KNOCK OFF MINIATURES
What are Knock Off toy soldiers?
Knock off toy soldiers are often found at discount stores, low-priced retailers, and online marketplaces. They’re the cheapest and most subpar quality toy soldiers on the market. These figures often suffer from noticeable defects, including excessive plastic flashing, damaged poses, missing weapons, and thin, fragile bodies. Many of their poses are imitations of soldiers found in superior brands. While knock-off toy soldiers may not meet the standards of discerning collectors, they can still serve a purpose in a collection, adding a touch of variety or serving as expendable troops due to their affordable price point. They also are still good enough to play with, as are all plastic army men.
What are the qualities of knock off plastic army men?
Knock off toy soldiers are the most common toy soldier available. For every one original army man made, 1000 copies are created. This is because knock off companies usually steal molds from other army men brands, then make cheap imitations of those figures. As a result, these cloned army men are never as good as the originals. Because of their commonality, these knock off army men will usually be the first figures you see if you type “toy soldiers” into the Amazon or eBay search box.
The clones will either be misshapen and deformed blobs of plastic at worst, or cheaply made lesser quality versions of the originals at best. Their scales are usually all over the place as well, not having any one true size. The main scales of focus are 1:32 and 1:72, however there are occasionally jumbo sized toy soldiers in the 1:18 scale.
No matter what size the army man is, knock off toy soldiers will always cost far less than the original brands. You could quite literally purchase 100 knock off army men for the price of 1 luxury toy soldier.
It’s important to note that the lower cost of knock-off army men does come with compromises. These figures may exhibit noticeable flaws in their design, such as poor detailing, rough edges, or uneven proportions.
It’s important to acknowledge that the production of knock-off army men raises ethical concerns. Unauthorized copying of designs and molds not only undermines the intellectual property rights of original brands but also impacts the overall toy soldier industry. Legitimate brands invest time, resources, and creativity into developing their figures, and knock-offs can hinder their ability to innovate and thrive in the market.
The overall quality and durability may also be inferior compared to the original brands. However, for collectors on a budget or those looking to amass a large army, the lower price point of knock-off army men can make them an attractive option.
Despite their shortcomings, knock-off toy soldiers serve a particular niche in the collector community. They provide an accessible entry point for those who may not have the means or desire to invest in luxury brands. Additionally, they can be utilized in scenarios where large numbers of soldiers are required, such as dioramas or wargaming setups.
Collectors who appreciate the cost-effectiveness and quantity over individual quality often find value in acquiring knock-off army men. They’ll easily blend into the background of your dioramas, allowing your premium quality toy soldiers to shine.
What are examples of Knock Off Toy Soldier Brands?
Due to the unique nature of knock off toy soldiers, they usually don’t have a “brand” affiliated with them. As stated above, you’ll be able to easily find 1000s of knock off toy soldiers on Amazon or even find these knock off army men on eBay, depending on your purchase preferences.
If by some chance there is a brand associated with knock off miniatures, they’re usually fly by night companies from China that don’t last long. After the company goes down, the soldiers and molds are sold off to a new company, which begins selling and manufacturing the army men again, kicking off the knock off soldier cycle anew.
Still, knock-off toy soldier companies do sometimes produce their own line of toy soldier figures under their own company name, but they usually can’t compete with the better brands.
A prime example of a knock off company that produced their own original miniatures is Hing Fat. The toy soldiers made by Hing Fat have recently gained recognition among collectors for their unique charm and affordability. Hing Fat first started as a knock off toy manufacturer based in Hong Kong, specializing in mass producing imitation plastic toy soldiers.
Their original line of toy soldiers, known either as “DNG” or “Army Guys,” is not as widely known as some established brands, but still have a unique charm and style to them. Because of their unique line of miniatures, Hing Fat has carved out its own niche in the toy soldier market.
Another appealing aspect of Hing Fat toy soldiers is their affordability. Hing Fat strives to offer their figures at competitive prices, making them accessible to a wide range of collectors.
This affordability factor makes Hing Fat original toy soldiers an excellent option for enthusiasts who are starting their collections, expanding existing armies, or engaging in diorama projects that require a larger quantity of figures.
While Hing Fat toy soldiers may not match the level of intricate detailing and craftsmanship found in premium brands, they hold their own charm and have their dedicated following. Of course, even their original figures can’t compete with the likes of higher quality toy soldier companies, but Hing Fat still manages to hit the sweet spot for toy soldier collectors and army men enthusiasts.
“Ja-Ru Toys” also began as a manufacturer of knock off army men. They have since branched off into their own line of original toy soldiers.
With a rich history dating back to its founding in 1961, Ja-Ru has become synonymous with quality and innovation in the toy industry.
Ja-Ru toy soldiers are known for their diverse range of designs and themes. From classic army men to modern military figures, Ja-Ru offers a wide selection that caters to various interests and preferences.
Like all other knock off toy soldier companies, Ja-Ru apart is exceedingly affordable. They strive to make their toy soldiers accessible to a wide range of collectors by offering competitive prices without compromising on quality.
This affordability factor allows enthusiasts to even begin collections with their children, as a bag of Ja-Ru soldiers will make any child smile.
Whether collectors are looking for historical accuracy, futuristic soldiers, or themed sets, Ja-Ru has something to offer. However, their main soldier molds are focused on Vietnam era load outs.