Craig,
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So how can a mere mortal tell the real deal from the knockoff?
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That's easy- the knockoffs bend or break when you use them.

Sorry. <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Let me get back to you. I remember that all or almost all of the "real" ones seemed to have one of two contractor's names on them, may as well wait until I can check my hoard.

I bought a dozen from somebody on eBay who advertised them as "real US GI" or somesuch, and they did prove to be the genuine article. Since then I bought a few more at a surplus store where they were out in a can and you could handle them.

A few of the knockoffs I've seen were actually larger... IFIRC, at least 20 percent larger than the real thing. Seems like that might be a good thing- more leverage- but they bent. That was a long time ago, though, so they may no longer be on the market.