How to Spot a Fake Swiss Army Knife

When people think of counterfeits, Swiss Army Knives are generally not on top of their lists. But, it's true--many of the knives found at bazaars or even in your local stores could be fake. If it's too cheap to be true, it may not be real. And, as Certified Swiss Army dealer Frank Mazza of Kimberly & Co states, only authentic products will do when it comes to things as dangerous as knife/tool combos.

"One of the reasons that designer brands are so popular and so expensive is because of their quality," Mazza says. "People have come to trust those brands to make reliable products, so they have to be able to back up that trust with products of the highest quality. Chances are that if you're looking for a Swiss Army product, whether it's a knife or a watch, you want it not just for the name or the prestige, but for the quality that that name implies."

Good point. So what do we do? Here's the guide to the real thing:

1. The blade: The swiss cross is respected on consumer products as a mark of excellence, showing at least 50% of the product was made in Switzerland. But, not all products bearing the Swiss cross adhere to this important law. A knife with a cross does not automatically mean it is authentic. In fact, all real Swiss Army Knives are forged with markings on their blades as well as their exteriors. Companies Victorinox and Wenger are the only two authentic manufacturers, so check the blade for their names.
2. The Real Deal(er): The best way to get the real thing? Get it an an authorized retailer, where there is no question of authenticity. Authorized retailers must be registered to sell Swiss Army Knives. The best source to check for retailers is www.swissarmy.com; their "Where to Buy" section helps you find the closest authorized dealers near you!
3. True Cost of Fakes: isn't an offered service with counterfeits. ("Um, excuse me Mr. Market-Stall-Guy, can you tell me what the limited warranty on this is?) Authentic Swiss Army products protect "against any defects in material and workmanship," as part of a lifetime warranty.

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