CRKT M16-14ZSF upgraded it's steel?

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Kyui Su Kim

Kyui Su Kim

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So I was picking up some uniform items at the Exchange and saw the ole M16-14ZSF hanging on the wall. Never paid much attention to the knife because of the AUS-4 steel before. This time though, I noticed that the package was labeled as AUS-8. Now this would be a nice turn for this model knife especially since the price is still $32. Not to pessimistic, but I started to wonder if maybe these were counterfiet or mislabeled? I gave CRKT a call and the fella I spoke to, thought polite and willing to be helpful, really did not know anything and simply read what was on the site. So I will try and poll the collective of BF to see if anyone has insight to any truth or myth on this.

PS: I like CRKT and for the price I do not mind them. If you do not like them or think that I could do better with another company, please post elsewhere.
 
My Crkt M16-14sf is aus 8 and it was bought two years ago. I believe that the different m16 models have different steels.
 
Nternal said:
My Crkt M16-14sf is aus 8 and it was bought two years ago. I believe that the different m16 models have different steels.
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Yes they do. This one that I am referring to is the zytel model. It was supposed to be the cheapest of the M-16 SF line.
 
if they did, it is a step in the right direction, and they need to keep going down that road :thumbup:
 
res1cue said:
if they did, it is a step in the right direction, and they need to keep going down that road :thumbup:
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I can't agree more. Around $30 for an AUS-8 knife is pretty good. I may pick it up tomorrow to see how it holds up. I just never liked AUS-4 since my last one rusted up in California just from being out.

Edited to add: I will pick it up if this is in fact, a genuine thing that they have changed the steel.
 
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They have made them in Aus 8, 6, 4, some chinese steels? I also had a carbon fibre gripped one that had the Acuto + steel. It was before the auto lawks days though. The website has a 8A M16 large tanto on the home page so it's probably legit.
 
Thats strange , I thought only the aluminum or titanium 14SF's were AUS 8.

There's a new one with a Glass Filled Nylon handle, it's listed as "M16-14ZLEK". It has an AUS 8 blade.

If you have any doubt, email CRKT someone will answer you in a few hours. I had the same concern over a very inexpensive m16 titanium listed on line and they confirmed that the knife was real.
 
JPD1998 said:
Thats strange , I thought only the aluminum or titanium 14SF's were AUS 8.

There's a new one with a Glass Filled Nylon handle, it's listed as "M16-14ZLEK". It has an AUS 8 blade.

If you have any doubt, email CRKT someone will answer you in a few hours. I had the same concern over a very inexpensive m16 titanium listed on line and they confirmed that the knife was real.
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Exactly what I thought. I was under the impression that only the "higher" end SF models had AUS-8. I would email CRKT but I am afraid that I would get the same answer as the phone call. I think I may just try it out myself to find out.
 
Kyui Su Kim said:
Exactly what I thought. I was under the impression that only the "higher" end SF models had AUS-8. I would email CRKT but I am afraid that I would get the same answer as the phone call. I think I may just try it out myself to find out.
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It's $30 so I say go for it.
 
So I went in and picked up the AUS-8 version. I have to say that this one is a decent improvement over the "older" generation. First off, I do not think that the steel is mislabeled.
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It is stated the same on both sides of the package and still has the correct model number. Also, when I get any of the newer CRKT's, I remove the auto lawk. It is just my preference to not have it. While dissasembled, I noticed that around the pivot areas, they polished the metal. I would imagine that this would make for a smoother opening rather than the bead blast finish. Overall it seems that they are in the right direction with this model.
 
Tengster said:
KSK ~ can you compare the blade with other Aus8 blade and tell us what you think?
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You bet. That was the plan, as I am taking it to work today. I have a few of the other models in AUS8 so we will see how it compares.

Edited to add: I have never had an issue with CRKT's other AUS8 blades. They sharpen very easily and hold the edge well against the usual stuff I have to cut such as nylon rope. My biggest wish is that it will hold up to corrosion better. AUS4 and 6 are not bad, but with the bead blast finish it goes right quick. I had my Timberline Pistol Grip(AUS8 blade) while I was in Cali for training for 4 months and it held up just fine.
 
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Sounds some high grit sandpaper or scotch brite will work wonders on it. And if this is the new direction of CRKT I'm all,for it!
 
brets-ftw said:
Sounds some high grit sandpaper or scotch brite will work wonders on it. And if this is the new direction of CRKT I'm all,for it!
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Sounds like a good idea. I was going to give the bead blast a chance first, but the first signs of rust and off it goes.

Tengster said:
I wrote to CRKT. They will revert in a couple of days...
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Great. Let us know if you get a different answer than what I got on the phone.
 
CRKT folks reverted. They confirm it's AUS8 blade for M16-14ZSF. They will be editing their website soon for the error.
 
Tengster said:
CRKT folks reverted. They confirm it's AUS8 blade for M16-14ZSF. They will be editing their website soon for the error.
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Thank you very much Tengster! I have been beatint the knife around and it is holding up very well. I did sand down the zytel handles as I did not like the wood look it had. Now it looks much more like sand. In the future I may try some Krylon and make it OD green.
 
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