Identifying Counterfeit Microtech® Knives
In the current market, counterfeit knives mimicking premium brands have become increasingly prevalent. As an American-made company pioneering precision machining and engineering in tactical and utility knives, Microtech® maintains strict manufacturing and quality control standards. Every authentic Microtech® knife is assembled by hand at our facilities in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Each knife undergoes rigorous inspection to ensure it meets exacting specifications.
Because of our position as an industry leader, Microtech® knives are frequently subject to unauthorized reproductions. These imitations may superficially resemble our products but do not meet the engineering, material, or warranty standards inherent to Microtech®. To assist customers and professionals in distinguishing genuine Microtech® knives from counterfeits, we have compiled a detailed technical guide.
Counterfeit vs. Clone: Defining Terms
It is important to differentiate between counterfeit and clone knives:
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Clone: A knife designed to replicate the appearance or functionality of a Microtech® knife but sold without claiming to be authentic.
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Counterfeit: A knife designed to imitate a Microtech® knife and presented as a genuine Microtech® product.
This guide focuses primarily on identifying counterfeits, which infringe on Microtech’s brand and warranty.
Lasering and Markings
Authentic Microtech® knives feature precise, high-resolution laser etching. Our logos and serial numbers have strict design parameters governing position, size, spacing, and alignment. Common discrepancies in counterfeit knives include:
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Misaligned or off-center logos
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Incorrect spacing or tilted markings
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Low-resolution or uneven laser etching
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Incorrect or missing serial numbers
Inspect the quality of the lasering closely; genuine markings exhibit crisp, consistent detail.
Blade and Handle Specifications
Counterfeit blades frequently deviate from official Microtech® specifications in one or more ways:
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Blade profiles and dimensions inconsistent with official product data sheets
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Use of color finishes or coatings never applied by Microtech® (e.g., certain black finishes on models not offered in that color)
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Hardware styles inconsistent with the knife’s release date (e.g., outdated screws or clips on recent models)
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Heavier weight due to die-cast or inferior metals, as opposed to precision-machined solid billets
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Handle materials and finishes that feel inconsistent with Microtech’s known production methods and color options
Performance characteristics such as blade deployment smoothness and lockup reliability will often be subpar on counterfeits, deteriorating further with use.
Packaging and Pricing
Authentic Microtech® knives come packaged with specific branded materials, manuals, and warranty cards. Counterfeit packaging may have incorrect logos, poor print quality, or inconsistent design elements.
Pricing can also be a critical indicator: offers significantly below market value typically indicate counterfeit merchandise.
Authorized Dealers and Purchase Channels
Many people believe gun shows to be reliable venues to purchase a knife. While we do have some authorized dealers who sell at gun shows, there are also many counterfeits that come directly from gun shows. The only way to ensure you are purchasing an authentic Microtech® knife is by purchasing through our Authorized Dealers. Verify any dealers with our Authorized Dealer list on our website.
What is an Authorized Dealer?
An Authorized Dealer is a seller who works directly with Microtech® and is officially approved by us to sell our products. Authorized Dealers may include brick-and-mortar retailers, online vendors, and select distributors. We have an interactive dealer locator on our website, which can be found here. Don’t despair if you can’t find a dealer near you—many of our dealers ship, some internationally.
What happens if we receive a counterfeit?
Upon arrival, your knife is checked in through our repair department. You may receive an email confirmation that we received your knife. We may not detect the counterfeit discrepancy immediately.
You will receive an email from our warranty department notifying you that we have determined your knife is not authentic. The email will notify you that we can return your knife to you, but we will need to remove any markings that indicate it as a Microtech®. This often involves blasting the pocket clip or blocking out incorrect labeling with lasering. You will also need to provide $15 to cover return shipping. We offer our assistance in locating an authentic Microtech® knife through one of our Authorized Dealers.
Please keep in mind that we cannot guarantee that any particular knife is an authentic Microtech® knife unless it is purchased through one of our Authorized Dealers.
We stand behind the integrity of our products and back each and every one of our knives with a Lifetime Limited Warranty. We are proud to create the world’s best cutting tools.