As it has been explained before (and I hope I get this right...)jezabel wrote:I'm still having trouble understanding the pricing. Maybe I'm looking at things too logically here but... Here's a look at the basic specs "on paper" compared to the Barong.
Both are Collaboration models.
Both are made in Japan.
Both use a liner lock.
Both use FG G10
Both use 3mm stock VG10
Both are FFG
Both have blade lengths around 4 inches.
Both use screw construction
The Barong uses full liners and the Rocklobster nested ( I think).
Barong MSRP $249
Rocklobster MSRP $329
Models we usually see carrying that $300+ price tag pack some sort of special steel, CF handles and sometimes both.
I really like and want the Rock Lobster, at 250 MSRP I would have purchased it already, but now I need to somehow justify spending these extra $$$ though before biting the bullet.
Can someone twist my arm here...
Spyderco's profit margins don't change, however other factors influence the cost of the knife.
The maker in Japan sort of locks in a price to make the knife when the project beings. Well a lot can happen in a year. Economic realties, currency exchange rates, cost of materials, etc.
Two different knives made a year apart, with the same materials can have very different price tags. You will notice that most of the knives with the insane MSRP's are being made in Japan, and I am sure many of the factors above have come into play.
I am sure Spyderco is not happy with the price either.
Because of a production knife, that is a pretty high MSRP
