how do you tell if a kershaw blackout has 440A or sandvik?

[ibanezplayer470]

how do you tell if a kershaw blackout has 440A or sandvik blade steel? It doesnt say on the blade anywhere...

 

[batosai117]

The only way to tell that I know of is the date that is on the blade. I'm not sure what the exact date is, but someone that knows more about kershaw can tell you for certain.

 

[ibanezplayer470]

besides the logo, all it says is "1550" "patented" and "Made in USA" no date as far as I can tell.

 

[TKAZ]

K.O. Blackout, Blk Polyamide Handle, Black Blade, ComboEdge

3.25 in. 440A stainless steel partially serrated ti-nitride-coated blade. Polyamide handle. 4.50 in. closed .
Brand: Kershaw
Made In: USA
MPN: 1550ST
Specifications
Blade Detail: ComboEdge
Blade Length (inches): 3.25
Blade Material: Sandvik, Black
Carry System: Pocket Clip
Handle Material: Polyimide
Lock Style: Liner Lock


K.O. Blackout, Black Polyamide Handle, Black Blade, Plain

3.25 in. 440A stainless steel ti-nitride-coated blade. Polyamide handle. 4.5 closed
Brand: Kershaw
Made In: USA
MPN: 1550
Specifications
Blade Detail: Plain
Blade Length (inches): 3.25
Blade Material: Sandvik, Black
Carry System: Pocket Clip
Handle Material: Polyimide
Lock Style: Liner Lock

 

[batosai117]

besides the logo, all it says is "1550" "patented" and "Made in USA" no date as far as I can tell.

Here's the thread with the official dates for ya:

13C26 Changeover Born On Dates

I hope that helps, J.

Ps. the date should be around the area where the blade meets the handle

 

[ibanezplayer470]

Oh ok, i see the date now. july 08. looks like ive got the better steel. thanks for the help!

 

[presz]

Before July 2007= 440A
July 2007 to March 2009= 13C26
March 2009 on =14C28N

Some places it says Jan. 2009 for the change to 14C28N but if I remember right Thomas said that they all didn't change over until March.

 

[gtxr390]

curious, i purchased a blackout from OSH. 1550ST, made in USA. BOD shows Nov 08. so it should be 13SC26? but the packaging shows 440A. can anyone chime in?

I actually started a new thread, but didn't realize since it was my 1st post, had to wait for Mod approval.

thanks for any help...i'm a newbie.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Looks like they didn't use up the old boxes.

 

[gtxr390]

Looks like they didn't use up the old boxes.

that's the thing, it wasn't packaged in a box. it was packaged in one of those see through plastic mold things that take forever to cut open.

 

[svrider3]

that's the thing, it wasn't packaged in a box. it was packaged in one of those see through plastic mold things that take forever to cut open.

It doesn't matter what the box/packaging says, if the BOD shows Nov 08 it is
13C26.

 

[Badhammer]

I see no date on my knife at all?

 

[gtxr390]

I see no date on my knife at all?

If you fold the blade so as it's perpendicular to the handle, the date code is right next to the liner lock. should read something like "NOV 08"

It doesn't matter what the box/packaging says, if the BOD shows Nov 08 it is
13C26.

thanks, guess i just wanted some reassurance...curious, any reason that would happen?

misprint? to save some $$?

 

[2brothers]

Cards, boxes, papers and packaging are printed way in advance so as not to run out during packaging.
Deciding to change over to a new steel may only take 3-6 months yet there could be 9 months of old packaging left. Or something like that.