It depends on the model, whether the shield is a metal inlay, heat stamped, or printed. But most still have metal inlays, and I agree that the inlays look the best and are the most durable. When it comes to promotional knives, it all depends on what the advertiser wants to spend. Most promotional knives are pad printed - I think Victorinox calls it a “tamponprint” - but Victorinox offers advertisers a variety of printing techniques, including pad printing, blade etching, full-scale digital prints, etc. The La Marzocco Barrista knife that’s apparently being released today has stainless steel inlays on both sides, probably one of the reasons for the high cost of that tool.
