Long term value/rarity of Sprint Runs

[jackthedog]

Let me first preface this post with the statement that I am fully aware of the BST rule on the forum and am not in anyway trying to skirt that rule by subtly fishing for offers.

That out of the way, on to my question. I have several of the Manix 2 sprints (S90V, Blue S30V, CS Orange, etc) that have become unused safe queens. I went on a Manix 2 binge and got most of the sprints but recently stopped because I was spending money to let knives sit in boxes. I do like them as part of my collection but don't use them and would almost rather selling or trading them for something I would use. I've come close to listing them for sale a few times but always have held off because I have this nagging feeling that at some point in the future these will be rare and valuable knives. I know the current craze has shifted slightly to the Para 2 (with good reason) but I'm just curous what those of you who have been around Spyderco a bit longer have noticed with regard to the rarity and value sprint run in the longer run?

[Fat Goat Forge]

Let me first preface this post with the statement that I am fully aware of the BST rule on the forum and am not in anyway trying to skirt that rule by subtly fishing for offers.

I'll take it! How much do you want for it? LOL :)

[DeathBySnooSnoo]

My guess is that the value is going to rise and fall (mostly rise) but that in many cases unless you hold onto them for a very long time, that they are probably close to peak value now. In fact I have seen the Orange one a few times, not sell on the forums because it was priced too high. The S90V is obviously the most valuable and can probably sell for about $400. I would say that one has peaked. There probably aren't a lot of people going to pay more than that for a production knife. Of course some might and 10 years from now it could go for a lot more. On the other hand, in 10 years S90V might not be in fashion and only some hardcore collection would pay to have it in his/her collection so it could be worth less.

Hard to say what the value could be. Only that right now you can get quite a good bit of cash for it and if you are looking to get into some knives that you will use, or just want more, you can't argue with $400.

[JNewell]

^^^ What DBSS wrote. Value of even the rarest and most desired sprints waxes and wanes according to the economy, other available knives, changes in fashion in the knife community and a dozen other variables. If you enjoy 'em, keep 'em. If not, sell 'em and move on! :spyder:

[cckw]

Of course the future economy is the biggest factor. But I think sprints are a good way to spend your hobby money, and some days I even think your 401K money. I buy them when I can and sell some when i need money for other knives or other things. I am growing my collection and I prefer to keep them new either in box or out of box but behind glass. I have users too but my collection I like mint examples.

[Rwb1500]

I went through this with my Pink Manix2. Eventually I said screw it, it's just a knife. I now have a dirty pink Manix.

I like the Manix 2 series too much not to use them.

But in your case, if you're not going to use them, get something you really want, or invest money in something a bit less... nebulous... If you are looking for a return there are better things than a knife. Not saying :spyder: s don't hold their value, they do pretty well, but you really never know. Better to go with a sure thing.

[jackthedog]

I'll take it! How much do you want for it? LOL :)

That certainly takes the "subtle" out of it. :D

But in your case, if you're not going to use them, get something you really want...

That's kind of my main feeling. Seems silly to have them sit around when I could use the money to get something I'd use and enjoy. On the other hand, having them in my collection is pretty cool. I do get a certain amount of enjoyment knowing I own them.

I've probably invested too much time in thinking this over, at the end of the day, they are just knives. But among those with a similar ugh... condition? I figured you all may understand.

[Blerv]

Vintage Spyderco knives sell for as much as new ones even if used. Labor/materials cost more over time so that basic principle will protect a desirable tool.

Sprints are more rare and often fetch a premium. If they are heavily desired they can reach to the skies far past the value of the parts.

I use all my knives. Logic is a lightly used sprint will still fetch 80-90%ish the cost of a NIB one over a short duration. Over a longer duration NIB knives tend to vanish from the public eye and as long as abuse isn't apparent it's not a big deal. After losing thousands on cars over the years it's just not something that keeps ya up at night :) .

[JNewell]

Some yes, some no...we remember the ones that appreciated, not the ones that didn't/don't sell well. :o

[Seven]

I carry the ctsxhp manix2 with the green handles, i try to keep it in decent condition in case someone wants it later.

[jossta]

I would pick the sprint you like the most and use it. If you want a safe queen, sell the others and get an extra. I use all my sprints though.

[Ken44]

I think those will go up in price even if the economy gets no better.

That being said, I often buy two of the same model that I really like, and have always sold one before the price gets very high. I wish I had some of them back, but I can't seem to keep an extra around very long.

[hiredgun]

I think it is too early to know the long-term impact of Spyderco's decision to release so many variation Sprints, "back from the dead" Sprints and dealer exclusives on the future value of knives. Also, the re-introduction of the Manix came with a lot of hype and almost a flooding of new steel/color variations. My speculative nature tells me that in time the Manixes will wane a little bit and perhaps right now is the time to sell for maximum return if that is what you're looking to do. Again, only time will tell (the standard answer for anything where speculation is being considered), but too much of anything (Manixes of all flavors, Sprints, Exclusives, etc.), IMHO, just waters down the collector interest in the long run. Looking at Spyderco's history as a whole, many people are very excited about Spyderco right now so naturally there is interest in older models that didn't fare too well at the time they were released. Perhaps they were designs before their time or people just didn't see beyond the Endura or Delica. Now that Spyderco is much more established and expectations have changed, I think that will have some future bearing on the collectibility/value of all these Sprints that are being released at an almost alarming rate.

A company like Case relies very much on releasing knives for collectors even though some of their knives are still considered good as a hard working user. The philosophy of Spyderco, to me anyway, is releasing knives to be used and appreciated for ergos, design, function and cutting edge materials and steels. A side benefit of course is some Spyderco models have become quite collectible if even for a relatively short period of time. As Sal is known to say, "All good, just different."

[Wildernest Survivor]

To me, the value of Sprints, Exclusives, etc. can be calculated two ways: 1 - what are they worth as tools, and 2 - what are they worth as collectables. I enjoy using all of my knives, so I apply the first category in my decision making. Does a new-color G10 handle make a knife easier to use - no, but a new super steel definitely will. As usable tools, the variety of steels available in Sprints make them fun to use. Along with others on this forum, I enjoy using a wide variety of steels. This in itself represents value to me. :D
The second category is harder to define. Most sold out Sprints immediately jump 25-50% on the open market - then plateau. Only limited, highly-valued knives - like those with S90V or carbon fiber - seem to defy gravity. My father taught me the only economic advice you really need to known: "an item is worth only what someone else will pay for it." :spyder:

[jtoler_9]

If you want to only keep knives you intend to use, dump the safe queens. As for future value of sprints, I think it is hit or miss. Take your orange manix 2 sprint for example. If you bought upfront you paid $120.00. You may make just south of $200.00 for it, give or take. I can't see it going for more than that down the road. Worst case, they have an orange M390 manix 2 sprint next year. Say goodbye to the demand for yours. The CF S90V stuff seems to hold and increase value the best. Good luck either way.

[chuck_roxas45]

They keep their value for me because I buy them for a certain feature or material. For example my 20CP para will not stop having that 20CP no matter if the price on the market rises or dives, the 20CP will still hold the edge like 20CP. That is just my view though.

[The Deacon]

IMHO, guessing what any "collectible" knife will be worth 5 years from now is like guessing what the stock of a given "tech company" will be worth then. Like stocks, one can only go by past performance and, again like stocks, that's never a guarantee of what the future holds.

Past trends seem to indicate that the value of all versions of any Spyderco will decline when the collector market decides that "too many" Sprints have been offered. Current price trends for the "big 3" (Manix, Military, and PM2) seem to be based more on the appeal of their exotic steels to "steel afis" than on collector interest per se. Different metric, but probably equally unpredictable, give how briefly a given steel seems to be hold the title of "latest and greatest". You can bet that any steel afi who says "I'll never give up my __________" will eventually find a new steel that will make him cast his old love aside.

[JD Spydo]

My guess is that the value is going to rise and fall (mostly rise) but that in many cases unless you hold onto them for a very long time, that they are probably close to peak value now. In fact I have seen the Orange one a few times, not sell on the forums because it was priced too high. The S90V is obviously the most valuable and can probably sell for about $400. I would say that one has peaked. There probably aren't a lot of people going to pay more than that for a production knife. Of course some might and 10 years from now it could go for a lot more. On the other hand, in 10 years S90V might not be in fashion and only some hardcore collection would pay to have it in his/her collection so it could be worth less.

Hard to say what the value could be. Only that right now you can get quite a good bit of cash for it and if you are looking to get into some knives that you will use, or just want more, you can't argue with $400.

That's a good point "DBSS" because I can distinctly remember when ATS-34 was considered a "supersteel" of sorts and was very envied in the knife community.. Now you probably couldn't get any type of a premium on an ATS-34 blade with the exception of certain rare Spyders like the Titanium Salsa or the C-50 Centofante (GOLDEN made).

I have a feeling that if someone is going to sell an S90V Spyderco blade that now would be the time to do so. But on the other hand who other than GOD himself can predict the future with any certainty?

I never ever would have imagined a used Blue Spyderhawk would have gone for $297 :eek:

It's like the old adage "IT's WORTH WHAT SOMEONE WILL PAY FOR IT". Now go get that Cabbage Patch doll and put it up too :D .

[O,just,O]

I see things & materials used to manufacture them moving on a cross over type sliding scale. That is a design or concept improving & evolving into better things & the materials used in the manufacture becoming better as well till a crossover of best design (hard to improve on) & best contemorary material. Where those two lines cross will be a classic forever. The S90 V Para 2 being an example.

After the crossover point gains may only be apparent & not real because the two lines are now heading away from each other. One reason being cost saving as the price of everything concerned in the production goes up, while the end consumer want's it cheaper.

Alloy this powder that, hubble & bubble, a pinch of eye of newt & without alchemy I see our current crop of super steels being at a pinnical. Where is there to go, how to improve ? Harder ? no, it is too hard to sharpen. More rust resistant while still remaining steel ? Done that. Where to go ?

A lot of older tools are better than newer ones & to make new ones to the same quality would be cost prohibitive. There fore those quality pieces will hold value. Knives in the crossover point holding their value may be as good as it gets but limited runs because of scarcity may do better.
O.

[sir_mike]

Even if a knive like the Para 2 in a sprint run doesnt go up by alot, it is still nice to know what I could sell a Para sprint run and at least get what I paid for it or close to it. I might have kept if for a couple of years but it also depends on how much you have into it when you bought it because the value increase might not seem as much as you would like.

It would also depend if the sprint run was an exclusive to a certain business and the run quantity. For example: I dont see the brown s3vn rising cause it is more of a production model with alot of vendors carrying it and it really isnt much different than the standard black s30v one.

There are also the idea of how many people will by a limited sprint run for $200-250 vs the amount of folks that will fork out $350 or more for one!