Affordable clone of Benchmade SOCP Dagger

[borrowedtime69]

I just received a low cost clone of the overpriced Benchmade SOCP Dagger from Amazon that I ordered. I'm pleasantly surprised as to how good the quality of the Dagger and kydex sheath is.

The brand is HUAAO SOCP Fixed Blade Dagger with Green Kydex Sheath. There are options for other colors of knife and sheath.


Price was $22.99 not including shipping. I got it a day early, fast shipping!

Having now handled both, I'm wondering if the HUAAO version are just Benchmade seconds? The blade wasn't very sharp, but was quickly sharpened on my diamond hone. I stabbed it hard several times into solid particle board and gave it a little bit of side to side and the tip held up.

The sheath is good solid kydex or a plastic, again, I couldn't tell the difference between the B.M. and this one. The sheath is a tight fit, but is getting less so as I work the knife in & out. However, I can tell it will keep the Dagger safely in it no matter the conditions. The clip is strong and when the sheath is broke in just a little it will stay in your pocket or on your Mollie gear when the knife is drawn. This knife will do the job it was made for, getting someone off you and make distance to draw your pistol. Also like theB.M. you can draw yourpistol with the Dagger still in your hand.

All things considered, I would recommend the purchase if you're in the market for this type of knife. Also, I saved about $80 to $85 over the Benchmade. I've wanted that B.M. since it came out, this is a good substitute.

 

[Mk-211]

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Yangjiang Huaao Trading Co., Ltd. was established in 2018,Yangjiang huaao trading co., ltd. is a company and factory specializing in the production and processing of e-commerce department stores, gifts, knives and scissors, outdoor products, kitchen tools and other products, with a complete and...

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They probably make some of the blades for BM.

 

[hso]

Having now handled both, I'm wondering if the HUAAO version are just Benchmade seconds

Nope

Benchmade stopped producing knives in China.

You bought a Chinese knockoff of the Benchmade.

 

[borrowedtime69]

Nope

Benchmade stopped producing knives in China.

You bought a Chinese knockoff of the Benchmade.

Hmmm... wonder if these were blanks that were left in China when Benchmade moved back to the US and theyre just slowly getting rid of them?

Even so, it's still a great deal, those B.M. SOCPs are overpriced for sure. Not a high grade steel to warrant $108 for basic & $170 for the deluxe user blade and practice blade combo.

I wouldn't buy any other knock off, but this will work well.

 

[hso]

Hmmm... wonder if these were blanks that were left in China when Benchmade moved back to the US?

Nope.

They're knockoffs. There are several lesser Chinese companies knocking these off. You'll find them easily on dhgate...and on Amazon. Huaao is just another of many "clone" knockoffs companies stealing BM's intellectual property. I've been studying the Chinese "clone" market for the past decade and they've gone from poor copies to difficult to distinguish between the knockoff and the American or European companies they steal their designs from.

We know that knife can't be made in the US since BM would be after them in an instant shutting down the production, but going after the Chinese knockoffs is a dead end.



The sheath you have is probably a polyE or polyP molded product. Claims on steel from these folks is always a toss-up.


Frankly, there's every indication that BM "lifted" the design from Spartan first before the Chinese started knocking them off.

CQB Tool

Meta Description: The Spartan CQB Tool, developed by Greg Thompson, is your ultimate companion for Close Quarters Battle scenarios. Designed for rapid deployment and easy access, this ring dagger boasts elite-grade materials and features a Kydex sheath compatible with MOLLE/PALS systems. Perfect...

spartanbladesusa.com

 

[borrowedtime69]

Oh yeah! I forgot about the Spartan knives SOCPs! thanks for the reminder on those as well as the info on the China mart clones.

 

[borrowedtime69]

Due to a good discussion with someone regarding buying a clone of an American made knife, I'll disclose why and hope you'll understand.

I have had accumulated some disabilities over the last ten years with sizable medical debt. I am only able to work part time so I don't have much in the way of disposable income.

Having had six surgeries last year alone, a lifetime count of twenty two, my health is been declining. One issue is worsening neuropathy in my hands that make it very difficult to draw a knife and open the blade with any speed. This knife can be drawn and ready to go immediately. Also, if need be I can draw a pistol with it still in my hand.

I just couldn't justify, for me, spending over $100 for a very basic knife with the Benchmade SOCP. Hope you understand!

 

[sgt127]

I get it. I don’t particularly like it. But, I understand.

The Benchmade is, well pretty much just a 440C shank.

I have no idea what Benchmade makes off of each one. And, I want to see companies make money.

And, there’s no question China can make everything cheaper. But, some of the knife companies seem to charge up to what they can get. Leaving themselves open to knock offs and clones.

Ka Bar still sells the Marine fighting knife for $100. And, I’d think there’s a lot more work in making one of those.

 

[hso]

There are several knives with a ring butts now that I think are well designed for a rapid draw and secure grip.

Having a bit of tremor in the left and arthritic in the right I'm evaluating most defensive tools against these new considerations as well.

 

[borrowedtime69]

Follow-up at 2 1/2 weeks of getting used to it.

It works great for pocket carry & draws easily and much faster than a folder with the neuropathy in my hands. The ring works very well in assisting drawing and retention of the knife.

The sheath works well after breaking in and it allows the draw without the sheath coming out.

The clip is sturdy and theres no sign of loosening after much pratice and the on and off clipping in the pocket.

The skeletonized knife is a good fit in the hand and also allows drawing a pistol with it still in the hand.

The blade sharpened well and allows cutting edges on both sides of the blade, allowing slash cuts along with stabbing ability.

Evaluation and final thoughts: I wish I could afford the real thing, especially with the trainer. But this clone is a very affordable option for self defense, more so for those with limiting factors for neuropathy, arthritis, muscle or tendon damage, etc. If you're in need of a self defense knife and you have financial limitations, this knife should fit your needs well.

Although I would rather have the Benchmade, it's just priced too high for what it is. I would say as for utility, they are equally effective.

If you get one, let me know how you like it.