This has been the story from the beginning of time, after all. When there are wares that must be sold, somethimes stories are embellished or worse, down-right faked to make a living. Perhaps sometimes, it is as Barry said, the seller's own lack of knowledge in a particular area. This can work to one's advantage at times, or very much against it, if you are fooled by a fisherman's story. If the dealer is an expert in firearms, he may be clueless with edged weapons and vice versa. That being said, there are some less than scrupulous types out there, but their dishonesty is bound to hurt thier business in the end. The best way to avoid getting burned? This forum, for one. Self-education is the strongest, followed by research. Finally, we have that old addage- 'If it looks too good to be true, than...