Help identifying a CRKT

[Sure-Fire]

I have a CRKT M16-04, I've been using this for work for quite a while. I've used it in ways that knives just shouldn't be used, but it's still in pretty good condition other than the dull blade and rounded off points (tanto tip).

I've heard that CRKT has changed the blade material in this model knife, I was wondering how I find out which type of steel this knife uses? One side of the knife says CRKT, the other side says Carson Design and M16-04 along with a small "Taiwan" buried near the hinge.

Can anyone help me figure out if this is the old (Aus8 I believe) steel or the new lower quality (Aus6 I believe) steel? My main concern would be whether it's worth it getting this thing sharpened or not.

 

[flip]

I think they just downgraded the steel in the "z" or zytel handled M16 models from AUS6 to AUS4. All of the metal handled M16 models still use AUS8 blades.

 

[Chris "Anagarika"]

I believe AUS 6 deserves a sharpening as you need it ..

You might want to check Joe's article on steel: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=368828

BTW, I have a CRKT Point Guard in AUS6 and it works superb!

 

[Pocketknife]

Go to the source....just email CRKT directly. I just did that, regarding what steel is in the 14K Summit knives, and they replied within 24 hours with the information.
(http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=339127)