Authentic Vs Fake Swiss Army Knives
Can you tell the difference between a real Swiss army knife and a fake? Do you know what to look for? Read our guide for the facts & information you need before spending your money…
The Swiss Army knife has long been a symbol for excellence, sturdiness, and adaptability. There is no superior knife obtainable that will do what one of these knives does – and with striking class and craftsmanship. If you decide to buy one of these excellent knives, you could do with educating yourself to the particular features of the Swiss Army knife so you do not pay for a fake.
The Swiss army knife is frequently copied by manufacturers of lesser quality because the both the Victorinox and Wenger products are so greatly respected and can regularly become a collector’s item over time.
Here are a small number of tips for making sure the knife is bona fide before you pay for it:
1. Many fake Swiss Army knives have a customary looking cross which is passed off as being the authorized crest. However, authentic Swiss Army knives include what is called a ‘Swiss Cross’ which is in fact a symbol of the crossbow. Tradition has it that William Tell used the crossbow to shoot and kill the Austrian Governor of Switzerland at the time. This led to a rebellion that eventually freed Switzerland from Austria. The use of the crossbow on any Victorinox product is stringently regulated by the Swiss government as it reflects excellence and national pride.
2. If you want to purchase a Swiss army knife from a street vendor or someone you don’t know, mull over your decision first. It is safest to buy your authentic Swiss army knife from an authorized seller which must be registered to sell Swiss Army knives. Ask the retailer for evidence of registration as a Swiss Army knife dealer before you commit to the purchase
3. There are only two manufacturers of the authentic Swiss Army knife – Victorinox and Wenger. Victorinox was created by the owner of a surgical equipment company who was disturbed that knives supplied to Swiss troops were made in Germany. Wenger came into being about 10 years later as a competitor to Victorinox.
4. An authentic Swiss Army knife has markings on the blade and exteriors identifying one of the two makers mentioned above. If the blade or exterior parts of the knife have no markings or are identified as being made by a different group, then the knife is not authentic.
5. Swiss Army knives have only been made since 1891 so, if someone wants to put up for sale a “collector’s” knife that is older than that year, it is not authentic.
The Swiss Army knife is a fantastic item to own and will offer high quality use for several years. It is essential to make sure you are buying an authentic piece and not a fake, so follow the check points above to guard yourself and enjoy one of the finest knives in the world.
