How To Tell If an AKC Switchblade Is Real or Fake

CTknifeVids
CTknifeVids
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Published 2022-04-12
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.
All Comments (21)
  • @jojorobino5312
    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.
  • @Momo_Kawashima
    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
  • @undergroundexplorer8378
    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.
  • @boots740
    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.
  • @mrjason0290able
    I just bought a clone AKC swing guard from Wish for $20. Matter of time to see how long it will last as far as durability.
  • @ats440you
    From the standpoint of design, the clones have very thin drop pins ( the pin which drops into the blade hole when the blade is closed). This pin is subject to stress and excessive wear compared to the thick pins on better Italian models. The lock pin is not an easily repaired or replaced part.
  • @joejones9520
    with leverlocks Ive noticed the AKC and Hubertus clones have a screw on the visible lever spring but the real ones have a pin.
  • @BackyardDispatcher
    I have a few clones, I got them for about 10$ and reworked them and they look like homemade customs , great video new sub here
  • @mintymint1078
    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.
  • @freakindawgen
    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!
  • @chriscollins2485
    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
  • @Everything-switchblades
    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.
  • @billywilliams4183
    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.
  • @donfierro777
    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.
  • @walterlatorre8936
    Thanks for the heads up. I just made a purchase and mine is the real deal. Thanks again.
  • @TM_Stone
    What amazes me is a prominent online knife store is selling these and claiming they are AKC Italian made.
  • @JACOPO.OFFICIEL
    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 😉👍