Wow , I am fairly new to the Tarot community (2 & a half years now) I had no clue there were "knock offs" ! I am absolutely blown away ! You have a very good eye ! Thank you for sharing , I would've never have known the difference between the two! Many Blessings to you!
Even after 5 years - thank you for this video. I just picked up a first edition deck and was able to compare it along with your video! Good to know it's not a knock-off. I will be more aware of dodgy decks in future.
Years and years later and this video is super helpful! I was able to compare my 1st edition to your video and determine it is genuine! Thank you for making!☺
I have a 1st edition wild unknown tarot that doesn’t have any of the red flags you mentioned. Box is correct, ribbon is there, cards fit perfectly with off while textured paper. But I have imperfections on the edge of the cards. Almost like a very small notch on edge of some of the cards. Did your true version have any issues on the edge when you run your finger across it ?
I am so happy to see someone putting out a warning about this. I wrote to TWU a few months back to let them know, I'm surprised they are still being sold. It's so terrible for someone to steal someone else's artwork like this, it's incredibly disrespectful. I hope they are stopped. It's surprising to think tarot has reached such popularity that it's now subject to knock-offs! How crazy. I'm from the northwest as well so I definitely know what you mean about feeling so familiar with the imagery in The Wild Unknown. It just feels like home to me. :)
Thank you for sharing! I'm new to tarot, and white searching for a deck that I connected with I was noticing several fake decks on eBay and I have recently noticed they are all over wish now. Someone said there was a huge investigation going on, and reporting sites have been set up. They are concerned counterfeit/ fraudulent. Great video by the way! I have subscribed to your channel now. Sending love and light 🙏
I have got an original of several...but ruined my Wild Unknown....and I ordered a copy on eBay. It’s a knock off, but I really like it because it’s a playing card size...which I most prefer. I wish we had more options for the smaller sized cards (or pocket editions).
How is the card stock on the one you got? I have another video about a more recent bootleg TWU... and the card stock was really thin, and glossy - so just too disappointing for me to get my mind around.... - Thanks for watching and writing!! xoxo
Ugh, I totally got suckered in by one of these. Just got it in the mail yesterday, and my thought progression as I unwrapped and opened it was nearly identical to your own! The first clue was the small box, but once I saw how thin the deck was, my heart sank. Funnily, I placed my order exactly one day before you posted this video. Thank you for putting the word out there so that people know!
yeah - I made my peace with the whole experience by trimming the deck and knowing that now I have every possible edition of TWU, including the fake one!! - thanks for watching and writing!
The main issue here is not what the cards are like but that Kim's artwork and copyright has been stolen. I WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND WHY THESE IMPOSTERS AND THIEVES CANNOT BE STOPPED.
Kim is not being paid for her work when you purchased one of these decks. It's one to accidentally buy them, but I know people are buying them because they are simply less expensive. It's so wrong.
Any time you're dealing with overseas manufacturers, particularly ones in China, you're taking a risk. Your IP/Copyright may not be protected under US/UK law because China has little to no protections in place like that. A manufacturer can say they won't dupe your work, but then wait a couple years and start mass producing it because they've saved all your files or sourced it to another manu. I've had artists friends experience this when they were making enamel pins. for example, they end up being copied and sold to big retailers like Claire's or Hot Topic. It's unfortunate but sort of the risk we take to get things mass produced. Often times factories and facilities will have little to no regulation in place, and these things can get made at lower prices. Thanks for sharing!
I think you can find a bunch of these still on eBay or sites like alibaba. I don't think Krans will ever do a US Games version; she's been working with Harper for awhile now.... but it would be really neat if she did!
I've just got my own The Wild Unknown deck today and, unfortunately, it ended up being a knock-off as well. Except it's an even worse one. The cards' faces are extremely off-center to the point of cutting the image off on one of them and just looking messy overall. Same goes for the cards' backs, creating these distinct white lines that are somewhat ruining the randomness and unpredictability of the next card drawn. I'm really hesitant on the matter of whether or not I should be doing readings with this deck. It's the only one that I have and I won't be able to get any more decks in the near future due to some financial trouble. And while I do feel some sort of connection to this deck already, it just doesn't feel right in some way. Guess I shouldn't have gone for the low-ish price. Anyways, thank You for the great video and for the opportunity to present my story in this comment section. I've stumbled upon Your channel pretty much randomly and I really like Your content.
Ugh it's soo bad people do this. :( I know Baba Studios and Ciro Marchetti have been victims of it too. Just horrible... But sure, we've seen it with clothes and handbags for a long time now so it might not be a huge surprise. Thanks for the warning! I'm holding on tightly to my first edition!
I know Chinese " knockoff's " are poor quality - and very frusteating when you thought you were paying for the genuine article. However, I notice a lot of high quality " legit " decks are also produced in China. The Jungian Tarot I got has amazing silky smooth cardstock...but if you look at the base of the box..." Made in China " I allso got a lovely Marsceille Yves Reynaud deck ....made in P.R.C. - again China !...I was a bit dissapointed about that. I'd like a Marsceille to be made in France or Switzerland. Just like if I buy a if I buy a Chinese Yxing teapot, I don't want to see " Made in France " underneath.
This is so helpful, even over a year later. Thank you! The knock-offs of the 1st edition on eBay today seemed to be from Ukraine more than China but perhaps it fluctuates. There's also a questionable one from the U.S. that only uses a stock photo; I don't trust those after a bad experience, and it's very highly priced anyway. I love that you found a good use for your knock-off. Keep sharing your deck discoveries! :)
i found 2 of these bootleg copies so i bought both of them mine were made in the Ukraine they are almost identical to the one you have here great find for a wild unknown collector
First of all, your geekiness has NOT gone to waste. We did want to know. I think I may have a knock off Dame Darcy, but I don't know because I'm not gonna buy a fake on purpose, but thank you for doing it. I think the Russian and Chinese companies do that because, they can get away with it. It's too hard and too expensive to stop them. So then it becomes a question of Morality. Sometimes we buy decks to support our community almost as much as because we love the cards. (almost) I guess it doesn't matter to some. It does to me.
Dame Darcy deck has a knock off? :O Where did you buy it? I'm looking for the second edition so probably not going to be able to buy it directly from her etsy store. If I ever get to find one, I sure hope it's not a knock off version. How did you come to think it might be a knock off version?
I can't find the website anymore, but it was a music/comic book site, I don't know it was a knock off, I just suspect they might have copied the images and done it off of a card company...I could be wrong - it was a first edition, and the cardstock was not as white as I thought it should be. It remains one of my favorite decks though - no matter what the origin, and I have a second edition, which with the changes...I still have no idea.
Oh..I get what you mean.Thank you for the share anyway. It's really hard sometimes for us to check the deck especially when buying online. I'm glad you still love the deck despite of where it came from, since at the end of the day it is our connection with the deck that counts. :)
Mindful Tarot I’m happy with my first edition, and don’t use it enough to warrant buying any other versions....but I do like the deck. It has really beauty.
Ripoff completely trumps the original 1st Ed, merely because of its omitting of that completely unnecessary and distractive 'copyright' text along the card faces border. Thanks, good to know, searching out the ripoff version now. Honestly, it's confounding to me why some publishers so feel the need to mark the face of cards with that, it's absolutely despicable. The only reason I trim decks is because of that.
I hear ya! I'm pretty sure that the bootleg version includes the copyright, however. The only TWU deck without a copyright is the new HarperElixir mass produced version...
Thanks for watching and writing! Let me know how your deck turns out. The bootleg version is actually a pretty nice deck - so it's not a terrible loss (imo) to have ended up with it!
Thanks for this information! You saved me from making a bad investment. BTW everyone, GatheredHome.com has the 1st edition for $40 + shipping & handling.
TY for being our deck-tective :)
Wow , I am fairly new to the Tarot community (2 & a half years now) I had no clue there were "knock offs" ! I am absolutely blown away ! You have a very good eye ! Thank you for sharing , I would've never have known the difference between the two! Many Blessings to you!
Even after 5 years - thank you for this video. I just picked up a first edition deck and was able to compare it along with your video! Good to know it's not a knock-off. I will be more aware of dodgy decks in future.
Years and years later and this video is super helpful! I was able to compare my 1st edition to your video and determine it is genuine! Thank you for making!☺
I have a 1st edition wild unknown tarot that doesn’t have any of the red flags you mentioned. Box is correct, ribbon is there, cards fit perfectly with off while textured paper. But I have imperfections on the edge of the cards. Almost like a very small notch on edge of some of the cards. Did your true version have any issues on the edge when you run your finger across it ?
My B&N first edition has the book and cards. $39.99! Lucky me
I am so happy to see someone putting out a warning about this. I wrote to TWU a few months back to let them know, I'm surprised they are still being sold.
It's so terrible for someone to steal someone else's artwork like this, it's incredibly disrespectful.
I hope they are stopped.
It's surprising to think tarot has reached such popularity that it's now subject to knock-offs! How crazy.
I'm from the northwest as well so I definitely know what you mean about feeling so familiar with the imagery in The Wild Unknown. It just feels like home to me. :)
Thank you for sharing! I'm new to tarot, and white searching for a deck that I connected with I was noticing several fake decks on eBay and I have recently noticed they are all over wish now. Someone said there was a huge investigation going on, and reporting sites have been set up. They are concerned counterfeit/ fraudulent. Great video by the way! I have subscribed to your channel now. Sending love and light 🙏
fascinating! I was curious what one of the "knock offs" was actually like. thanks so much for doing this one :) xo
I have got an original of several...but ruined my Wild Unknown....and I ordered a copy on eBay. It’s a knock off, but I really like it because it’s a playing card size...which I most prefer. I wish we had more options for the smaller sized cards (or pocket editions).
How is the card stock on the one you got? I have another video about a more recent bootleg TWU... and the card stock was really thin, and glossy - so just too disappointing for me to get my mind around.... - Thanks for watching and writing!! xoxo
Ninon Calafia
What was the link I would love to have that size? I just asked TWU if they would think about a mini or pocket size
Ugh, I totally got suckered in by one of these. Just got it in the mail yesterday, and my thought progression as I unwrapped and opened it was nearly identical to your own! The first clue was the small box, but once I saw how thin the deck was, my heart sank. Funnily, I placed my order exactly one day before you posted this video. Thank you for putting the word out there so that people know!
yeah - I made my peace with the whole experience by trimming the deck and knowing that now I have every possible edition of TWU, including the fake one!! - thanks for watching and writing!
The main issue here is not what the cards are like but that Kim's artwork and copyright has been stolen. I WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND WHY THESE IMPOSTERS AND THIEVES CANNOT BE STOPPED.
Kim is not being paid for her work when you purchased one of these decks. It's one to accidentally buy them, but I know people are buying them because they are simply less expensive. It's so wrong.
you’re absolutely right.
Any time you're dealing with overseas manufacturers, particularly ones in China, you're taking a risk. Your IP/Copyright may not be protected under US/UK law because China has little to no protections in place like that. A manufacturer can say they won't dupe your work, but then wait a couple years and start mass producing it because they've saved all your files or sourced it to another manu. I've had artists friends experience this when they were making enamel pins. for example, they end up being copied and sold to big retailers like Claire's or Hot Topic.
It's unfortunate but sort of the risk we take to get things mass produced. Often times factories and facilities will have little to no regulation in place, and these things can get made at lower prices. Thanks for sharing!
I never buy from eBay, I don't trust it at all.
Pincho Paxton I hear ya! I’ve gotten some amazing things though... but you definitely have to be careful!
@@MindfulTarot ebay isn't all bad...
I want that smaller size are these knock offs still up?
I would really love if she would make a us games tin , I won’t buy any with the thick matte card stock I use my decks,
I think you can find a bunch of these still on eBay or sites like alibaba. I don't think Krans will ever do a US Games version; she's been working with Harper for awhile now.... but it would be really neat if she did!
What do you think of the Fountain Deck? Is it junky? It has a really nice box. It has actually inspired me to make personalized boxes for my Tarot...
I love the Fountain. I also am partial, because I know Jason Gruhl, the author - and he's brilliant imho!
I've just got my own The Wild Unknown deck today and, unfortunately, it ended up being a knock-off as well. Except it's an even worse one. The cards' faces are extremely off-center to the point of cutting the image off on one of them and just looking messy overall. Same goes for the cards' backs, creating these distinct white lines that are somewhat ruining the randomness and unpredictability of the next card drawn.
I'm really hesitant on the matter of whether or not I should be doing readings with this deck. It's the only one that I have and I won't be able to get any more decks in the near future due to some financial trouble. And while I do feel some sort of connection to this deck already, it just doesn't feel right in some way. Guess I shouldn't have gone for the low-ish price.
Anyways, thank You for the great video and for the opportunity to present my story in this comment section. I've stumbled upon Your channel pretty much randomly and I really like Your content.
Ugh it's soo bad people do this. :( I know Baba Studios and Ciro Marchetti have been victims of it too. Just horrible... But sure, we've seen it with clothes and handbags for a long time now so it might not be a huge surprise. Thanks for the warning! I'm holding on tightly to my first edition!
I know Chinese " knockoff's " are poor quality - and very frusteating when you thought you were paying for the genuine article. However, I notice a lot of high quality " legit " decks are also produced in China. The Jungian Tarot I got has amazing silky smooth cardstock...but if you look at the base of the box..." Made in China " I allso got a lovely Marsceille Yves Reynaud deck ....made in P.R.C. - again China !...I was a bit dissapointed about that. I'd like a Marsceille to be made in France or Switzerland.
Just like if I buy a if I buy a Chinese Yxing teapot, I don't want to see " Made in France " underneath.
Highly recommend getting a Marseille deck from the Flornoy website, they ship worldwide. I think I paid €6 p&p to UK.
This is so helpful, even over a year later. Thank you! The knock-offs of the 1st edition on eBay today seemed to be from Ukraine more than China but perhaps it fluctuates. There's also a questionable one from the U.S. that only uses a stock photo; I don't trust those after a bad experience, and it's very highly priced anyway. I love that you found a good use for your knock-off. Keep sharing your deck discoveries! :)
Yep always be weary about eBay and lesser known sellers. Lots of counterfeits out there.
i found 2 of these bootleg copies so i bought both of them mine were made in the Ukraine they are almost identical to the one you have here great find for a wild unknown collector
First of all, your geekiness has NOT gone to waste. We did want to know. I think I may have a knock off Dame Darcy, but I don't know because I'm not gonna buy a fake on purpose, but thank you for doing it. I think the Russian and Chinese companies do that because, they can get away with it. It's too hard and too expensive to stop them. So then it becomes a question of Morality. Sometimes we buy decks to support our community almost as much as because we love the cards. (almost) I guess it doesn't matter to some. It does to me.
Dame Darcy deck has a knock off? :O Where did you buy it? I'm looking for the second edition so probably not going to be able to buy it directly from her etsy store. If I ever get to find one, I sure hope it's not a knock off version. How did you come to think it might be a knock off version?
I can't find the website anymore, but it was a music/comic book site, I don't know it was a knock off, I just suspect they might have copied the images and done it off of a card company...I could be wrong - it was a first edition, and the cardstock was not as white as I thought it should be. It remains one of my favorite decks though - no matter what the origin, and I have a second edition, which with the changes...I still have no idea.
Oh..I get what you mean.Thank you for the share anyway. It's really hard sometimes for us to check the deck especially when buying online. I'm glad you still love the deck despite of where it came from, since at the end of the day it is our connection with the deck that counts. :)
The knockoff is probably the one I just saw on eBay for $6.99
No doubt! Thanks for noticing it! xo
Mindful Tarot I’m happy with my first edition, and don’t use it enough to warrant buying any other versions....but I do like the deck. It has really beauty.
ur sound is very low....
put it on 1,5 x
i realy enjoyed your presentation. I learned somthing new. Thanks.
Thanks so much, Lance! I'm glad it was useful!
I was curious too thank you
Ripoff completely trumps the original 1st Ed, merely because of its omitting of that completely unnecessary and distractive 'copyright' text along the card faces border. Thanks, good to know, searching out the ripoff version now. Honestly, it's confounding to me why some publishers so feel the need to mark the face of cards with that, it's absolutely despicable. The only reason I trim decks is because of that.
I hear ya! I'm pretty sure that the bootleg version includes the copyright, however. The only TWU deck without a copyright is the new HarperElixir mass produced version...
Mindful Tarot Oh I looked closely in your vid and couldn't see on the ripoff version, but thanks good to know about the HarperElixer version!
Yes...stewing..happens in my house too....wow Eveyrone has seen the 4 editions...? :)
Trim the Chinese ones! Good idea! Good review! Thanks!
IF YOU PURCHASE FAKE DECKS YOU ARE NOT SUPPORTING ARTISTS AND PERPETUATING PIRATE MATERIAL. This is wrong! This needs more exposure.
Thank you for doing this informative video..I think I may have bought a fake one too. Its coming from the Ukraine. Will find out soon enough.
Thanks for watching and writing! Let me know how your deck turns out. The bootleg version is actually a pretty nice deck - so it's not a terrible loss (imo) to have ended up with it!
Cheers for that ...I will do that.
I reported one on etsy. It's ridiculous and not fair on the creators.
Didn’t forsee this? ;)
Thanks for this information! You saved me from making a bad investment.
BTW everyone, GatheredHome.com has the 1st edition for $40 + shipping & handling.
And thank YOU! The info about Gatheredhome is amazing... I can't imagine those beauties will stay in stock for long... Take good care, m'dear!
Heeyy - from PDX 😎
Where are you in PDX?????? xo
I live in Hillsboro and travel all around the PDX area - New Ren/Powell's/The Wild Unknown etc. Hopefully going to check out Raven's Wing today. ❤