Switch-It Steel?

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Nov 1, 2004
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I just bought a Schrade+ Switch-It in plain edge, model SW7. US-made, lockback, nifty pocket clip that switches to left or right hand carry without tools, or it can be on the back of the knife to block the blade from unlocking.

Anyway, I was wondering what steel was used in this model. I think it's 420HC; it seems a bit harder than 440A or 420J2. Any word on when it was discontinued, or what the selling price was? I paid $9 for mine; new, no box.
 
Retail was $49.95 and they were discontinued in 2004 with the rest of the usa schrades I believe. I have a few I picked up for about the same price you did. Carry one now and then but I had a hell of a time sharpening it same as you did. pretty tough knife too I put it to the test a quite a few times at work.- Joel
 
I'm pretty sure I've seen reference to the Schrade+ stainless was indeed 420HC but I can't find it so please don't quote me. I just went through the paperwork and box on my Switch-It and it is not specified. Didn't expect it to be, but figured I would check.

BTW: My limited research seems to point to the fact that the plain edge you have is much rarer than my combo edge. Nice find.
 
“Schrade+” steel was actually a trademarked name used for at least two different stainless steel alloys. First was 440A. Then a change was made to 420HC. As of this time, there is conflicting information about when this change took place, but it seems to have been some time after the 2000 production year.

420HC SS was introduced, at least partially, in 1998 when they began using fine blanking on the LB7 production.

From the 2000 catalog:
9zy1c4.jpg

And in the 1999 catalog it was listed as new:
2vvubuo.jpg


Michael
 
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I know this thread is long dead, but I have been searching for this knife. I have the half-serrated version, and I LOVE this knife, but I would love to have a straight edged one as well. Anyone have one for sale?
 
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