In 1897 Karl Elsner first created the Original Victorinox Swiss Army knife. Wenger, the company that produces Genuine Swiss Army Knives was founded in 1893. Since then the Swiss Army Knife collection from each of these companies has grown to include knives for everyday use, camping, multi-tools, specialty knives, executive gifts and more. The reputation for reliability and quality has grown along with number of knives available.

As with most successful products, imitators and copycats have arisen, producing cheap imitations of both brands of Swiss Army Knives, taking money from unsuspecting consumers and damaging the reputation enjoyed by the Swiss Army Knife. The "Swiss Army Knife" is constantly being copied but the original quality has never been equaled.

On some of the foreign imitations have even include the Swiss cross. The application of the Swiss Cross was done to confuse the public and give the impression that they were dealing with a genuine Swiss Army knife product.

Don’t be tricked into buying a counterfeit or cheap imitation Swiss Army Knife.

How can you avoid being tricked? Genuine and Original Swiss Army Knives are quality products, using quality craftsmanship and quality materials. First, look at the price. If someone is offering to sell you a new Swiss Army Knife for $10 when everyone else is selling the same model knife for $50, be suspicious.

To identify a Genuine Wenger Swiss Army Knife look for the trademark. It is an emblem in the shape of a square with rounded corners. The outline is white, the center of the shield is red and the cross is white. Check the blade to make sure it says - Wenger Delemont Switzerland Stainless.

To identify an Original Victorinox Swiss Army Knife look for the trademark cross and shield. The shield has 5 corners and the top of the shield has a small depression in the middle of the top of the shield, similar to the depression seen on many police and fire badges. The outline of the shield is white, the center of the shield is red and the cross is white. Look for Victorinox stamped on the blade.

Keep in mind, imitation, counterfeit and “just like” are not the same as “genuine” and “original”. Counterfeiters are cheats and they very well may put a fraudulent emblem or an emblem that is close to the authentic emblem on their knife. If the price is “cheap” be cautious.

If you want to get an idea of fair prices for Genuine or Original Swiss Army Knives visit: www.SwissArmyKnifeMall.com They only carry authentic Swiss Army Knives.