How to Determine the Authenticity of a Knife

To be sure the knife you purchase is authentic requires that you know materials, patterns and craftsmanship. When attempting to sell a knife that is not genuine, counterfeiters rely on trust, a lack of knowledge and your desire to find a bargain. Follow these suggestions to help avoid disappointing and costly mistakes.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Money Belts
• Pen Lights
• Money Clips
• Duffel Bags
• Pocket Knives

1. Select a style or brand of knife to collect, and concentrate your study. This allows you to become familair with the characteristics expected when you pick up the real thing.

2. Establish a routine when you examine a knife, remembering to look at each knife in the same way so you are not distracted or interrupted and overlook the obvious.

3. Inspect the handles, backsprings, liners, pins, blades and frames inside and out.

4. Expect to find uniformity in patina, wear and aging on all parts of the knife.

5. Carry a reference guide and use it. Check pattern numbers and tang stamps to identify correct handle materials, liners and blade types.

6. Remember that tang stamps can be changed, but are difficult to duplicate exactly and that a new or cold stamp will look different from a stamp made when the metal is heated.

7. Use a magnification lens or loupe - in good light - so you can clearly identify variations in materials and evidence of replacement parts or disassembly.

8. Learn to identify crests and shields of different manufacturers, and look closely to be certain they have been installed properly.

9. Open each blade separately looking for evidence of grinding, polishing or welding.

10. Know that some types of celluloid handle material and some natural materials like tortoise shell and ivory are no longer available and are often replaced by reproductions.

11. Look carefully at a bone handle and know if it should be bone or stag and if the jigging pattern and color are correct.

12. Consult an expert or experienced collector before you commit to a purchase. No reputable dealer will object to having someone else examine his goods.

Tips & Warnings

• If a deal seems just too good to be true, it most likely is; so take your time and be sure of yourself before you purchase the knife.
• "Buy the knife, not the story," and develop a relationship with your dealer. Remember, you have value as a repeat customer.
• Become an expert on one type of knife before you attempt to learn other patterns and styles.
• Counterfeiting and the fraudulent reproduction of knives have become more common as knife collecting has increased in popularity and prices of knives have risen. Unfortunately, fraud is difficult to prove, so make sure you have the right to return the knife before you close the deal.