Is it just me or....

[pmbspyder]

Markg, good points. As I pondered my own question I kind of realized that real world costs and economics come into play here bigtime. I was then wondering if Spyderco was steering toward a more expensive custom collab lineup, but then realized it may just be a heavy year for them. Who knows, maybe next year some of the frn models will get a remake, or maybe some of their more moderately priced in house designs will. I got caught up in the here and now instead of looking at Spyderco's history and the bigger picture.

[The Mentaculous]

Squeak---produced in Italy, more expensive. Manbug--Made in Japan, more expensive, bolstered, that adds a lot of cost, also brand new model with all new tooling setups.

I think the prices are pretty close to what I'd expect. For example, at first glance, the Valloton looks overpriced, but consider it has a double bolster (never done by spyderco, adds a lot of cost), stop pins on the blade (against first time they did that), polished G-10, all new tooling, etc.

Frankly, the Des Horne looks like a bargain--nested liner, nested liner lock (never done in Taiwan before), polished and sculpted G-10 (usually adds a lot of cost), brand new design in every way, a completely new undertaking for the Taiwan manufacturer...and it's only a bit over $100, with premium materials in polished G-10 and S30V.

Same with the Chaparral--Brand new model in every sense, brand new lock that's never been made by the Taiwan facility, and actually a new spin on the mid back lock (square release cutout), looks like great tolerances, 2mm flat ground blade stock, carbon fiber, and not really more expensive MSRP wise than the Sage 1.

Other models like the Fluted Ti Military, Centofante memory are self explanatory based on materials, complexity etc.

So basically, I think it's normal pricing, it's just that the projects are very ambitious, they are trying a lot of new things, new mechanisms, material uses, etc.

[BAL]

I am really stoked about the Yo II, but fear how bad my billfold will suffer. Same for new Massad Ayoob.

[pmbspyder]

I'm pumped for the techno and ayoob, but feel both will be well into triple digits. I was excited about the szabo folder, but the materials, new take on the detent, size, etc. will more than likey put that thing over or aound $200. Hopefully I'm wrong though! Oh well, I guess instead of buying a few of the new models I'll have to settle for one. Hmmm decisions decisions... :D

[The Mentaculous]

The Ayoob will be going for a little over $150, according to the pre-orders I've seen.

Remember, it's an expensive and somewhat risky proposition to do a sprint run, especially of a model that you haven't produced in a while. It's a lot of effort for such a small run of knives, and the profit margin is surprisingly low when you consider that the dealers need to make a little money too

[Evil D]

Evil - I thought about your quote and you're right. That being said, are you gonna be buried under a pile of spydies? :D

Don't give me any ideas :D


Really though you get what you pay for. It's easy to get spoiled on knives like the Delica and the lesser costing knives, but you really can't compare some of these higher dollar knives to a Delica...as good of a knife as the Delica is, it just isn't up to par with those higher end knives and the price reflects that.

[pmbspyder]

Don't give me any ideas :D


Really though you get what you pay for. It's easy to get spoiled on knives like the Delica and the lesser costing knives, but you really can't compare some of these higher dollar knives to a Delica...as good of a knife as the Delica is, it just isn't up to par with those higher end knives and the price reflects that.

True true. You put a para 2, gb or any other upper end spydie next to a delica, endura or native and you see it right away.

anyone see any pre-orders anywhere for the szabo yet?

[MCM]

At this stage in the game $150.00 seems to be the upper end price point where lots of folks
are at.

Sprints, $175.00 seems the magic number.

But thats not to say others have no problem spending $300-$400 on an EDC.

Just depends where you are at in the hobby.

[The Deacon]

At this stage in the game $150.00 seems to be the upper end price point where lots of folks
are at.

Sprints, $175.00 seems the magic number.

But thats not to say others have no problem spending $300-$400 on an EDC.

Just depends where you are at in the hobby.

Very true and, aside from speculators, even those willing to spend more will be selective as to what they'll spend that kind of money on. I wouldn't bat an eye at coughing up $400+ for an Odin's Eye Damasteel bolstered Stretch, Chaparral, Mar/McBurnette lock Sage, or original Kiwi. On the other hand, a Military, Paramilitary, or Superleaf done the same way wouldn't interest me in the least.

[Evil D]

I just make sure i get my use worth out of whatever i buy. Its easier for me to spend money when youre buying a tool that will get used until it wears down to a nub than on something pretty that lives in a box.

[pmbspyder]

Evil- totally agree. However, therein lies the problem for me (and I imagine others). It's like owning a really expensive car. You've sunk so much money into it that you become afraid to really use it for what it is: transportation from point A to point B. Same thing goes for a knife with me. If I have some $300 knife, it would be tough for me to use it as rigorously as I would a $100 Pm2, or an $80 manix. I don't really own any safe queens (except for my brown matriarch), so it would be hard for me to justify spending the $ on some of these new models, knowing I won't really use them. Kind of a catch 22 for me. Maybe it's a personal problem and I'm the only one with this issue, who knows! :D

[Evil D]

Yeah, i understand that and that initial break in period can be rough...when it's brand spanking new, no scratches, no blemishes. It's like a new pair of shoes...that's why you just get it out of the box and start using it.

I wear some $170 Corcoran boots everyday, and within the first week of wearing them they got plenty of scars...but i know they're going to last me YEARS despite how they look...the same applies to my Spydies.

I have thousands invested in my '85 Mustang. I know that at any time during one of my constant wide open throttle romps the engine could let loose and i'd be out thousands of dollars...but i built the car to enjoy, not to look at. What's the point of having 400+ horsepower if you never use it? It's like breeding race horses just to let them live and die in the stable...such a waste.

Things like these really show their beauty and their worth when used.

[defenestrate]

I wince at the cost of some of my :spyder: blades but once I hold and use them, I know where that money went. I think that almost everyone here who has bought multiple spydies will agree that you get what you pay for here.

[pmbspyder]

Evil - hopefully I can get there someday, but I think I'm way too ocd to beat on a $200 blade (nevermind a crazy expensive sports car). I admire your philosophy, I just need to convince myself to put it to practice!

Defenestrate - I completely agree that with Spyderco, you get what you pay for. It's just paying for it that is becoming more and more difficult!

[Blerv]

Truthfully I was frightened at one point and wanted to buy duplicates of all my favorite knives. The 'sharpening to a nub' was always in my head.

While you see this happen with compulsive sharpeners it's not common. I don't recall who posted pics but he had a PE Atlantic Salt that was literally "EDC"ed for over a year and you could actually see blade degradation. With how much I cut and actually sharpen a VG10 knife would last many times longer and a ZDP-189/etc blade is going to go even further.

A good knife if properly treated and not lost should last for years if not decades. Every so often we are treated an a first gen Delica or Worker that has been through it's paces and I'm always surprised how well they stand up to time. FRN molded clips, AUS8, pinned construction and a spa trip to Spyderco and it's good for another decade. :)

[quakeman]

I like the lion spy , but if i were buying this model from europe (its msrp but in euros) 500 euros thats about 705 $ ---I'll buy a real lion with that kind of money :D

[Evil D]

Evil - hopefully I can get there someday, but I think I'm way too ocd to beat on a $200 blade (nevermind a crazy expensive sports car). I admire your philosophy, I just need to convince myself to put it to practice!

Oh i definitely have my limits. I don't have anything i paid more than about $130 for yet. Also i find that the fancier the knife the less inclined i am to use it and abuse it. I have no problem using my Paramilitary hard but i just can't go full blast on my carbon fiber Caly 3, even though the Para cost me more. The Caly 3 still gets used but is more for dressy occasions, so 99% of the time it's my Para or Delica or Cento 4 that get used the most. I haven't bought one of the sprint Delicas because i know i wouldn't use them enough to justify the cost. I would love to be able to buy certain knives for collection reasons but i just don't have the funds.

[DasFriek]

I dont know what label i would have for my knife selecting, Use and price.
I have $30 Kershaws and A $350 Sebenza.
My biggest passion being in Ti frame locks with exotic steels and most start at $200 and up to the $350 mark. And i just bought a disco'd 5.11 First Responder with S30v for $70. And i had been a several year Benchmade lover, But have come over to Spryderco after i went threw BM's line and past knives and tried and bought all the ones i thought id like.
So its not anything they did to make me turn to another company besides the fact i need more variety in my life. Plus i see many BM guys over here also i know from the BM forums which is cool to see im not alone in liking variety. (MCM)

Now that ive said that ill share how i look at Spyderco.
You get great fit and finish with quality materials, With most choices and several offerings just for one model. All at a price lower than most Benchmades and similar makers.

If Benchmade made the Gayle Bradley it would be a $225 knife and not a $135 knife.
The Manix would be $150 and not $90.
But ill admit the Military Ti is priced high at around $200+/- but you get what you pay for in Ti framelocks as i know its my main style i like.

So imo Spyderco offers a good product at a lower price unless you want to buy the top of the lone stuff and the stuff that goes into those knives really does demand a higher price.
Go try buying a few Zero Tolerance knives as every model i like is over $200 easy.

I just see the OP's issue is that Spyderco makes some lower priced high quality knives and some higher priced high quality knives and the faster you learn the differance between the two the better off you will be.

[araneae]

Looking at the new models at KC, it does seem like there are quite a few higher end custom collabs. I am sure they are worth every penny, but most are out of my price range at the moment. I gulped at the price of the Junior. I really like the design, but I will probably have to wait a while on that one. The Squeak coming in at ~$5 more than the USA made UKPK seems like a questionable choice. Half the knife for $5 extra. It seems like pushing/growing Golden's capacity would be most sensible as current exchange rates are favoring US production.

On the bright side the Manix FRCP is reasonably priced and the D'fly Salt is quite affordable as well. Its nice to see the Cat and Chicago coming back as nice, budget-friendly knives as well. Both are on my want list. The Chaparral is a bit more pricey, but I believe it will be worth every penny.

[pmbspyder]

It seems like pushing/growing Golden's capacity would be most sensible as current exchange rates are favoring US production.

Yes! To be honest, Sal and Eric's in-house, Golden designs are my favorite anyway!