How to Distinguish Real HIGHLANDER Swords from Fakes If there were ever one single article you need to read on this entire Guide, it's this one, because it started it all! I don't make money from this site; it's all a labor of love. The HSG was born because my first experience was that I got ripped off, and I don't want you to be. There are Taiwanese companies that make fake Highlander swords. Worse, there are American mail order companies that sell them as Highlander swords. They don't give you the close up views. Thus, the HSG will help you become an expert in fake swords such that you can tell in a flash. In general, there are logos to look out for. The Taiwanese companies thus far have not reproduced these, otherwise they would be sued tremendously! Look out for these on the copper sleeve that is located on the handle end of the blade. Step 1 - Examine the Blade All Marto and Martespa of Spain blades are made of 420 Stainless Steel. One indication of your blade being a Taiwanese rip-off is if it says, "440 STAINLESS STEEL - MADE IN TAIWAN" (or something similar) on it. Real replica swords from Toledo, Spain have no such words on their blades. Step 2 - Examine the Logo Also, observe that the habaki (The copper wedge that keeps the sword tight in the throat of the scabbard) has the Chinese symbol for "Sword". So, be wise before you lay eyes on that mail order catalog sword, Highlander. There are many fakes but only one true sword. For in the end, there can be... only one. With the exception of Marto's Sword of the Dragon, all official Highlander swords are made by Martespa, a subsidiary of Marto of Toledo, Spain. Featured here is their logo. Incidentally, Marto and Martespa use a more qualitative 420 Stainless Steel, and subject their blades to heat treating. Some of the cheaper Taiwanese knock-offs are not heat treated and in a cutting test, a Marto Sword of the Dragon was able to cut through a $79-89 fake. This is the official logo of Marto, the replica sword manufacturer in Toledo, Spain. This logo appears on all Marto swords - a primary source of swords for the Highlander television series. If your Sword of the Dragon (i.e. Duncan's katana) features this on the copper wedge at the base of your blade, then you have the real thing. Further Information There is much more specific information on the preceeding page of this section, Sword Articles. Click here to go there to view the real swords, the fake swords, and side by side comparisons!

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