[Joel_Mckay]

I assure you my valuation assessment is as follows:

(fixed cost + maintenance cost)/(frequency of use) = actual cost

If the frequency of use is high, the retail cost between high-end and mid-ranged brands is negligible. i.e. not worth the hassle to mess around with QA on something unknown.

I always bought the kids Starrett or Mitutoyo stuff with the NIST certs. As wasting 1 hour of their time costs more than the high-end equipment.

It is kind of a tradition, but I'm sure there are more appropriate options for folks in different situations. =3

[bluGill]

In short you could not accept the counterfiet with a 'nist cert' that doesn't trace to nist. Fine choice, but not the subject here.

[Joel_Mckay]

My point was, the legitimate source Amazon is a registered reseller with the equipment manufacturer, and may include the valid traceable laboratory certificate with the item for a slightly higher fee.

Another problem with clones for example, is they often copy old tech... defects and all... so in this example one probably won't get the current inductive style absolute position verniers that work more reliably around dirt/liquids.

Just a thought, but note often 3rd party sellers are literally sourcing items from dumpsters. There was a news story about the disgusting food people resell on the platform, and it is not technically counterfeit. =3