Quote: This may have been beaten to death, but is there any way to tell if an early #16 is carbon or stainless if it is unmarked? Bart RKS#132
Bart,
There is (only) one thing that I will give Crutchtip credit for, and that's his technique for distinguishing S/S from 01: Put a very small droplet of liquid bluing on an inconspicuous place (such as the underside of the choil). If it's S/S it will wipe right off. If it's 01 the bluing will take. Works like a charm!
Best,
_________________________
Ron Mathews RKS No. 4223
How's this look? It was sold to me as a Model 14 SS Spearpoint/Sawtooth and looks identical in my Newbie Eyes to other model 16's here with NS Double Bolsters. What's the difference and is it in effect, the same knife? If it was sold as a Model 16..I'd still buy it, I like the design/style very much.
Registered: 09/14/05
Posts: 12867
Loc: Central Florida
Absolutely correct Mitchell. The waxed sheath is also different in 2 ways. The Model #14 has the "double stitching" verses single on a Model #16's. The hone pocket is not standard on a Diver's sheath. It gets "really" confusing when you order a Model #14 made up like this one...and waxed "no hone" sheath. The double stitching is still present but the entire package is quite close in look. One more difference, not shown here is the fact that the #16 is available with the shop-supplied nylon sheath. Although I have had a few #14's slip into this nylon sheath, they are usually too long and almost always too wide. That's a great #14 you've got there and it will work just as well to dive with as the original "Diver's" knife. The same can be said for a Model #15-5 1/2"...Hope this helps. Best, Capt. Chris
"Newbie Help" is greatly appreciated. My Model 14 Spearpoint came with an aftermarket, unmarked, basketweave leather sheath. But it didn't fit in all the way and stood out about 1/2 an inch! The sheath in my picture just came from Sullivans, which they had in-stock. It fits like a glove. And fits all the way in, as expected.