Current Blade Steel on Spyderco Cat? spec sheet vs etch

[knarfeng]

Howdy,
I don't come by here often, but I have a Spyderco question and I thought I might as well ask at the source.

I note that the spec sheet for the Cat says the blade steel is CTS BD1N. But when I look at the display pics in the various online stores as well as here on Spyderco.com, the etches on the knives say CTS BD1.
I recognize those as two different alloys. Carpenter has separate spec sheets for them.

Are those old stock photos that everyone seems to be showing, or is that just the way the knives with CTS BD1N blade steel are marked?

Also, I know that the CAT had 440C blade steel at one time.
Was there also a time when the Cat had CTS BD1 blade steel?

Sorry to be a bother, but as they say, "the devil's in the details".

Thanks,
Frank

[VooDooChild]

Should be old pictures. I see this sometimes with the manix 2 lightweight as well.

Someone who knows about the cat will probably come along with more info.

[rabbitanarchy14]

the cat first came in 440v, then went to bd1 i had one and now the new steel is bd1n with old stock photos. i even see photos with 440v on them. i would just email them and ask.

[Wartstein]

Make sure you get a BD1N version.

I had a Manix LW in "just" BD1, and now have another one in BD1N. As far as I can tell edge retention is noticeable better in the latter.

[Jurphaas]

When studying the Spyderco steel chart, it shows me that BD1 consists of 6 elements and the BD1N has 8 different elements. It is also clear to see that all other elements in BD1N are all higher in volume. After checking the character of the additional elements it shows me that BD1N is clearly more corrosion proof to BD1.

[GarageBoy]

the cat first came in 440v, then went to bd1 i had one and now the new steel is bd1n with old stock photos. i even see photos with 440v on them. i would just email them and ask.

440c not 440v

[JRinFL]

My 2 month old Cat came with BD1N steel. Many sellers do not update their pictures as they should.

[SG89]

the cat first came in 440v, then went to bd1 i had one and now the new steel is bd1n with old stock photos. i even see photos with 440v on them. i would just email them and ask.

Actually the first Cat was in s30v and carbon fiber scales but was quickly discontinued and then they went with 440c and g10

[knarfeng]

Thank you kindly, folks.
Frank R

[Moneyman]

Bento Box Shop has the carbon fiber/S30V Cat for $200.

[Michael Janich]

The current Cat and Chicago are, in fact, CTS BD1N. When knives are first released and dealers introduce them on their websites, they typically use product photos supplied by Spyderco. When we make an in-line change to a product--like changing blade steel--we update those photos and our copy, but sometimes the dealers are slow to follow suit. Unfortunately, that's beyond our control.

Sometimes, it's also possible that a dealer may have older stock of a particular model and is waiting to sell through that stock before updating their website. I wouldn't assume that, though. It's always best to check directly with the dealer to make sure before you buy.

Stay safe,

Mike

[Larry_Mott]

I have Cats in S30V, 440C and BD1. Would be kinda fun to get a new one just to have them all, then on the other hand it's just the BD1 Cat i have in EDC rotation..

[JMM]

The current Cat and Chicago are, in fact, CTS BD1N. When knives are first released and dealers introduce them on their websites, they typically use product photos supplied by Spyderco. When we make an in-line change to a product--like changing blade steel--we update those photos and our copy, but sometimes the dealers are slow to follow suit. Unfortunately, that's beyond our control.

Sometimes, it's also possible that a dealer may have older stock of a particular model and is waiting to sell through that stock before updating their website. I wouldn't assume that, though. It's always best to check directly with the dealer to make sure before you buy.

Stay safe,

Mike

Thanks for the clarification Mike. I've wondered and suspected this was the case, much like the discussion/thread we had a couple months ago about the two different serration patterns shown for the Wharnie SE Delicas (early prototype stock pic vs what was actually shipping). Just as you have suggested, I have found asking the seller before purchasing saves time, money, and frustration for everyone involved.

Cheers,

John