Spyderco prices are pushing me right out of my hobby.

[xceptnl]

I'm not up for any reduction in quality. I came to Spydreco from another maker, "________ knives" with high hopes and have yet to feel let down or ripped off. I like getting more for my hard earned money and Spyderco delivers.

They could go with something like N690 that would still give good edge retention while lowering the cost significantly over S30V, say on a short run maybe.
Not saying they should do it, but it's like 1/3 the cost per pound over S30V, don't know what that would translate into as finial cost per knife over one with S30V though.

I love this idea Jim. It could be a comparable to the Manix 2 lightweight. N690 with its great corrosion resistance and reduced price could be just the budget ticket.

[Muscon]

I think Spyderco knives are quite reasonably priced.
The prices I pay for them, either from the US with ~$50 shipping (which is no longer a viable option due to customs) or buying from Australian resellers for 40-100% mark-up (plus shipping), is on the very edge of reason.
I purchase quality tools though. I do not see the point in buying sub-standard tools that may fail.

[DedRok]

I like Spydercos prices.

[Blerv]

Honestly I don't know where all the talk of dropping quality came from besides my (in hindsight) stupid suggestion of a FRN integrated clip to cut margins for a value Seki sprint. Do we think that up for consideration? :confused:

There is a huge price difference between a FFG snob steel g10 knife with milled steel liners and something more utilitarian. The ZDP-189 Dragonfly2 is like $65 and nobody would argue its exactly a caveman implement.

Give the people what they want. If its $175 para2's fine by me. I'll buy less due to economics but won't argue they aren't worth the money. Luckily with the variety we can all be happy; if you can't spring for Ti and CF the more plebeian materials will cut just as well.

[sal]

Hi Muscon,

Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

Thanx Blerv, I don't think you suggested lowering quality, my inference, and Jim's opinion prompted the quality disucssion. I just wanted to make sure that we were in agreement that it is not an option.

sal

[Blerv]

Hi Muscon,

Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

Thanx Blerv, I don't think you suggested lowering quality, my inference, and Jim's opinion prompted the quality disucssion. I just wanted to make sure that we were in agreement that it is not an option.

sal

A great point and well made. Thank you Sal.

I just read that post again and it made perfect sense. :o

[Joshua J.]

May work for a few, but I doubt it will work for the majority. Different skill set, different way of thinking. Not everyone can adapt and, if they still maintain a B&M presence, the same high overhead costs.

Actually, the two places I'm thinking of have expanded their retail presence (one west coast Canadian knife dealer, another electronics dealer). I assume that the website subsidizes the retail space, but they're doing very well.

The downside is, even if everybody does adapt to the new market it's still a shrinking market (many more customers per merchant are required), at this point it's a just a fact of life that many stores (maybe even the majority of them) will go out of business.

[Minibear453]

I'd just like to say that it's amazing that Sal's talking with us about Spyderco's prices, and that the company's trying to keep their prices low. Perfect example of why I only suggest Spydercos when other people ask which knife. About using N690, if Spyderco does use it, wouldn't production costs be higher since it needs to be cryo treated? Also, I know this question may be a bit intrusive, but if I may, I just wanted to ask where does the money go? In terms of supplies, each knife does not cost that much to make, and I understand that there's money going to manufacture, designers, and where else? And how much of each knife is to these places?

[cougar337]

I have to say I am comfortable with Spyderco's prices. There is a FULL range of knives at different price points without sacrificing quality, something for everyone. There are models that have high quality materials which drive up price and rightly so, not to mention public demand for new designs and quality material. I know Sal and Company do everything in a fair manor to keep the prices low enough to the consumer and still have enough profit to continue to stay in business.

[FroOchie]

I have to say I am comfortable with Spyderco's prices. There is a FULL range of knives at different price points without sacrificing quality, something for everyone. There are models that have high quality materials which drive up price and rightly so, not to mention public demand for new designs and quality material. I know Sal and Company do everything in a fair manor to keep the prices low enough to the consumer and still have enough profit to continue to stay in business.

Same here, in fact more than satisfied. Find me another product with as many sales as Spyderco where the owner and his family will chime in to respond to concerns, questions and pleas for new products. Again it's all relative but if a Large Sebenza pushes just over 400 than a Titanium Military seems like an exceptional value at just over 200 for me. Some of the prices of these knives are adjusted for supply and demand like the Sprint's but as far as MSRP goes relative to what other manufacturers are selling... again IMHO these knives are well within the range of what great pricing should be.

[jackthedog]

I've read most of the thread and have to say I'm satisfied with the price points of Spyderco. There models for every point, from the Tenacious up to the Lion Spy. I think the models such as the Manix 2 and Para 2 and Sage 2 offer exceptional value and quality for the price.

Admittedly, I was a little surprised at the price point of the Brad Southard Flipper, but after considering what you get and the the fit and finish that comes out of the Taiwan factory, I quickly got over it (I am not trying to start a US vs. everyone else argument). Compared with other flipper knives that have recently come out, it seems fair to me. If nothing else, the variety of knives Spyderco offers keeps me interested. I have some other brands, including a few CRKs, but the value and quality of Spyderco keeps me coming back.

[cosmo7809]

Its possible that we might be loosing sight of the main point of this thread...were not here to discuss the great value of previous models. That is the past. Were talking new stuff being produced.


Am I right?

[The Mastiff]

Everything has gone up across the board except the average persons income. For a fact mine hasn't and I'm much worse off than I was 3 years ago due to inflation, the higher cost of oil per bbl., etc. I have a fixed income that gets voted on by the legislature. In fact mine has just gone down in addition to the inflationary rise.

It just means a lot less things like knives, food, medicine, surgery, Finn's vets bills, etc. I'm still much better off than many too so I consider myself very fortunate.

making and selling truckloads of cheap imports like some companies have done is the very last thing I'd like to see Spyderco do. Tighten belts, sure. If I can only afford XXX amount of dollars per year I still will be looking for Spyderco quality, not lots of inexpensive stuff I already have better than at home.

Spyderco has weathered the storms that took out so many larger and older companies and have actually thrived in those same times. Do what you do and stick too it. I'll find a way to buy a Tuff even though it's expensive.

Joe

[araneae]

I see David's point. I have been around long enough to realize that the recent offerings seem to be pushing toward the economically unreachable for many of us. I have to pick and choose, then save up for models like the Chaparral. Perhaps it is just that the more affordable models have not been expanded so much lately. Sure we have the FRN UKPK and the Manbug and the Manix FRCP. All are great models and well priced. I am still anxiously awaiting the Native 5 FRN. The N1 is great, but at this point in time it is very dated.

It would be nice to see affordable collabs like the Cento 3/4. I do realize that the molds carry increased investment, but there must also be risk in making $200 niche models that have almost no mass market appeal. Kershaw is doing a load of collab models in China with decent materials and very acceptable quality for the $25-35 price range. I'm not saying that Spyderco needs to move to this model, just stating the fact.

Building a pile of new models in Taiwan with CF and S30V gets you great value in high end Spydies. No contesting that Taichung is building some of the best values in the industry right now. They just aren't in the reach of everyone's wallet. Why not make a few more like the Cat/Chicago in the sub $100 range? I do not see how they could go wrong there. G-10, FRN and 154cm or N690 even 440C.

It does seem like the Blue Manix, Yo2, and the Para come in and out of stock at various retailers pretty regularly, this tells me that these high value/cost models are very appreciated in this economy. I'm guessing the $100 and under models are the bread and butter of Spyderco. Good thread David.

[cosmo7809]

**** Araneae, took what I couldnt put on paper in my head and did it. Thanks!

[Dr. Snubnose]

IDK.....I'm not about to tell Sal how to make or set his pricing, He knows his costs and expenses, and must set his own prices for goods. I can only give feedback as to what I see. For myself the prices of Spyderco Knives are fast becoming too pricey. I will only buy this year the special models I want for myself instead of getting just everything as I have done in previous years. In my Retail Knife Store I will not be reordering any Spydercos now, the reason people give me for not being interested (no matter how hard I try to convince them) is the price points. Spyderco is fast becoming known as the over-priced knife company, Still it's my favorite production knife company with a great product line, but out of reach for the average person who see's something nice in my cases.
To be perfectly honest, about 5 months ago I started to sell one of kind custom knives from custom makers, beautiful knives most cost less than the high end spydercos some at half the price and they are out selling Spyderco knives in my store 15 to 1.... Tells me something...Just what I'm seeing.....Doc :)

[zidfeldts]

I think that production knives now are more affordable than ever. The first decent knife that I bought was a Schrade LB7 which came with440A steel and a sheath. It was not near as high quality knife as a PM2 or Manix2 is today. I paid $40 or so in 1980 and a Buck 110 was $60 at the same time. Almost 35 years later and a Buck 110 is about $40. I was making about 5% of what I make now in 1980 so I don't think $150-$250 for a nice knife with high end steel is out of line at all. The advent of the Internet really leveled out the playing field up here; we didn't even know what a lot of products were worth and overpaid accordingly.

[nirvanero]

I see the point of the OP as I've found some 2012 knives' prices higher than expected. Anyway these are top quality ones and producing Para or Manix in China won't make things better. Talking about high-end production knives maybe Spyderco is not the cheaper option but no much more expensive than ZT/Kershaw collaborations.

[v8r]

I don't think prices have gotten out of whack as much as people here think. Other people have already made references about how much things used to be in the "good ole days". Everything has gone up in price Gas, Cars, Bread, Milk, Clothes,Houses,etc etc etc. Spyderco offers inexpensive knives for average people, It's just the steel snob in most of us that will not allow the acceptance of the lesser models.

I for one really just enjoy the design,appearance, and quality of Spyderco products. I am willing to pay more for quality. Add the Super steel that most here want and you are going to have a expensive knife.

[DeathBySnooSnoo]

I don't think prices have gotten out of whack as much as people here think. Other people have already made references about how much things used to be in the "good ole days". Everything has gone up in price Gas, Cars, Bread, Milk, Clothes,Houses,etc etc etc. Spyderco offers inexpensive knives for average people, It's just the steel snob in most of us that will not allow the acceptance of the lesser models.

I for one really just enjoy the design,appearance, and quality of Spyderco products. I am willing to pay more for quality. Add the Super steel that most here want and you are going to have a expensive knife.

Perhaps true, but you also have to remember that in their times, VG-10, 154CM, XHP were all "super" steels.