How To Tell If an AKC Switchblade Is Real or Fake
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 เม.ย. 2022
- Lately a lot of AKC cloned copies have been trending around as a growing issue. Knife enthusiasts are starting to question which switchblades claiming to be "AKC" are considered genuine from Italy and which ones are just Chinese manufactured forgeries. This has mostly been happening with swinguards and regular Italian stilettos. I created this video to raise awareness and to help guide those who are not sure what they are trying to purchase. In this video I point out all of the major differences to look for when trying to distinguish the difference with a side-by-side comparison. They are listed below.
1. The "Logo" or stamp on the tang of the blade
2. The width of the spring inside the knife
3. The movements of the finger guards when open
4. The blade being symmetrical or not
5. The price seeming too low or too high
DISCLAIMER:
Even though it seems I bash on the Chinese copies, they are actually decently built for being an "everyday carry" knife or if you just want a pretty cool automatic knife on a budget without necessarily needing any high-end collector item. There is also a theory that these clones could become "collector items" themselves in the future if they decide to stop manufacturing them (kind of like what happened to the Rizzutos and their clones too)
The main important thing is you know what you're dealing with and know what you're buying!
Thanks for watching as always! Thanks to those who support me!
More videos to come in the future. - บันเทิง
![The BANNED Italian Switchblade! [What You Need To Know]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/aJ68i9KeLoE/mqdefault.jpg)
![The BANNED Italian Switchblade! [What You Need To Know]](/img/tr.png)
I got two fake AKC swing guard switchblades for about 40 dollars each. They're built well, no play in the blade guards, snap open very well, lock fantastic and also have a durable flat spring. Very good knife to carry around.
I agree, the fake one in this vid I ended up giving to someone but it was pretty darn nice for a china. Perfect for carry around like you said . Not too valuable to lose or mess up and not too flimsy for it not not do what it's supposed to.
Totally! I don't know why they go through all the trouble of putting a fake AKC logo on these switchblades! They could just put their own brand name on their knives and sell them that way! S*** I've had a few fake "AKC" switchblades with better fit and finish then the real AKC's! I wish these Chinese companies would just make their own brand name and stamp that on the blade... Maybe a Chinese symbol... Or even better yet don't stamp anything! I think people would respect these knives alot more and they definitely would have a lot more appeal without all the fake logos!
@@ossuary1982 just bought a classic AKA 9 inch black wood version (clone) 440c CLONE for .....$13 in discount ! razor sharp !
$40 each ? i can get them for $13 (high quality ones)
I got a fake AKC from wish, 9½" blade swivel bolster with brass bolsters and black handle, paid it 28$ 6 years ago. Can't complain honestly, it's a solid switchblade. It's a bit picky tho, if you try to open it with your left hand it will refuse to open correctly, you can only open in with your right thumb and you wanna push the button firmly, that way it will open correctly 100% of the time. I was thinking to buy a swing guard too, I'm always on a budget and this copies are just fine with me. Even tho as an italian I should support my country's businesses, but as said I'm a collector on a budget
Looking at the pin placement is one method I used to determine the real vs. the fake. Notice the position of the backspring pin in relation to the position of the safety. There’s another indicator for you.
Very good!
I was checking those pins out. I would love to know the measurements on each knife for comparison!
I got 2 of the fake ones for 52 dollars that included shipping. It's a good quality knife for the price. I carry it around as my daily carry. It works great, and I'm not worried about it if it breaks.
That's the best way to enjoy switchblades in my opinion. Collect the really nice pieces and keep them safe but for carry around and fun get something fairly cheap that's durable enough to enjoy but easy to replace once there's an issue.
@@ctknifevids7466 not the best way to enjoy "switchblades" but ANY knife. I have a Lile that sleep in the bank safe and i play with United Cutlery 1989 version in the wood.
I just bought a clone AKC swing guard from Wish for $20. Matter of time to see how long it will last as far as durability.
I have a few clones, I got them for about 10$ and reworked them and they look like homemade customs , great video new sub here
Thank you!
I bought mine off wish and the knife looks good. But, but after I pushed the button to open it, it has locked in place and I can’t close it. I watched it video and others to make sure I’m trying to close it right. The thing is locked, I took a hammer to it and it won’t move
Sorry to hear that, getting a good knife from them is hit or miss. It shouldnt be that much of a struggle to open or close it. I would return it if they let you and get a new one or just buy a new one. The swinguard I got from wish was actually pretty nice, I wouldnt mind giving it to you if I still had it 🙁 best of luck I hope it ends up working out
yeah mine's the same, idk how we are supposed to send it back though, since the blade will be open and its pretty big
Great info! 👍
Both beautiful knives🤩
Thank you so much!
Thanks for the heads-up 😊
You got it! Thanks for watching.
with leverlocks Ive noticed the AKC and Hubertus clones have a screw on the visible lever spring but the real ones have a pin.
Good observation! I may have to do a vid on real and cloned leverlocks in the near future.
Thanks for the heads up. I just made a purchase and mine is the real deal.
Thanks again.
Good deal! Glad to hear. Congrats. 🤗
I just received a fake swivel bolster and I'm blown away. Have no complaints. I had just gone thru another place that led you to believe you were getting this but got an even cheaper flip knife. Been buying Walt's Latamas and they keep going up too fast. $50 for a well built good looking knife that is a fake? Hell yeah!
Ironically that's what causes these collector items to go up is because people say "I might as well go for the cheaper option" since most people are looking for something to carry or averagely show off as opposed to looking for a collectors piece so they keep producing these cheaper knives by the huge numbers slowly putting Italian knife craftsmen out of business and genuine knives becoming more and more rare. The idea of a nicely built knife that seems to work just fine for a great price is great for carrying something around you dont mind using as a pocket knife but it is not genuine historic culture. They're a lot of mixed feelings about it from every knife collector.
Great info, thanks 👍
You're welcome!
Great video!!!! Thank You.
It's funny how in the 60's-80's Italian switchblades could be expendable, if needed I just go buy another one. Now I gotta buy a chinese clone... definitely don't want to use my Italian for real world stuff.
Thank you so much! Yes, I agree.
I have a couple fake AKC knives and the swing guard flew off one when I opened it. They are good to carry because I would hate to lose one of my more expensive knives.
The guards came off mine to.. 🤣
@@ajkulamig-2945 🤣 Damn!!
I have an AKC swing guard knife that has the register mark, but it says "AKC World" instead of "AKC Italy". I bought it from someone, but ive found the same ones online for between $100 and $175. The fitment is good and tight. I have a known counterfeit and the difference between them is night and day. But i cant tell if the swing guard one is real. Any thoughts?
I'm not a hundred percent if AKC world is newer as apposed to original AKC or the copy AKC. Some of these Chinese replicas can be pretty decent knives for carry. The whole thing is confusing at this point. Not just from my point of view but from many others in the community they'll say "Too many counterfeits floating around and changing now and days, I just stay away from all AKC at this point." For the most part I agree, they've replicated Bill Deshivs Leverlettos (even used his name) classic stilettos, swinguards, OTF's, and more. Some feel more durable than others but at this point who can you trust. So the way I see it is I just stay away from AKC now unless it's clearly an old leverlock shell puller with correct markings etc, even then I get sceptical though. AKC isn't the highest end of desired Italian collector pieces anywho. If you're looking for value go A.G.A. or Walts Latama something classy like that. If it's good EDC you're looking for at a low price then that's about all the AKC's are good for now and days.
I think akc world is asian made . all the asian ones have small leaf springs. It could be like boker. They have german boker tree brand and boker magnum which are made in other places than germany.
Great video well done you are right on everything 👍
AKCs originals often don't have *brass liners.... (AKC is the worst brand of Italian stilettos... SKMs are cheaper and better quality.
Then Frank Beltrame is good and AGA CAMPOLIN is the Master.)
Ps : Subbed I like your content, you're doing very well keep it this way 😉👍
Thank you so much man means alot!
The older AKCs have brass liners
I like frank bs and smks they seem to be really solid. I have a old B stamp thing fires like new. I think the B stamp is 80s i think.
I have a real AKC swing guard I bought recently from BladeHQ, and the guard moves a little. Although, I think that's because the blade doesn't point directly straight, because when I slightly nudge it toward the backside, it doesn't move at all. So I don't believe guards are a massive thing to look for. Other than that, it's a great knife.
I have a question. Do all genuine AKC or A.G.A swinguards have brass linings?
No, not always. Very good question though I had to double check for myself even lol
@@ctknifevids7466 thanks
akc's dont all my frank bs and agas have brass liners oops wait my miny aga leverlock does not.
I think the major cloning problem of these has to do with akc not making them anymore (as far as I know). When something is not being made by the original manufacturer, they are more susceptible to being cloned unfortunately.
I think I gonna buy exactly this one for 20-25 bucks.
I have a huge one, 35sm. I want this small one, 25 sm. and blade here is more convenient for cutting, than traditional bayonet type one.
and steel here is great. 440c. hard, sharp and durable.
sound is great. and u should not harm ur thumb operating a pick lock thanks to switchblade system. I ve strapped a piece of thick leather to a bolster to address thin metal picklock issue on my 35 sm knife, which used to harm the finger when u press.
The swinguards being pivoty isn't always an indication of a fake. I have an AKC swinguard that I bought from their website almost 10 years ago that the guards have started to get some play in. But, this has just come from me opening and closing the knife hundreds if not thousands of times over the years. The trademark R and the center spring are always dead giveaways though.
Same, mine has the older AKC stamp, the one before the one in this video. The thing is probably 15 years old. Too bad they don’t make them anymore.
What amazes me is a prominent online knife store is selling these and claiming they are AKC Italian made.
For real, on top of several websites doing the same thing. Gives you that feeling like "Uh, is anyone going to do anything about this?" and you feel like justice should be served but apparently not.
Which store? I’m trying to pick one up
I'm scared to buy one right now. It's like the genuine ones are scarce and the clones are good enough to be passed off on the unsuspecting and that's too much money for a p.o.s. knockoff.
Are you refering to blade hq? Bought one for $100 little bit of play in the blade and swing guard does move decent enough nice just not sure its real deal
@@dap2133 Yes, Blade HQ. It's not real. You won't find one for $100 from a store. I got duped $130 for a Snakewood Damascus and returned mine. I bought it for $35 on DHgate.
What is an impressive knife for $20 from DHgate is an auto with a design I've never seen. It goes by the name FRN Bill DeShivs Leverletto Knife. The release lever is on the outside which caught my eye. This thing is one of my favorite knives. It's solid, zero blade play and it's the fastest opener I have. I ordered two more of them.
Well at least I didn't get ripped off. I bought four of these and thought I got them awfully cheap. I got two swing guards and two pivot bolster stilettos. Paid about 175 for all four of them and two are made with real Elk stag.
That doesn't sound too bad, assuming they feel like they hold up well!
I love these copy's totally worth the money
What if blade says AKC,world on it,has AKC mark and the R mark on it, is it real AKc?
Akc world is asian made.
But what i understand it may be licensed by AKC. Like buck has usa and china stuff. Check your leaf spring. If the the spring is tiny its chiny.
What're the length-measurements on the handle, blade, and the open- knife for each knife? Weight, too?
Overall length about 9", handle being 5 and blade being about 4. Weight, I can't remember you got me on that one, but maybe .2 of a pound? Semi guessing.
@@ctknifevids7466 thnx. I was hoping to be able to figure out what was genuine by the dimensions listed on some of these sites but I think I'll just wait to come across one maybe at a gun & knife show that I can actually see in person.
@@BrothuhRabbit aapk is pretty trusty, so is 3knives website. Just watch you dont buy one that says "italian style" just get one that says real AKC or Italian AKC or A.G.A. Campolin they make genuine swinguards too.
Nice video
Thank you.
why the gloves
I don't like getting finger prints all over them then wiping them down later, just trying to keep them shiny
Where can I get my hands on a legit switchblade stiletto? I mean I’m good with brands and have owned AKC’s. And well now I’m looking for another knife but umm I don’t trust some of these knife makers anymore :( sadly
Ask knife pages on social media, be sure to only buy from someone with references and sources though. Or you could always check aapk on google
I asked around and people told me blade hq and I have one on the way and now I’m reading it’s fake
The biggest give away sign that your Stiletto is a cheap Chinese knock-off is the piece of COIL SPRING inside the liners, instead of a quality piece of LEAF SPRING, that fills the space between the liners.
The cheap crap looks like a round, curved ROD poking out.
You are correct! Good job. I go over this at 3:40 and 5:45 with each knife in the video!
Got my fake AKC swinguard for $18 new about 2 months ago.
Not a bad price for a clone! Given that it works well ofcorse. But cool to hear!
@@ctknifevids7466 Yeah, it works great... no play in the blade at all. The only thing I don't like about are the acrylic fake horn scales.
I have a Leverletto Grey Alloy 8' if anybody looking to buy. It's just been sitting around. I have no use for it. Had it since 2020.
I bought 4 for collection , 3 picklock and one leverlock,funny toys,i gave one to a lady friend who lives in a unfriendly neighborhood, better Have seized a clone than a 70 euros genuine.
At least 100 if a swinging guard
I agree! The clones are good for actual carry and use, i wouldn't with the collector items.
But When I'm at home, backyard... I always Carry in pocket my fancy Frank B or his father's (?) One made in1958 , i feel like a Victorian gentleman 🎩
@@jessewjames-ym1rc That's awesome
@@ctknifevids7466 I'm searching also but with zero results the DueBuoi otf single action that used Donald Sutherland in Eye of The Needle
Welp I’ve got a fake knife no wonder I can’t close the thing cut myself like twice lmao!
Ohhh no, get you a better knife bro.
I truly doubt that you can print anything you want on some part of a knife. A trademark is legally exclusive. You missed that the Italians don't round the scales where they meet the bolsters, but the Chinese do.
It's called a clone ...... not a fake... clones are actually good strong knives
I have both and there's no difference only the price
Oh believe me there will be some difference in quality if you have one of each.
@@ctknifevids7466 a little not enough to pay a lot more for
@@diesel_man99 Well, it's buyers discrepancy. I will say after buying one of these clones I am surprised how decent quality it is. It's perfect for just showing off a cool knife and/or carry around/use etc. (because it's easily replacable by theory). The genuine Italian pieces are made as a collector item that goes up in price over years, also better quality and better genuine scales etc. It's just about what your purpose of buying the knife is. Most people's purpose, buying the clone would do just fine.
@@diesel_man99 I agree there nearly the same but a massive price difference it's not worth it.they both do the same job.
@@piercegalligan exactly that's what I'm saying. It's not worth it and a waste of money.
I will Beg to differ I have an older model akc leverletto and looking at the open blade its capital akc italy with leverletto by bill deshives. I think the new models they changed the logo and added the r trademark because all my other akc's have the r. This leverletto is 100% legit too. If you are gonna fake something do a latama or frank b or aga campolin. I put akc in the same realm as skm decent knives i own them but not high end.
They stopped making the swinguards probably because of the clones. Thankfully there are no clones of latamas.
The side of that house needs some powerwashing and attention...
Agreed
I have two AKCs. One says AKC Italy. The other says AKC world.
Ordered a 9" ebony AKC swinguard from BladeHQ. Came in with black plastic scales, felt cheap, guard was loose, sloppy gap around button.
Was it the Damascus blade one? I just ordered one from them and now I'm worried they selling fakes lol
@@satafoodadventure2826 I just ordered the same one and it on the way... Is yours real?
Idk Emmerson wave type openers kinda negate automatic knives entirely. I can deploy my cold steel Ti-Lite or Large Luzon before you even press the button. More of a historical piece.
AKC stands for automatic knife creations
I believe the "Automatic Knife Creations" is the Chinese no copyright version of AKC. From what I remember the original AKC from like 20 years ago was "Automatic Knife Company". Just from what I remember but I may be wrong.
Are AKCWorld real AKC?
AKC world knives are also clones. AKC gave china the right to put their logo on these clones under the name AKC world. AKC no longer makes swinguards anymore. I have a real AKC swinguard and the thing is probably 15 years old. You’d have to find one used for a real AKC these days
If people are gonna make a living dont do it by Scamming people with Cheap Copy Trash thats all i gotta say
I have the real deal..... 😁
Niiiceeee hang onto it, the real original ones are becoming scarce.
Good job protecting criminal behavior. You earned the "do not recommend" badge of shame.
Hey Thanks! Good work pays off!
you need more subs
Thank you! I appreciate that.
I just got a fake AKC swinguard with the wavy blade and it wasn't even what i ordered i ordered the swivel lock with bayonet blade im pretty pissed i hate the stupid wavy blades and the logo in the pictures of the knife i was supposed to get was the real AKC logo i own a real AKC swinguard in blue but it's old and dirty
So sorry that happened to you! Sounds very frustrating. I wouldn't buy from that site anymore. 🙁
@@ctknifevids7466 they did refund me without making me send back the knife so it wasn't a bad as some experiences
My AKC dosnet look like any of those symbols
Does this fool reuse his latex gloves? 🤣
No they come all the same color in the box. It'd be almost impossible to put on the same pair once removed screw all that lol