Knives, bayonets, multi tools, daggers and other pointy implements.

[Walker-69]

Well, they are not Japanese, they are Chinese. They apparently use the same 8Cr13MoV steel that is used on Spyderco and Benchmade import knives. It should be a decent steel.

It's easy to find Sanrenmu on EBay. One really strange thing is that they actually look good. They are blatant copies, but they do look nice. And they really are cheaper than dirt.

[Walker-69]

Oh sh1t, now I found "New Bee" folding knives from one seller on EBay who stocks Sanrenmu. New Bee! Again, the price is ridiculously cheap but the steel is the same 8Cr13MoV. One of their models looks very nice - it seems to have real wooden scales on the handle. Price: $12.25 + mailing.

This is very strange. OK, on one hand, it might be nice to own a folding knife that you can use and abuse and not worry about losing it. But then, on the other hand, I definitely don't like the idea of every child getting a locking folder with their pocket-money, and every gangbanger buying folders with framelocks.

[Walker-69]

Look at this photo of the New Bee L05-1. I mean, it's nice. I would like to get rid of the 'Bee' text on the blade though.

[gaijinsamurai]

What I don't like is the idea of companies ripping off others' designs, and selling cheap imitations that hurt the business of those who do the innovation.

[Walker-69]

Oops, sorry! The brand name is actually just "Bee". "New Bee" means that the item is unused. They also sell "New Ganzo" knives and multi-tools.

[Walker-69]

What I don't like is the idea of companies ripping off others' designs, and selling cheap imitations that hurt the business of those who do the innovation.

Well, that is exactly what they are doing. Not only that, but I believe that they have learned the trade by making knives for American companies. Spyderco, Benchmade, CRKT and other companies produce some knives (or in the case of CRKT, maybe most knives) in China. So then, Sanrenmu knows how to make new models because they have made knives for Spyderco, Benchmade, CRKT etc. etc. Maybe also most of the European companies. They have the know-how, then they just duplicate what they have made already for other companies.

What is damn sure is that these are not ethnic Chinese knives. I am not an expert on Chinese cutlery but this I can say with 100% certainty.

[Walker-69]

This is a serious puzzle. First, a picture of the Sanrenmu 711. Then two pictures of the CRKT K.I.S.S. folder.

Is it just me, or do the two knives actually resemble each other?

[gaijinsamurai]

I know stuff gets copied all over the world, but what makes it a bit personal for me is that Gerber, Benchmade, Kershaw, and CRKT are all local companies which hire people in my community.

I'd be lying if I claimed to have never bought cheap Chinese crap because it was really inexpensive, but with these knives, I can't spend money on them, just out of principle.

[Walker-69]

Yes, I see what you mean. Maybe it is time to close discussion on this subject then.

[Soldat_Américain]

There was a picture of a Marine with a tactical sword attached to his rucksack, if any could find that photo it would help when I speak with Henry about prices.

[gaz]

Recently had a Gerber Suspension delivered - will be kept in my bike panniers. Handy for any problems that come along including pulling hawthorns out of tyres.

[Steelersfan413]

I know stuff gets copied all over the world, but what makes it a bit personal for me is that Gerber, Benchmade, Kershaw, and CRKT are all local companies which hire people in my community.

I'd be lying if I claimed to have never bought cheap Chinese crap because it was really inexpensive, but with these knives, I can't spend money on them, just out of principle.

I know exactly how you feel man. I have friends that have lost jobs to illegal immigrants, and my mom's job was outsourced.

There's many things I buy Chinese, (even when given the choice), but this is not something I'd settle for from China.

[gaijinsamurai]

In today's world, it is all but impossible to avoid buying anything made in China. All we can do, is balance our needs and ethics, and find a middle ground we can live with.

[TacoDelRio]

711? Did they name it in honor of people using shanks to hold up 7-11's?

[goat89]

In today's world, it is all but impossible to avoid buying anything made in China. All we can do, is balance our needs and ethics, and find a middle ground we can live with.

There are just some stuff I cant buy from China... just too off! Singaporean mentality especially... ><