Kershaw Thistle 3812 in Blue, Fake or Prototype

[Legioncmdr]

While swimming in the Bay I came across a Kershaw Thistle with Blue Handles. I just received it yesterday and after plenty of research I can't find where they made one in Blue?

eBay item number: 113324833559

I contacted Kershaw and they looked at low res photos and they claim they never made one in Blue so it must be counterfeit. However I am an Electronic Quality Engineer and having this knife in my hands I can NOT see any signs that it's a Fake!

I believe personally that this was a special event knife maybe for a Show by Kershaw or a Prototype that happened out of the factory. The ONLY thing I see different from the Black Handled Thistle is the pivot Screw is reversed (other side) being it's not keyed this doesn't make a difference and I've left it that way. Although I tightened it a bit.
Any thoughts?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kershaw-Thistle-Button-Lock-Linerlock-Pocket-Knife-3812-Kai-/113324833559?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&nma=true&si=NRFBw3e2eHdR5zNL5YkXzkZCMWw%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc

 

[evltcat]

Welcome to BF.
If you can't find a blue Thistle searching the web, and Kershaw is telling you they never made a Thistle in Blue, you should probably believe them.

Personally I wouldn't loose any sleep over a $15 blade. Consider it a very inexpensive lesson.

 

[Legioncmdr]

It's a lesson sure, but I really like the knife. I truly think it may be a prototype or event show knife. It just reeks of Quality. So fake or not I love it for the price. No loss here!

Besides if it was fake wouldn't you think there would be more of them?

 

[Legioncmdr]

Here is the conversation with the eBay Seller:
Your previous message

Received, may I ask where you found this Thistle? Did you bring it back from overseas?

Seller XXXX:

I owned it for a couple of years now and if I remember correctly I bought it in an auction with a few other Kershaw knives. I haven't come across another like it. Pretty unique design. Ty, Kevin

Your previous message

Yeah Kevin, I've only see the Black, can't find anything on a blue one. So being you didn't buy it new, you didn't have the box to it, I'm guessing? Anyway I really like it, but Kershaw claims they never made a Blue one and suspect its counterfeit.

Seller XXXX::

No, I don't have the box to it and I've never ran into a counterfeit Kershaw. I've ran into counterfeit ZT and I no longer deal with them there are so many. A counterfeit 15/20$ Kershaw knife..... Would be a first for me.

Your previous message

That's what I said to Kershaw over the phone why fake a 15 dollar knife. They said it's not the first time. The Quality is too high on this knife though. I believe it was made in the Kershaw Chinese factory maybe as a prototype? The only thing I see different is the pivot screw is backwards. (Screw on wrong side) but that could happen as a prototype too.

Seller XXXX:

Hmmm, interesting. It is made very well as you said. I wouldn't doubt for a second what you say. That knife has held its edge and worked flawlessly since the day I got it. If you ever find anything concrete about it I'd love to know. Thanks, Kevin

Your previous message

Kershaw makes specialty knifes for companies and special events, I'm sure they just don't know or have a record of when they made a few blue ones. Anyway "I like it" It feels Kershaw Quality to me. Being I'm an Electronic Quality Engineer, I think I would notice something fake about it. (Sorry Kershaw but I think you're wrong) Thanks Kevin, no complaints here, Bob

Seller XXXX:

That's great! I didn't have any bells go off either, I've been dealing knives for well over 20 years. I'm glad you're satisfied, I was, I really liked that knife. Well you have a good weekend and maybe I'll put on another kershaw or two . Take care, Kevin

Your previous message
Thanks Kevin

Seller XXXX:
You are very welcome and I look forward to doing more business in the future! TY, Kevin

 

[Legioncmdr]

Also, to answer the OP's question, prototypes are often regarded as more desirable/valuable for the same reason that limited editions, low serial numbers, rookie cards, classic cars, and so forth are regarded as such: a combination of scarcity, uniqueness, and being the first/earliest of a given kind.

Could you look at Thread:
Kershaw Thistle 3812 in "Blue", Fake or Prototype?
Tell me your thoughts? I'm not sure how to upload a photo or 2, I think it would be nice for the thread.

 

[Legioncmdr]

I have a small number of knives that are either marked "prototype" or "1st production run" from a few different companies … one that is a prototype that I don't believe ever made it into production … or if it was it was a very short run and not many out there … so they do get sold … and I guess I have never tried to sell any but I'm sure some may consider them worth more I don't know to be honest.

I suspect this one to be a Prototype yet Kershaw says counterfeit, thoughts?
Kershaw Thistle 3812 in "Blue", Fake or Prototype?