Fake DHS W968?

[DavideMagi]

Hi everyone,

I recently purchased a second-hand DHS W968 (weight: 89g) and I’m looking for some help to verify its authenticity. Unfortunately, the seller did not have the original box or the scratch-off authenticity code, so I’m relying on the physical details of the blade.

I’ve attached some high-resolution photos below. I would really appreciate it if the experts here could take a look at:

• The Wood Grain: Does the outer Limba look consistent with genuine W968 production?
• The Handle Lens: Is the font and "crystal" clarity correct?
• The Serial Number: It’s laser-etched on the side of the ply. Does the font style look authentic?
• The Composition: It’s an Innerforce structure (Limba-Ayous-ALC-Ayous-ALC-Ayous-Limba). Does the carbon layer thickness look right from the side view?

I know these are heavily faked, so any insights—even small details about the handle shape or the bottom medal—would be incredibly helpful.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[golden_son]

...sorry, couldn't resist 😁

 

[Archosaurus]

Your handle is missing the bevel, so I'm inclined to believe it's a fake based on my research from comparing Aliexpress fakes to genuine ones.

 

[Julzig]

The dragon on the back of the handle should be metal in the original, atleast for regular Long 5 that is the case.
My 30 Euro fake W968 looks very similiar if not the same to the one shown

 

[Conehead]

The design of the SN doesn't look right to me so probably a fake. The original SN's letters and numbers are thinner, sharper and crispier.

The dragon looks a bit too large, too.

 

[Conehead]

The dragon on the back of the handle should be a metal in the original

For a W968? Are you sure?

 

[Conehead]

Also, the placement and geometry of the yellow line on the handle (where the DHS plate sits within the wood) is not correct.

So, the blade is definitely not original.

 

[DavideMagi]

I already had a feeling it was a fake (especially since I only paid 15 euros for it, so I wasn't expecting it to be original at all). However, I couldn't find any satisfying confirmation online, so you guys definitely have a sharp eye! Thanks a million, everyone!

 

[Julzig]

For a W968? Are you sure?

For a W968 I don't know for sure. As I said, the regular Long V has it. So I just assume W968 will have it too.
And judging from the picture I saw (hopefully real w968s) they have it aswell

 

[Conehead]

And judging from the picture I saw (hopefully real w968s) they have it aswell

Yep. I just confirmed with my examples.

 

[Olio]

I would say fake
The blade / wings shape is weird
The yellow stripe is not in the right place
The writing is printed but should be engraved

I have a 2024 W968 which is know to be genuine and used it to compare.

 

[Olio]

I already had a feeling it was a fake (especially since I only paid 15 euros for it, so I wasn't expecting it to be original at all). However, I couldn't find any satisfying confirmation online, so you guys definitely have a sharp eye! Thanks a million, everyone!

Mate, you paid 15 euros. Why do you even ask if it is a real one?

 

[NetProphet]

I already had a feeling it was a fake (especially since I only paid 15 euros for it, so I wasn't expecting it to be original at all). However, I couldn't find any satisfying confirmation online, so you guys definitely have a sharp eye! Thanks a million, everyone!

Ah man, only saw this now, funny 😂

 

[Migzkulit]

It's fake, as in it's not a W968 or an HL5 made to be a W968.