Reveal 18 - Live!

[Marc_645]

How can I find out when the MULE TEAM MAGNAMAX will go on sale? I want this to be my first MULE TEAM knife.

I am also excited for the first Bodacious variant. That blue cobalt looks amazing with the Bodacious.

[zhyla]

Historically, I don’t really know if $337 is good or not for a Starmate,

lol, that is an outrageous price for a knife. I assume this knife is important to some collectors, but I think most of us are over the $300+ prices.

[CDEP]

I think people forget that collaborations mean that Spyderco has to pay the designer a fee as well as cover manufacturing costs and add their margin.

You want a knife designed by the legendary Bob Terzuola? A knife made in collaboration with Spyderco and the legendary Sal Glesser? A knife manufactured by Spyderco in the USA at Golden? This is what it's gonna cost you. To me, it's a bargain for what it is. I didn't know about Spyderco when the OG Starmate was available, so to me this is a gift. Seen what the OG goes for on the auction market?

Spyderco has something for everyone. A Tenacious LW will set you back about $60 and most would never need another blade. It's also one of the best knife designs of all time, so we aren't getting the B-team with it. In fact, Spyderco doesn't have a B-Team, it's All A-Team All the Time, and that costs money, too.

If I were at a stage in my life where I couldn't afford to indulge in a $337 Terzuola Sprint (I remember those days well) I'd look forward to the day that I could, be thrilled that I owned a Tenacious LW, and have only one thing to say:

"Thanks, Sal!"

[captnvegtble]

I wonder why the Lil' Native sprint runs are 3.2 mm thick vs. the standard Lil' Natives that are 2.5 mm thick? The increased thickness is unfortunate because I like thinner blades, especially on small knives.

I think you got it backwards. The lil natives in production are g10 and are 3.2 mm thick. The upcoming (not yet released) lil native lw is 2.5 mm. The 15V sprint runs appear to be g10 and 3.2mm, unless I am misreading the release.

Ah, yes. I think you're right. It looks like the standard production G10 Lil' Natives are all 3.2 mm thick, and it's the lightweight versions that are thinner. I prefer the thinner stock, so may have to pass on these 15V sprint runs.

[Red Leader]

Historically, I don’t really know if $337 is good or not for a Starmate,

lol, that is an outrageous price for a knife. I assume this knife is important to some collectors, but I think most of us are over the $300+ prices.

I think people forget that collaborations mean that Spyderco has to pay the designer a fee as well as cover manufacturing costs and add their margin.

You want a knife designed by the legendary Bob Terzuola? A knife made in collaboration with Spyderco and the legendary Sal Glesser? A knife manufactured by Spyderco in the USA at Golden? This is what it's gonna cost you. To me, it's a bargain for what it is. I didn't know about Spyderco when the OG Starmate was available, so to me this is a gift. Seen what the OG goes for on the auction market?

Spyderco has something for everyone. A Tenacious LW will set you back about $60 and most would never need another blade. It's also one of the best knife designs of all time, so we aren't getting the B-team with it. In fact, Spyderco doesn't have a B-Team, it's All A-Team All the Time, and that costs money, too.

If I were at a stage in my life where I couldn't afford to indulge in a $337 Terzuola Sprint (I remember those days well) I'd look forward to the day that I could, be thrilled that I owned a Tenacious LW, and have only one thing to say:

"Thanks, Sal!"

Two interesting perspectives! I think what was surprising to me is that for a re-release, I would assume that if all the molds/files still exist, you have the tooling and none of the R&D costs associated with the knife, so that would keep costs down. So from an outside, objective standpoint (I am neutral on the Starmate), I would not pay $337 for that knife...or for any knife for that matter. But if I did want to pay that much for a knife, I would want something a little more exceptional (for me). No disrespect meant towards anyone who has this as a very special knife to them.

And as such, it is all subjective - I figured that knives like this are going to be for the collectors, and Sal has said as much that they wish to support both 'knife normies' and the hardcore collectors at the same time. So if people are thrilled for the opportunity at this price, then that is cool and I hope it does well. I think for some (me included) it is a little scary that a somewhat normal-ish knife is pushing past the $300 barrier, but I've also seen Spyderco bring the costs down on some models (the LT3 and Bodacious come to mind) so I know that they are responsive toward the community. People will speak w/ their wallets. It's great to have the variety.

[vivi]

I think people forget that collaborations mean that Spyderco has to pay the designer a fee as well as cover manufacturing costs and add their margin.

You want a knife designed by the legendary Bob Terzuola? A knife made in collaboration with Spyderco and the legendary Sal Glesser? A knife manufactured by Spyderco in the USA at Golden? This is what it's gonna cost you. To me, it's a bargain for what it is. I didn't know about Spyderco when the OG Starmate was available, so to me this is a gift. Seen what the OG goes for on the auction market?

Spyderco has something for everyone. A Tenacious LW will set you back about $60 and most would never need another blade. It's also one of the best knife designs of all time, so we aren't getting the B-team with it. In fact, Spyderco doesn't have a B-Team, it's All A-Team All the Time, and that costs money, too.

If I were at a stage in my life where I couldn't afford to indulge in a $337 Terzuola Sprint (I remember those days well) I'd look forward to the day that I could, be thrilled that I owned a Tenacious LW, and have only one thing to say:

"Thanks, Sal!"

choosing not to buy something isn't always an indication of not being able to afford to buy something.

I stopped buying gas when it went over $4 a gallon and switched to a bike, because f that.

I stopped buying eggs when they went over $2.50 a dozen.

I stopped buying cliff bars when 6 packs went to 5 packs and they started charging more than $1 a bar.

etc. etc.

I can afford a $2 granola bar. I just don't want to pay the asking price. There's a difference.

[cycleguy]

Lots of GREAT stuff in this one!!!

I’ve been mostly selling knives this year, this will likely reverse that.

CG

[zhyla]

Two interesting perspectives! I think what was surprising to me is that for a re-release, I would assume that if all the molds/files still exist, you have the tooling and none of the R&D costs associated with the knife, so that would keep costs down.

I wouldn't assume too much. Manufacturing is not a static business. These were last made in 2012 (I think). Maybe the same CNC machines are in operation today as then and it's as simple as tossing raw stock of the correct size into the machines and hitting the big green button. Much more likely it's a re-production affair.

Also, I think the last run was made in Japan and the new one is USA made.

[CDEP]

I think people forget that collaborations mean that Spyderco has to pay the designer a fee as well as cover manufacturing costs and add their margin.

You want a knife designed by the legendary Bob Terzuola? A knife made in collaboration with Spyderco and the legendary Sal Glesser? A knife manufactured by Spyderco in the USA at Golden? This is what it's gonna cost you. To me, it's a bargain for what it is. I didn't know about Spyderco when the OG Starmate was available, so to me this is a gift. Seen what the OG goes for on the auction market?

Spyderco has something for everyone. A Tenacious LW will set you back about $60 and most would never need another blade. It's also one of the best knife designs of all time, so we aren't getting the B-team with it. In fact, Spyderco doesn't have a B-Team, it's All A-Team All the Time, and that costs money, too.

If I were at a stage in my life where I couldn't afford to indulge in a $337 Terzuola Sprint (I remember those days well) I'd look forward to the day that I could, be thrilled that I owned a Tenacious LW, and have only one thing to say:

"Thanks, Sal!"

choosing not to buy something isn't always an indication of not being able to afford to buy something.

I stopped buying gas when it went over $4 a gallon and switched to a bike, because f that.

I stopped buying eggs when they went over $2.50 a dozen.

I stopped buying cliff bars when 6 packs went to 5 packs and they started charging more than $1 a bar.

etc. etc.

I can afford a $2 granola bar. I just don't want to pay the asking price. There's a difference.

Yeah, Vivi, I agree. I have made a lot of similar changes as of late.

But once we've decided that we *need* more than a RAT Model 1 or a Buck 110 it becomes a very subjective measure as to what price constitutes "too much."

I can afford a Paysan if I really want one, but for me that was beyond the limit that works for me at this point in my life. So the decision is I *can't* afford it. If I had a lot more disposable income I'd buy every Spyderco model in every configuration that is released, but at present I can't afford to do that.

I agree with Red Leader that the Starmate Sprint is obviously aimed at collectors, and for that market I judge it to be a great deal. I will buy one when it comes out if my economic circumstances haven't worsened. Terzuola has a lot of fans out there, and this should be a very popular Sprint, even outside of Spyder addicts like us.

I guess my main point is that arguing that any given dollar amount is "outrageous" or objectively "too much" for a knife fails to understand the market, and that value is subjective and changeable depending on one's circumstances at any given time.

I remember paying almost 40 dollars for a Buck 110 back in the day and it dented my food budget for the week.

[twinboysdad]

I think people forget that collaborations mean that Spyderco has to pay the designer a fee as well as cover manufacturing costs and add their margin.

You want a knife designed by the legendary Bob Terzuola? A knife made in collaboration with Spyderco and the legendary Sal Glesser? A knife manufactured by Spyderco in the USA at Golden? This is what it's gonna cost you. To me, it's a bargain for what it is. I didn't know about Spyderco when the OG Starmate was available, so to me this is a gift. Seen what the OG goes for on the auction market?

Spyderco has something for everyone. A Tenacious LW will set you back about $60 and most would never need another blade. It's also one of the best knife designs of all time, so we aren't getting the B-team with it. In fact, Spyderco doesn't have a B-Team, it's All A-Team All the Time, and that costs money, too.

If I were at a stage in my life where I couldn't afford to indulge in a $337 Terzuola Sprint (I remember those days well) I'd look forward to the day that I could, be thrilled that I owned a Tenacious LW, and have only one thing to say:

"Thanks, Sal!"

Mike drop,
Agree 100%

[twinboysdad]

I think people forget that collaborations mean that Spyderco has to pay the designer a fee as well as cover manufacturing costs and add their margin.

You want a knife designed by the legendary Bob Terzuola? A knife made in collaboration with Spyderco and the legendary Sal Glesser? A knife manufactured by Spyderco in the USA at Golden? This is what it's gonna cost you. To me, it's a bargain for what it is. I didn't know about Spyderco when the OG Starmate was available, so to me this is a gift. Seen what the OG goes for on the auction market?

Spyderco has something for everyone. A Tenacious LW will set you back about $60 and most would never need another blade. It's also one of the best knife designs of all time, so we aren't getting the B-team with it. In fact, Spyderco doesn't have a B-Team, it's All A-Team All the Time, and that costs money, too.

If I were at a stage in my life where I couldn't afford to indulge in a $337 Terzuola Sprint (I remember those days well) I'd look forward to the day that I could, be thrilled that I owned a Tenacious LW, and have only one thing to say:

"Thanks, Sal!"

choosing not to buy something isn't always an indication of not being able to afford to buy something.

I stopped buying gas when it went over $4 a gallon and switched to a bike, because f that.

I stopped buying eggs when they went over $2.50 a dozen.

I stopped buying cliff bars when 6 packs went to 5 packs and they started charging more than $1 a bar.

etc. etc.

I can afford a $2 granola bar. I just don't want to pay the asking price. There's a difference.

Also fine points and I sometimes wonder what drives these prices?

[Snacktime]

I love Bob Terzuola knives, lucky Lamnia ships to the USA and you can bypass his mark up on his website. I have a feeling Bob is taking a pretty sizeable cut to use his name and logo. He seems to be selling out his name the last few years. Super happy to have Spyderco make an America made Terzuola, its just right!

[Skywalker]

Excited for the SPY27 Endela. Been waiting for an upgraded stainless to go with my K390 and PD#1 Endelas (didn't like the ladybug zome on the 20CV).

[Mushroom]

I think people forget that collaborations mean that Spyderco has to pay the designer a fee as well as cover manufacturing costs and add their margin.

You want a knife designed by the legendary Bob Terzuola? A knife made in collaboration with Spyderco and the legendary Sal Glesser? A knife manufactured by Spyderco in the USA at Golden? This is what it's gonna cost you. To me, it's a bargain for what it is. I didn't know about Spyderco when the OG Starmate was available, so to me this is a gift. Seen what the OG goes for on the auction market?

Spyderco has something for everyone. A Tenacious LW will set you back about $60 and most would never need another blade. It's also one of the best knife designs of all time, so we aren't getting the B-team with it. In fact, Spyderco doesn't have a B-Team, it's All A-Team All the Time, and that costs money, too.

If I were at a stage in my life where I couldn't afford to indulge in a $337 Terzuola Sprint (I remember those days well) I'd look forward to the day that I could, be thrilled that I owned a Tenacious LW, and have only one thing to say:

"Thanks, Sal!"

Collaborators are given a 5% royalties from sales. Whether it's Bob Terzuola or me - 5%.

[gk4ever2]

The all-black Police gets my vote for #1, followed by the Manix 2 XL Salt. Hopefully an SE version of the all-black Police will be available too (I would not object to a steel upgrade, like maybe S30V). Thank you Kristi and everyone at Spyderco for the amazing variety of knives!

[WilliamMunny]

I think people forget that collaborations mean that Spyderco has to pay the designer a fee as well as cover manufacturing costs and add their margin.

You want a knife designed by the legendary Bob Terzuola? A knife made in collaboration with Spyderco and the legendary Sal Glesser? A knife manufactured by Spyderco in the USA at Golden? This is what it's gonna cost you. To me, it's a bargain for what it is. I didn't know about Spyderco when the OG Starmate was available, so to me this is a gift. Seen what the OG goes for on the auction market?

Spyderco has something for everyone. A Tenacious LW will set you back about $60 and most would never need another blade. It's also one of the best knife designs of all time, so we aren't getting the B-team with it. In fact, Spyderco doesn't have a B-Team, it's All A-Team All the Time, and that costs money, too.

If I were at a stage in my life where I couldn't afford to indulge in a $337 Terzuola Sprint (I remember those days well) I'd look forward to the day that I could, be thrilled that I owned a Tenacious LW, and have only one thing to say:

"Thanks, Sal!"

Well put, one of Spyderco's strengths is offering a great knife at every price point. Can't afford a Shaman, get a PM2. Can't afford a PM2, get a LW Manix, and so on. They are all great knives at any price point.

[Aladinsane]

I like the MeerKat, but since it's a sprint run, and I don't have the funds at the moment, I probably won't be able to pick one up. The Metropolitan is a definite consideration, plus I'll have some time to rebuild my knife fund!!

[Aladinsane]

Crap, maybe I can finagle a way to get a Dyad!!

[cjk]

I think people forget that collaborations mean that Spyderco has to pay the designer a fee as well as cover manufacturing costs and add their margin.

You want a knife designed by the legendary Bob Terzuola? A knife made in collaboration with Spyderco and the legendary Sal Glesser? A knife manufactured by Spyderco in the USA at Golden? This is what it's gonna cost you. To me, it's a bargain for what it is. I didn't know about Spyderco when the OG Starmate was available, so to me this is a gift. Seen what the OG goes for on the auction market?

Spyderco has something for everyone. A Tenacious LW will set you back about $60 and most would never need another blade. It's also one of the best knife designs of all time, so we aren't getting the B-team with it. In fact, Spyderco doesn't have a B-Team, it's All A-Team All the Time, and that costs money, too.

If I were at a stage in my life where I couldn't afford to indulge in a $337 Terzuola Sprint (I remember those days well) I'd look forward to the day that I could, be thrilled that I owned a Tenacious LW, and have only one thing to say:

"Thanks, Sal!"

Collaborators are given a 5% royalties from sales. Whether it's Bob Terzuola or me - 5%.

My first thought about the Starmate pricing was wow, that is expensive! Then I thought about it a little more.

The complexity/engineering/labor of building the Starmate is probably in the ballpark, but a bit more, than building Military 1 liner locks. There may be re-tooling, new engineering, materials, and/or labor spent re-engineering the design to work with more modern practices than the last time Spyderco made the Starmate. I'd bet @Mushroom's whole knife collection on it.

So just for "back of a napkin" type comparisons:
The street price on a Spyderco Military 1 in S30V is $255.
20CV is usually a minor cost upgrade over S30V, let's call that $20, so let's say a 20CV Military 1 if made today would be around $275. Alternatively, the street price on a currently made S110V Military 1 is $285.

337/255 is 1.322 minus 5% (to the designer) makes it 27.2% more than an S30V Military 1.
337/275 is 1.225 minus 5% makes 17.5% more than a theoretical 20CV Military 1.
337/285 is 1.182. minus 5% makes 13.2% more than an S110V Military 1.

So one would expect that the Starmate would cost 5% more in royalties plus any more setup/materials/engineering effort to make this sprint than the "similar in construction" Military 1. The percentages above really don't seem like they're out of line.

[Mushroom]

LOL! Don't you have your own knife collection to bet with? This new sprint is using nested liners, so there definitely was some redesigning and re-engineering that went into it. It's mentioned in the reveal. It also has the inlay in the handle again, which is another additional expense.

The only reason I mentioned the collaborator compensation rate was because it seemed like there was some insinuation that the designers name was demanding more than what Spyderco typically offers to everyone else.

The pricing probably reflects the fact that it's made in Japan. Their Japanese-made G10 models have tended to be in the higher price range for a long time now. The Starmate's pricing is definitely up there but it's also in line with what we should have come to expect from that category. Correction: Made in Golden