sal wrote: ↑Wed Feb 27, 2019 9:00 am
Hi Cbrstar,
Thanx for your references. We've watched them on the past. We have tested their D2 and we've elected not to use it, at least not for Spyderco. I'll present your case for byrd.
Hi Sal,
I understand what you are saying as Spyderco's commitment to quality and excellence is amazing. The guy in the video even chose to use your knives as a test consistent due to the purity of your steel's
We have no problem with using higher end steels on byrd brand. But we have to know that the steel is good (clean) and that the maker can work with it. We are trying this with the Polestar and the Alcyone (CTS-BD1). The maker has his own modern heat treating ovens and he's a knife afi. But sales results have not shown that the market is responding to the higher end steel, we think because of the price difference.
IMHO, I think why people are not responding is due to many consider CTS-BD1 a good steel but not a premium steel, so sadly it's become passe. Ironically if you were making it from CTS-BD1N, there would be many people who would be going crazy for it not because it's better but because it's new to them.
I think the other problem is people especially new knife buyers are not going to understand the difference between CTS-BD1 and 8cr13mov. And I think this is where D2 shines. Despite being a old from the 1940's, and somewhat inexpensive, even new knife buyers perceive D2 as being night and day better then 8cr13mov. D2 almost seems mythical and people feel more value when purchasing it.
I've noticed here in Canada value budget knives like the Ontario RAT are often out of stock in D2 compared to the Aus8 version. I've yet to hear a bad review on D2.
I also think the price point might also be hurting sales a little bit. Since CTS-BD1 is an American made steel does the price increase due to having to import it to China first? This might also be a selling point for D2 if it's more readily available to China at a cheaper cost.
But I know for myself when I bought my Alcyone the price was right at that "hmm I'm not sure mark". The problem was for me for only a extra $10. I could buy the Delica where I got a proven design, Vg-10 which in my eyes was an upgrade to CTS-BD1, and made in Japan (Growing up in the 80's has made me slightly a Japanophile). Go onto any forum and 9/10 people will tell you to get the Delica because that's what they know as some have owned one since the beginning. I bought the Alcyone only after getting the chance to hold it and realizing how amazing it actually is.
I just wanted to thank you Sal for taking the time to read all this. I appreciate it.