Kershaw Avalanche...which steel?

reholli

reholli

Joined
Jan 28, 2008
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I was thinking about adding an Avalance to my Kershaw family, and I've found the knife listed with just about every possible steel imaginable...well, maybe that's a slight exaggeration, but I've seen 440A, 440V/S60V, and S30V listed as the blade steel depending on where they're being sold.

So, I'm looking for expert knowledge of which it actually is...or perhaps it varies depending on when they were made?

I think it's always been an upscale model, so 440A is probably not a real contender, but the others are definitely in the running...:D

Thanks,

Ray :)
 
Ray, the only way to tell what you're going to get is to check the BOD...I'm guessing you're looking at internet dealers, and as such, most don't update their info on a regular basis. Some even copy and paste the info from Kershaw's site. If a dealer has new old stock you could end up with 440 when the ad says S30V.

The S30V was the latest release, but I could be wrong...

Brad

Oh, and I don't know if you have a Boa or not, but the same retail price range, S30V, and I grabbed one recentlly from a popular auction site for $ 66! I really like it!
 
SPXTrader said:
Ray, the only way to tell what you're going to get is to check the BOD...I'm guessing you're looking at internet dealers, and as such, most don't update their info on a regular basis. Some even copy and paste the info from Kershaw's site. If a dealer has new old stock you could end up with 440 when the ad says S30V.

The S30V was the latest release, but I could be wrong...

Brad

Oh, and I don't know if you have a Boa or not, but the same retail price range, S30V, and I grabbed one recentlly from a popular auction site for $ 66! I really like it!
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Thanks for the info, Brad...I've been thinking about the Boa, too...$66 is a great score for that knife...:)

The places I'm looking at are all internet sites, but I'm not really too concerned about the actual steel, more just curious I guess. I'm pretty sure 440A (not that I have anything against 440A) was never used for the Avalanche and that the site that lists it probably misread 440V, but either 440V/S60V or S30V are fine with me.

Kershaw's site currently shows S30V (same for the Boa), but I'm pretty sure they both started out as 440V/S60V...

Ray
 
Ya know, everyone seems down on the old 440A (not criticizing or referencing you in any way, just my observation), but I'll tell you that I can get them razor sharp with just very little effort...just a shame they don't keep that edge long. I guess that's why everyone seems down on them...
 
The Avalanche first came out in the 440V steel, if I remember it correct. I have never seen one in the 440A steel. Now they are S30V.
 
SPXTrader said:
Ya know, everyone seems down on the old 440A (not criticizing or referencing you in any way, just my observation), but I'll tell you that I can get them razor sharp with just very little effort...just a shame they don't keep that edge long. I guess that's why everyone seems down on them...
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I actually like 440A...my Blur that I EDC (a combo-edged Tanto) is 440A...it is all that you say it is...:)

Ray
 
cutter17 is correct, the Avalanche never was produced in 440A. 440V (S60V) or S30V are your choices.
 
A question to anyone who has a 440V model: What is the edge profile like? I feel that the grind on the S30V one is pretty much useless(IMO). Not that it didn't come sharp or anything, I just can't find much purpose for such an obtuse angle. Other than that, I really like the knife. I just think other steels should have been available for this particular knife since it's a pretty simple drop point blade.
 
Thomas W said:
cutter17 is correct, the Avalanche never was produced in 440A. 440V (S60V) or S30V are your choices.
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Thanks, cutter17 and Thomas, for hammering the final nails into the coffin of my Avalanche steel question...:)

Ray
 
One A day said:
Is that Avalance a new knife? Wow that would be a great price if it is. :D
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Watch that bay place, I only paid $51 shipped for the one I have with S30V new in the box. I have been watching for a older one with 440v but haven't found a cheap one yet. The blades on the older ones aren't coated. I believe that is the only way to know for sure you are getting 440v, without a clear photo of the blade markings. I believe some some of 440v may have also had the coating. The one I have came very sharp right out of the box. I tested it on the corner of the KC phone book 2 1/2" to 3" thick no problem at all cutting about 3/4" diagonal off all the way through.
 
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