form and returned. Buck does make some knives in China but there a lot of copy cats that are selling under the Buck name but the quality isn't there. Buy from a local distributor or dealer to get the real thing.

[@zachnelson7221]

Buck does make some overseas. The Buck Trio is one of them. I bought it not knowing that. Figured if it was a Buck it was made in America.

[@davidoakley3256]

I guess Cabellas and Bass Pro didn't get that form.🤣 they seem to sell a lot of bucks online.

[@rockd8946]

Lots of good lessons in below comments. By now I’m sure your well trained at what’s a fake and what’s not when it comes to BUCk knives. Like Harleys… everyone likes to copy the BEST… Good luck in future purchases… BUCK KNIVES probably would like to have yours… as proof…. Fakes are out there.

[@neglekt_official]

Thanx brothaa SALUTE

[@Eric-cm9ri]

There are counterfeits in most knives. Your best bet is to order the knife you want from, Buck themselves in Idaho.

[@Malc664]

How's the fake Buck going , is it ok for a cheap knife? I see it on ebay for 16 bucks. Black or silver.

[@LC8Media]

Hey! It's decent enough for light use (cutting ropes, etc.). Probably not the best quality in a survival situation or for heavy-duty use.

[@chainleigh3025]

The Chinese imitated vanguard careless and reluctantly. You got a fake one.

[@Kurogane_666]

I got one on eBay for $50 plus whatever shipping was and come find out there a hundred and fifty lol

[@danieldeason169]

Not all Bucks are made in the USA, most of them are Chinese

[@josephwhite2588]

I made a mistake like that. Bought one just like that. It didn't even make it through gutting one deer it broke off at the handle. I went and bought a real one for 150. don't go cheap!!!!!

[@Mike-vt6nc]

Hopefully you returned them, I would think you would have why wouldn’t you? Cost 100 Paid 20 that right there very simple clue.

[@bray315]

He just said he had been HAD! Ha

[@dennishinckley6326]

you did not get taken. you got what you paid for. if you like it and it works and you carry it. 20 dollars is not that much to pay.

[@dorkenshire3680]

i cant even find a buck knife in their lineup that even comes close to looking like that black buck knife. also, even bucks made in chinas, are stamped as such. that buck logo is the wrong font as well. im willing to bet thats a complete fake knife. you remember the model number the black one is supposed to be?

[@LC8Media]

Hey! Unfortunately it's been a few years since I purchased it, so I don't know exactly which model number it was marketed as.

[@waitaminute-vw9hf]

I hope you reported the SOB that sold it to you.

[@tonyso9637]

I hate fake products and WHO is famous for copy-steal-faking those? Only one. Look at the quality, not only the name (fake).

[@DonaldDump2024]

Seems to me that Buck sells knives that they make and cheaper knives made in China or elsewhere, not USA. Many companies are doing this. Just like not all Japanese cars are made in Japan.

[@GhostShura1984]

Go to midway USA

[@ricev7071]

Well, it's a bit hard with Bucks newer knives to know if they are real because a lot of them are made in China anyway and they don't have the symbol for the year it's made unless it's their Premium line like the 119, 124, 110, 112. The classics. Then they have a Select Line which are mostly made in China and don't have the date code on them. Unless it's a classic model like their 119 or 124, I won't mess with their Chinese line, too overpriced. The Mini Iceman knife is $40 here in Canada. I could get a decent fixed blade, full tang knife for that price!!

[@razgriz814]

I had a Buck Pilot 190 that was made in China and unfortunately that was one of my best knives I ever had. And yes they do have the year mark on it as well, at least my 190 did. It was made in 2006.... man I miss that knive.

[@ricev7071]

your right, they do have a date code on them. To each their own I suppose, I carry fixed blade knives more than anything now. they're just more reliable and can do more with them. If I do carry a folder, it would be my 110, it has stood the test of time. a man killed a bear with one and framed it.

[@markgreer6921]

Buck actually had some knives made in China but they got lots of flack about it so brought some back

[@MrM14sa]

I have a vanguard knife just like yours and it felt like if the tang was broken so I disassembled it and what a surprise it wasn't broken it's just 2 pieces joined by a cheap weld job

[@ezrahendog5837]

Some bucks are made in China. But even those have the year symbol, buck, and the knife model number towards the base of the blade. My buck 371 stockman for example is a chinese-made buck knive. It just doesn't have the USA near the base of the blade. It's not a bad little slip joint knife. It's not a bootleg because it is a buck product on their website. But it's not american-made and I didn't know that when I bought it. I would have rather spent 10 extra dollars to support the people who make knives here in America. Every looking for the american-made stockman knife it's going to be the buck 301 and not the buck 371

[@mr.rogers9319]

If you bought it on Amazon contact them and see if you can return it

[@rickarmagost3884]

If you return it they just box it up and sell it to some other pigeon waiting to be plucked.

[@dumpsterchicken6287]

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

[@TempestWeaver]

You shouldnt carry the fake. Its probably inferior steel and will fail when you need it most.

[@reniejohn2574]

why is fake was problem

[@rogerlawson4516]

Buck made economy knives that don't show up on their website. You can't find anything on it. One of them is the Buck Mesa. I think that is what you have there. Where did you purchase your Knife.

[@LC8Media]

Thanks. I've Googled images of the Buck mesa and I don't think it's the same knife. I believe I bought my knife on eBay "new". I find it curious that Buck wouldn't mention their economy knives on their website. Have you found anything on identifying them?

[@rogerlawson4516]

No I haven't. After looking at your knife, it sure not a Mesa. I like yours more than a Mesa. I'll keep looking and will let you know if I find anything.

[@aznazguy]

I suspect you did get your knife from eBay. In the video you mentioned that you may have gotten it off Amazon, and I wanted to mention that if you did get it from Amazon would would be able to see that in your order history. Your purchases are recorded there going back for several years and probably since the first one.

[@joeguzman3558]

I can't believe that even buck knifes are fakes

[@daveburklund2295]

The logo on the knife looks pretty obviously fake. The letters are all regular and not like the letters on the box logo.

[@wteverisgud]

Stick with amazon or buck knives website. Amazon if selling will have got their stock from buck knives directly so make sure it ships from amazon and not someone else.

[@williecopelandjr7532]

Just learned my buck 110 was made in 2018. Thanks from the "younger generation"

[@mikerobbins5049]

Duhhhhh... I picked out the fake BUCK Vanguard right off the bat.....

[@collector7993]

40 plus years of collecting and you will have it down pat.

[@arthurseery]

I have a "Buck" knife that I got for about $6 on ebay. I am totally sure that it is NOT a true Buck knife. I don't even think that the listing said "Buck" on it. But my Knife has "BUCK" stamped lengthwise on the side of the blade. It is a poorly designed knife with the possibility of cutting oneself with if you put your finger into the "finger cut-out" near the end of the blade. I sincerely hope that the folks of Buck USA had nothing to do with this knife. Also, that "Buck" knife in the video... I have seen a bunch of similar knifes claiming to be "Buck" on eBay for about $7. As a rule of thumb... If they only want $6 or $7 dollars for a knife (with free shipping) it probably is NOT a REAL Buck Knife. (Oh... and if the are Quotation Marks around the word "BUCK" it is definitely fake)

[@LC8Media]

Glad this video was helpful. Thanks for the feedback!

[@P_hilly]

I commend you on trying to help people spot fakes.... however not all Buck knives are made in the USA, or stamp the logo into the blade. Bullshit right? You can go on the Buck website and look at their new Selkirk line. The logo is not stamped but etched and it’s made in China. I wanted a survival knife that utilized modern materials and features. I was a little let down when I saw it was China made. Just because it’s not USA made doesn’t mean it’s a counterfeit.

[@StratBurst92]

Buy from a authorized dealer.

[@oldeays5085]

You don't remember we're you got the counterfeit buck? Amazon you think? After, I heard that lie. You lost all accountability to me!

[@ricktempleton3415]

Come on Buck I'm ashamed of you making knives in China. Americans will pay more for an American product. We need to support our country our American workers.

[@jomarundertun8419]

The buck is made in the usa

[@christopherroth7239]

@@jomarundertun8419 they make some in Idaho and some are imported. Their website tells where each model is made.

[@goodoldboy9547]

Well your not gonna get a good USA knife like that for 20 or 30 dollars! Lol

[@LC8Media]

Hey, a guy can hope right? 😂😂 We’re just here to make sure others do not make this mistake!

[@Landrew0]

"Counterfeit" may not be the exactly appropriate word. I ordered a Buck knife online, to replace one I'd lost for about half the retail price. It seemed to measure up in quality to the original in every way. The factories in China where most things are made, are notorious for their "back-door" deals, where they may sell off a part of a production run without the permission of their client. It may in fact be the same knife, so is it really "counterfeit?"

[@petervanderveer1933]

Hi Peter from South Africa,thank for the info,wat ever in Chinese touch turns to shit,fake and more fake, Keep up the good info

[@radrockitpsyence6739]

"U.S.A." Missing is 100% not made here. HOWEVER.. I Have seen "USA" on one side, the "china" printed on other. But any knife Ever manufactured here, has "U.S.A." ~rad~

[@steveward997]

You should only order buck knives from the manufacturer

[@briangillman735]

Talk to the manufacturer...the real one that is...the trademark infringement alone is enough to make you a millionaire for a shitty $30 knife!!!

[@scottkuhl1192]

If you’re going to make a video and talk about a fake Buck vanguard knife, you should’ve had a real vanguard there to compare them to point out the differences. Also, there is several other obvious signs that you did not point out that way to set off the alarms about this vanguard being a fake.