Copying successful products is a problem that affects all brands. And even though, in a way, every company might feel “honored” that someone considers it worth copying, in reality, no reputable manufacturer wants such an “honor.” Unfortunately, even our knives are not immune to counterfeiting.
Probably the most well-known case in recent years was the copying of the legendary “Rybička.” In 2015, this attracted quite a lot of attention. Even the Customs Administration got involved, and the case ended up in court, where the company Domácí potřeby Orion was ordered to pay damages, and the counterfeit Rybičky were confiscated. The company had been selling its botched Rybička knockoff complete with the Mikov logo.
But of course, the “Rybička” isn’t the only one. In some military gear stores, you might come across counterfeit UTONs, and online you’ll find copies of Predator throwing knives. Of course, the prices of these knockoffs are lower, but so is the quality—whether in terms of design or craftsmanship.
We receive questions from customers about how to tell if a knife is genuine and how to avoid being scammed by shady sellers. So:
- Ideally, shop directly at our online store or through reputable retailers.
- When making a purchase, make sure the knife bears the Mikov logo on the blade.
- Each knife’s packaging should include a signed quality control slip. (It’s possible that some retailers still have older stock where this slip is missing, but it’s always a good idea to ask about it.)
- If in doubt, you can contact us directly, send us a photo of the knife, and let us know where you bought it. We’ll be happy to advise you.
- If you’ve purchased a counterfeit product masquerading as an original Mikov knife, file a complaint with the retailer, and please let us know about it. We certainly won’t let this slide.