Thanks Poncho!
I took a couple more pics after taking a closer look. I’m at that stage where I have to take off my glasses if I need to see something clearer up close.
There are differences between the (first) black handle KO Raptor vs the (second) blue handle one.
I’m not sure if it’s an attempt to improve based on the screws. I couldn’t take apart the blue one as the thread lock seems to be doing its job quite well and I didn’t want to risk breaking a screw as I’ve seen in a customer’s review. I did manage to adjust the scissor pivot to loosen it up.
Next is the difference in finish. It’s possible that these fakes are being made in more than 1 factory and being made in more than one way.
The black one has smooth edges. The blue one has ‘rough’ edges with vertical streaks. Can any metal worker give the correct term for that? Was one molded and the other cut? The ring cutter’s profile is also different. The blue is thicker than the black, almost making you think it was added as an afterthought without knowing what it is for.
The plastic grips are also different with the blue one having mold flash or excess plastic versus the straight ones on the black one.
I had a side-by-side cut test for both using the box of the blue shears. Well, it’ll cut. Somehow I did feel the black was cutting better than the blue but it could just be me. I had a ‘jam’ on the black one towards the tip but maybe it’s just a loose pivot thing.
For USD12 or so, they’re a good pair of scissors. For USD20, might as well save the cash for something else. I intend to use them as household scissors and not trauma shears or kitchen scissors. I see them cutting cardboard, packaging bags, rags for the workshop and old billing statements.
Btw…. I’m posting pics straight from my phone so please be patient as I’m trying to figure out how to orient then properly.