All About Pocket Knives

Gidday from the Bushdocta Downunda, logged in on the missus' page cause I forgot my password. DOH!!!
I've been researching the Kershaw 1050 folding field knife lately, as I remember them from years ago as a top shelf folder. I've been outbid on a couple of them on fleabay in used but fine condition at around about $130 USD. I have noticed that I can buy them straight off online dealer sites new for much the same price, and this got wondering if, like Puma knives, there is a difference in quality between the earlier and more modern models. If so, is there a tang stamp change or something similar to indicate this? Does Hattori still make these knives? Any help would be appreciated,
Cheers from the Bushdocta...

sistasquirrel, I looked all over the literature and box that came with mine and cannot locate any dates. But here's a couple shots for comparison. Hope they help!

I will say one thing for sure, this knife really feels good in my hand!

Gidday Red, thanks for your trouble. I think the one we are looking at has that same tang stamp. I was only suspicious cause I heard that Kershaw were making them in Taiwan now, but yours clearly says Japan so that's good enough for me. I think I'll try and grab it seeing it fits so well in your hand, and looks like a fine blade!!! Cheers.....

Kershaw, like Buck, Spyderco, etc., is having knives
made in different countries. Quite probable some are
made in taiwan. I have 3 spyderco knives, one made
in USA, one in japan, one in china(free)