According to my observation, Chinese knock-offs are relatively easy to tell. Newly made, low quality, acid soaked to make an old appearance, etc. Most of those are floating inside China though, people know they are fakes, very cheap. In US market, fake Showato situation is not very serious -- Americans captured quite amount of these, and most swords that I have seen in auction catalogs are genuine ones. Of course, this type of sword also has rare variations, very expensive ancient blade, etc. To tell those need more specific knowledge and experience. If not dedicated to it, no need to play those. Just play regular sword, it's safe enough.
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