My point was to call Mitutoyo Canada, not to verify that ITM was on the list but to check whether that is even a product of theirs. It strikes me as suspicious that only distributors show that part number, not Mitutoyo itself. None of their catalogs or sites list that series of part numbers. Some distributors call then pin punches, some label the material as tungsten carbide.
Yes, I see what you are saying. My understanding is that all these dealers source from Mit-Canada. ITM didn't say that specifically on this issue, but that was my prior experience with KBC & T.Skinner on other Mit parts which I required. They said they get everything from Mit-Canada & if they didn't have stock it was Japan direct.
We touched on this aspect before the site crash. That would presume a distributer who sells, lets say 98% legitimate Mit instruments, does the sneaky & blends in 2% of inferior knockoff parts not endorsed by the Mothership. I would think this might risk losing the higher revenue 98% altogether if they yank selling rights for infringement. Seems like unfavorable outcome odds, but hey, its not my business. Post #4 shows a multitude of Mit dealers advertising the same item (albeit with conflicting descriptions as you say, which is classic knockoff confusion). Yet they also sell the 'good' stuff. So all these resellers are doing the same sneaky? It sounds way too organized for what is basically a middleman operation. All this to satisfy 2% lower-down-the-food chain revenue items predominantly for small business / hobby purchasers? A tooling seller can offer a Mit, Starrett & house brand micrometer. But they don't pass off a house brand labelled as a Mit or Starrett, that's the difference.
The only thing that goes round to me is that specific items are being outsourced or otherwise being introduced into the mix. Either knowingly by 'head office' consent, or maybe at the N-Am dealer level because that is how some of these items are labelled. But what does Mit of N-Am even mean? Many tooling companies of yesteryear like have done something similar. Starrett & Jacobs come to mind but the same thing has occurred in Europe. I just wish they made a sub-brand distinction like EconoLine or Professional so you have a hint of what you are potentially getting. But I'm sure the marketing folks have studied this model & concluded its better to just allow presumption that everything is excellent, the name still means something & therefore can command high price multipliers. Just deal with a few disgruntled customers as necessary.
If that's the case, the only option is to direct my personal purchasing decisions accordingly. If brand loyalty means nothing & the item is in the same mix as Shars, Asimeto, Fowler... then so be it. My dollars are a drop in their bucket.