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How rare is my ZT?

B

bladeboss

Joined
Mar 6, 2012
Messages
3,530
The beginning of this month, I got my first ZT.
I didnt notice it at the store, but when I returned home, I soon discovered (with the help of fellow forumite 9Blades :)) that it was "special".
The word "PATENTED" is missing from my blade.
Ive heard of EL MAX instead of ELMAX but I see none other like mine.
It feels and looks too perfect, and has all of the paperwork so im positive it is real.
So its supposed to be like:

0200
KAI PATENTED
MADE IN USA

Mine is like:
KAI 0200
MADE IN USA.
ZT200003_zps4ad9457c.jpg
 
Rare as in adding value? I doubt it. As for it being a strange anomaly, maybe. Could just be as simple as the patent has run out. Also the earlier ones are missing the "design".
 
rycen said:
Rare as in adding value? I doubt it. As for it being a strange anomaly, maybe. Could just be as simple as the patent has run out. Also the earlier ones are missing the "design".
Click to expand...
I'm not concerned about value. In gonna use it anyway. I was wondering if there are any others, and why it is marked as such.
 
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Hmmm. The 0200 prototype was introduced in 2006. If their patent expired that would mean it dated back to 2000.

I hope they removed it just because. It looks better that way. Lots of people are big on advertising patents for the first few years until their product is established, which the 0200 definitely is.
 
o4tg said:
Hmmm. The 0200 prototype was introduced in 2006. If their patent expired that would mean it dated back to 2000.

I hope they removed it just because. It looks better that way. Lots of people are big on advertising patents for the first few years until their product is established, which the 0200 definitely is.
Click to expand...
But they're new models in the 2014 catalog say PATENTED.
 
Just to clear things up, a utility patent issued in the United States has a duration of 20 years. Design Patents last 14, and a Provisional, one. When you think of the word "patented", you're generally thinking of a Utility Patent.

-Your friendly IP consultant
 
Even ( if ) it was a minor mistake, imho that wouldn't make it something rare. Now if it was a coin or postage stamp,yes.
 
Is it something that someone has ever seen before? Is it a common thing to have a variation in the engraving?
 
I have seen variations in the engraving in knives of various manufacture that have passed through my hands over the last two yrs; including ZT. Your knife is a good one. IMO, worth is what you paid for it. But it's nice; enjoy it.
 
Sonnydaze said:
I have seen variations in the engraving in knives of various manufacture that have passed through my hands over the last two yrs; including ZT. Your knife is a good one. IMO, worth is what you paid for it. But it's nice; enjoy it.
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I just found it odd that the big 'ol work wide web couldn't find me another one like it.
 
Not unusual for Kershaw or ZT to have different markings. I have a bunch of the same Leeks that are marked differently. They are not worth more, just different.

Enjoy it!!!
 
bladeboss said:
But they're new models in the 2014 catalog say PATENTED.
Click to expand...

The marking vary or can vary from one run to another. There is no specific reason why. Are there others out there like that? Certainly, however, many might not notice, or it might not be noteworthy, or some just don't care because it's a tool like any other. Mine is really odd, I have a date stamped on it.
 
RevDevil said:
The marking vary or can vary from one run to another. There is no specific reason why. Are there others out there like that? Certainly, however, many might not notice, or it might not be noteworthy, or some just don't care because it's a tool like any other. Mine is really odd, I have a date stamped on it.
Click to expand...
This is the first KAI product I own that didnt say PATENTED so I got worried.
And judging by the comments, it looks like im ok. It also doesnt look like its a rare thing to have variations.
 
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