Spyderco Paysan

[curlyhairedboy]

There's a lot of models with better steel and equally compelling design for less than that.

Still no idea how they're charging this much.

[NickShabazz]

They're putting a bit of extra shine on their Halo product. If the blade finish and handle finish is Slysz Bowie quality, and it cuts, and it's as well done as the Nirvana was on top, then I can see it. And dat sharpening choil, by the way. But even for me, having expensive tastes, that's a big ask.

[Halfneck]

Looks nice, but for me that is way above my price range.

[Hopweaver]

Wow, what a beautiful knife. I think the blade shape is a little reminiscent of the ZT0777. The saving starts now. I need this knife!

[vanadium]

This price is reasonable *if* the knife is poised to compete in its price range. Is it possible that someone considering an Arius, Swish, or Inkosi will handle this knife, and realize they have another option to consider? Maybe! Something on the caliber of the Nirvana wouldn't do that, but maybe this is a giant step above. I really hope so!

However even if the quality is there, there are serious other factors to consider: The relationship I have with Koenig, Olamic, or CRK is a giant step beyond my relationship Spyderco, even as an owner in $k's of Taichung spidyproduct. People buying in this price bracket want to feel close to the makers, they want 'spa treatments', and they want a prestige brand. That last part is really important. There's a reason that Honda, Nissan and Toyota don't market luxury cars under their own brand names. Nobody wants to drive an $85k QX80 branded with the same nameplate as a $12k Versa.

Spyderco, a word of advice: Assuming that the *quality* of the Paysan is meant to compete against $500+ midtechs, please market it under a new brand or division, with new rules to match the price segment. Kershaw showed it can be done with ZT. Call the new brand "SPY". Ship the knives in a foam-lined plastic case. Include a coupon for your first spa treatment, a bottle of good lubricant, a torx tool, and a certificate of authenticity signed by the person who did the final inspection and tuning. Offer an acidwash and a satin hand-rub as options (and execute those changes in Golden). Raise the price to match.

[RamZar]

This price is reasonable *if* the knife is poised to compete in its price range. Is it possible that someone considering an Arius, Swish, or Inkosi will handle this knife, and realize they have another option to consider? Maybe! Something on the caliber of the Nirvana wouldn't do that, but maybe this is a giant step above. I really hope so!

However even if the quality is there, there are serious other factors to consider: The relationship I have with Koenig, Olamic, or CRK is a giant step beyond my relationship Spyderco, even as an owner in $k's of Taichung spidyproduct. People buying in this price bracket want to feel close to the makers, they want 'spa treatments', and they want a prestige brand. That last part is really important. There's a reason that Honda, Nissan and Toyota don't market luxury cars under their own brand names. Nobody wants to drive an $85k QX80 branded with the same nameplate as a $12k Versa.

Spyderco, a word of advice: Assuming that the *quality* of the Paysan is meant to compete against $500+ midtechs, please market it under a new brand or division, with new rules to match the price segment. Kershaw showed it can be done with ZT. Call the new brand "SPY". Ship the knives in a foam-lined plastic case. Include a coupon for your first spa treatment, a bottle of good lubricant, a torx tool, and a certificate of authenticity signed by the person who did the final inspection and tuning. Offer an acidwash and a satin hand-rub as options (and execute those changes in Golden). Raise the price to match.

Good point. I mentioned something similar at 5:58pm PT on BladeForums (see below). At such prices Spyderco needs to up their service to be at least on par with Benchmade and ZT.

Perhaps Spyderco should set up a super-premium brand called Tarantula for such knives.

Somewhat analogous to what Lexus is to Toyota.

[vanadium]

I mentioned something similar at 5:58pm PT on BladeForums (see below). At such prices Spyderco needs to up their service to be at least on par with Benchmade and ZT.

Perhaps Spyderco should set up a super-premium brand called Tarantula for such knives.

Somewhat analogous to what Lexus is to Toyota.

I mentioned something similar at 5:12pm ET on Instagram, so obviously I win. ;-)

"Tarantula" is excellent.

[vernonremington]

I’m still gonna buy this one. The argument for mid techs and customs doesn’t work for me. I’ve handled some garbage mid techs and customs. I trust Spyderco to make a quality product and back it up.

[EngDevGr3]

:D I think the cost is due to the adamantium steel upgrade from s90v...

[rivy]

To add thoughts to the comment about it competing with the Arius and Inkosi- keep in mind the large Inkosi and Arius can both be had as low as $455-460 in their “base” formats/finish. This Spydie appears to be equivalent to that base finish. I got a new, direct from Koenig, Arius for $570 with an upgraded blade finish, ano’d hardware, and a carbon fiber show scale. The only thing this model has on those is that it’s an integral.

Don’t get me wrong this knife looks great but I still think it’s $100 too expensive from a positioning standpoint. I guess we will see. If it’s incredible it will sell.

[rivy]

I’m still gonna buy this one. The argument for mid techs and customs doesn’t work for me. I’ve handled some garbage mid techs and customs. I trust Spyderco to make a quality product and back it up.

I have also. I can vouch first hand for the ones mentioned though. The Arius and Inkosi are incredible. I hope the Paysan meansures up!

[PaleMoon]

I'm a bit surprised by the price, too. I thought I heard Eric say this one would be a little cheaper than the Nirvana since it doesn't sport the wrap-around handle engraving. While I can understand these are not cheap to manufacture, I think that once you cross the $500 threshold, saving a little more and buying a custom directly from Peter becomes a viable alternative.

[curlyhairedboy]

I'm not saying I won't spend a bonus on it... Cause I will.

[vernonremington]

I'm a bit surprised by the price, too. I thought I heard Eric say this one would be a little cheaper than the Nirvana since it doesn't sport the wrap-around handle engraving. While I can understand these are not cheap to manufacture, I think that once you cross the $500 threshold, saving a little more and buying a custom directly from Peter becomes a viable alternative.

How much is a full custom from Peter? I don’t think I’ve ever seen one below $1200 on bladeforums and Arizona Custom Knives.

[Evil D]

I'm surprised so many don't like the blade shape. If it we're FFG with no taper it would be absolutely perfect for me.

[curlyhairedboy]

Based on the news of the finalized price dropping to the larger knife world, a large number think it's priced higher than it should be.

However, there's a good chance that this coming out of Taichung may have better fit and finish than most customs. (which is honestly valid for most Taichung spydies, but I digress)

[Evil D]

My only problem with the price is that by $400 street price the competition really opens up. For ~$150-200 I think Spyderco are still very competitive but at $500 there are a lot of crazy good options.

[toomzz]

Nice, what steel?

S90V I think Tomas

Now it has my attention.... :)

[Flipping Addict]

Completely off my radar now.

[Evil D]

.....

Ok I've gotta ask because I can't quite figure it out, is that Carlos Hathcock in your avatar or someone else?