Yes, the world is awash with "fake"
everything these days. And that situation is likely to remain, given the ease with which stuff can be purchased from who-knows-where on-line.
But, as Sean has suggested, if the stuff you buy (at "attractive" prices, presumably) does what you want it to do, and continues to give good service for a reasonable amount of time - what's the problem?
As someone who likes to use "generic" components myself, I would suggest that the real skill needed is simply recognising when it is appropriate (or prudent) that "genuine" items be used. To my way of thinking, that's part of what an engineer's skill-set should contain.
Meanwhile, here are a couple of sayings that you might like to bear in mind:-
1)
Caveat emptor; which is a Latin phrase whose meaning surely everyone must know!
2) "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten"; which is a rough English translation of wise words in Arabic.
In short, if you cannot afford to purchase genuine goods from reputable sources, then you can expect a modicum of disappointment from time to time.
Otherwise, when it comes to "tools", my advice is to always buy the best you can afford. And then make sure that no-one nicks them off you!
Do you enjoy Weetabix for breakfast? Have you tried Marshall's "Wheat Biscuits" (one of a number of Weetabix clones)? Far better (rougher) in my opinion, and only £ 1.79 for a box of 24. See what I'm saying?
