Skeletool Date Codes

[J-sews]

We've had a few questions about finding date codes on the Skeletools - where the heck have they hidden them this time? According to an unnamed source deep within the Leatherman organization, there are in fact no date codes on the Skeletool. Nor are there any dates on the new Genus tools. It's too early to say yet whether date coding will continue on the other tools in the Leatherman line, but it seems as if the writing is on the wall.

From what we are told, Leatherman no longer uses the date codes for any specific purpose, so there did not seem to be a reason to add it to the new models. Apparently there is some cost involved with adding this feature to the stamping dies, as well as the production down time each month in changing the date stamp.

[prime77]

It's kinda sad.

From what we are told, Leatherman no longer uses the date codes for any specific purpose

What did they use the date codes for in the first place? Warranty purposes?

[Spoonrobot]

That is kind of sad. Part of the fun for me is opening the handles and checking the datecode before looking over the tool for differences between it and other years.

[Sea Monster]

I'm a big date code fan.

Zippos have them too, it makes them, while not strictly "unique", at least limited to a few hundred (or thousand) "sister" production items.

Also gives the suggestion (rightly or wrongly) of a quality product etc, you won't find Date stamps on Knock-Off "leathermans"

[hawkchucker]

This really sucks. I can understand the manufacturing cost of stamping can add a whole nickle to the cost of the tool, but that was the joy of Leatherman and something that put them seperate from the rest of the tool companies out there. The tool born on date.

[Benner]

It is a real shame that they are stopping the codes.  Like others have already said, it is interesting to find out when each tool has been made and to see if there have been any changes in it's manufacture.

You never know, someone might read this and put them back on. 

[J-sews]

I must confess to feeling the same way. The date codes tend to "authenticate" that a tool is quality Leatherman.

You never know, someone might read this and put them back on. 

Agreed!!

.....maybe a few more pokey-sticks will help 

[Anthony]

Alright Leatherman, take the date codes off to save some money...but make some NICE leather sheaths like you used to!

[edap617]

Ok, no date codes but don't outsource the tool bits and holder of the Charge.

[Sea Monster]

Alright Leatherman, take the date codes off to save some money...but make some NICE leather sheaths like you used to!

Can't we have both?

Not that I really mind the hunt for the aftermarket sheath. I love a good hunt.

[bobofish]

I agree...sad that they're dumping the date stamps.

I like the idea of trading domestic produced bits for date stamps though! (But I also think both are not unreasonable)

[cryptrick]

Sorry to go a little off topic, but where are the date codes on the KF4?

[BIG-TARGET]

I hate to be the "P" in the barbecue sauce, but isn't the Skeletool TOO NEW to have date stamp??

[Benner]

Sorry to go a little off topic, but where are the date codes on the KF4?

They are on the inside of the handles buddy, right near the pivot for the plier head.

[cryptrick]

Sorry to go a little off topic, but where are the date codes on the KF4?

They are on the inside of the handles buddy, right near the pivot for the plier head.

Cheers bud, I see it now, hard to spot though isn't it.

[Anthony]

I hate to be the "P" in the barbecue sauce, but isn't the Skeletool TOO NEW to have date stamp??

In 5 years the Skeletool won't be too new though...then after a certain tool has changed hands a few times, you might want to know when it was made.

[Benner]

Sorry to go a little off topic, but where are the date codes on the KF4?

They are on the inside of the handles buddy, right near the pivot for the plier head.

Cheers bud, I see it now, hard to spot though isn't it.

I only looked closely because of what Bob had previously said.