Dilemma

[cbob]

Well, if he's now convinced that they are both fakes, get a sharp knife out and show him the difference. Whilst he may 'lose' a real Monte, he'll appreciate the rest. Otherwise, get him to replace them with the cheaper (and imo, better) Dippy No2 - not sure that anyone's seen a big enough market for them to start counterfeiting them.

No need to sacrifice a whole cigar to prove the point. Get your friend to bring you a 3/4 smoked Monte, then show him how to autopsy the portion that's left. This should demo the quality of the binder and the regularity of the bunch as well as the long filler if such exists. never pass up the opportunity to educate!
I almost always open the remains of cigars acquired as gifts or "uncontrolled source" purchases. It's quite interesting what you find.