discontinued is good

[SpaceInvader]

When the list closeouts was posted recently, there were some responses that bemoaned the fact that this or that model would no longer be produced. I think it's actually desirable for models to be discontinued, the more the better, not the other way around. Anyone have any thoughts?

-Rick

[Murdoc]

yeah i have.... a strong lack of understanding :confused:


you should explain that a little further.

[yablanowitz]

I for one am glad that Sal keeps making improvements to old models and introducing new models, even if it does mean discontinuing some things to make room. Spyderco wouldn't be a leader in innovation if they were still just making the same models they did twenty years ago, the same way and out of the same materials.

[Murdoc]

Just right.

But still, "[...] it's actually desirable for models to be discontinued, the more the better [...]", makes me scratch my head. That way, it would be optimal to discontinue ALL models :rolleyes: . Not what we want, do we?

I still don't like the fact that the Manix family has died. I like the new G-10 FFG Endura, though :D


Dennis

[flyguy]

Are you meaning from a dealer/collector point of view??

[diceman]

The loss of the Manix without an immediate replacement is not on my list of "good things that have happened." Hopefully the next giant leaf blade lockback isn't too far off...

[Killdozer]

I love that knives are discontinued... that's when they go up in value. Spyderco does it best and I think that is a big reason there are so many collectors out there. Besides I can tell my wife that my hobby is an investment. I feel better about it too, I just dropped $120 on a PE Ayoob Massad at a brick and mortar and I could have put on ebay that afternoon and turned a profit. I also love finding out what is coming out to replace it.

The only bummer is some of the older models I would to love to own have escaped my budget. But sometimes, if you look up into the night sky and see a comet and make a wish, Sal even brings them back with improvements.

-Mat

[spyderdog]

Well, the one nice thing is that some good deals can sometimes be found while dealers still have some of the discontinued models in inventory. That part is nice. The bad part is that we have to spend a few pennies to nab up various models before they're no longer available for good prices.

[Murdoc]

Well, the one nice thing is that some good deals can sometimes be found while dealers still have some of the discontinued models in inventory. That part is nice. The bad part is that we have to spend a few pennies to nab up various models before they're no longer available for good prices.

I hear you.


Scorpius and Volpe are the most recent PERSONAL examples :D


Dennis

[SpaceInvader]

You've already hit on most of what I was thinking:

Spyderco rids itself of non-profitable models, that has to be good for the company. This assumes the discontinuance is solely an economic decision; it could be the result of various causes, such as lackluster sales, difficult production, or whatever. But if you want Spyderco to succeed to keep doing the things that draws you to their products, pruning the selection is good. This is probably an oversimplification of how the company operates, but I would guess it's basically true.

A finite quantity of a model results in a certain exclusivity, so everyone can no longer get it. In all kinds of goods, whether they are collectibles or items in everyday use, this helps desirable items retain their value, and that's good for you if you need to sell that item later. There is also some satisfaction in owning an item that is in some way exclusive. Spyderco receives an intangible benefit, indirectly to their reputation if not monetarily, if their products are considered as such. Exclusivity supports the value of a desirable item, whether it's a collectible or a user.

In addition, Spyderco provides fair warning -- for example, if you want a Manix, you still have plenty of opportunities to get one (or backups) now at reasonable prices. If you know nothing about Spyderco or certain Spyderco models today, but 3 years from now you discover Spyderco or a certain model and decide you must have that model, you should have to pay the going rate at that time, because you were warned and were oblivious to that fact (if you don't know Spyderco), or you weren' t paying attention or didn't act on the warning. I think it's uncommonly considerate of Spyderco to keep its customers so informed.

[Murdoc]

OK, I can follow you that far :)


What you mention is partly why we all here are "spyderknuts"; owning a Spydie is being part of an exclusive club, and by choosing which one to carry (or own) you express something about your dedication to this "brand"...and about yourself.

I think this is a part of why so many people here have caveats ("ressentiments" for the european folks) against the Tenacious. VOLUME production just isn't Spyderco. I still understand Sal's intention and reason though.

I understand you support discontinuing models because it makes Spyderco a healthy company, and thats fine with me. Still I regret that some very fine knives will be extinct and so much of us will never have the pleasure to enjoy them. Anyway, my newest purchase is a C07 (!!) Police model which is still alive and kicking, so I think Sal's initial spirit lives on.


I hope to see him this year in germany (Solingen?) and shake his hand as a real admirer of him. Hadn't the chance last year (although it was a pleasure to meet Eric!).

Dennis

[Michael Cook]

:spyder: I think most bemoan that the plebes don't buy enough of our pet-favorite models (mine is the baby manix, yojimbo and dodo) to keep them in production long enough for the masses to catch on. There've been some truly amazing knives that haven't made it more than a year because people can't see past the delica and endure (which I also love). :spyder:

[Agent Starling]

SpaceInvader, your post makes a lot of sense to me...of course I'm a bit biased cuz I've never gotten into the Caly or Manix, so I'm not bothered by their discontinuation...I'm happy there will be room for more great knives...one thing I am bummed out about though are the Ed Schempp models being discontinued, specifically the Persians and the Kris...I haven't had a chance to get any of those yet and it'll probably be a while 'til I get back into some serious Spydie buying. :cool:

Agent Starling :D

[smcfalls13]

It depends on your perspective. If you're simply a collector, than discontinuing a model is potentially beneficial for you, as it increases the value of the knife.

If you're a user, it's an inconvenience, because should you need repairs and/or a replacement for a heavily used model, you won't be able to.

If you're a little of both, you just cry over the models you like Fortunately for me, everytime something gets discontinued, something else is there to catch my eye. I'm like a cat with a flashlight :p

[A.P.F.]

...If you're a little of both, you just cry over the models you like Fortunately for me, everytime something gets discontinued, something else is there to catch my eye. I'm like a cat with a flashlight :p

I am with you, brother! :D

[ozspyder]

Ahhhh, the disco model conundrum :D

So many angles, so little money. I to bemoan the knives that stop being produced. Like many or all here, we think Spyderco make excellent knives and as such we cry a little when a model gets disco'd. But because Spyderco need to meet financial reality it has to happen

For me as a partial collector or blades I like, I do cry over the lost classics. The bread and butter stays, but the cream is what we all long for. Cream is expensive :) and so only some can enjoy the cream. When the cream gets to the end of its life some will taste it if they are quick enough. If you are too slow the cream is gone

And oddly like that cat with a flashlight, something always catches my eye (either something old or something new). Once something catches my eye and if I can afford it I will try to get it. Usually I am too late and someone else has skimmed the cream before I do

With so many treats lately Spyderco is really looking to please most of us. Hopefully this is for the betterment of the company so we can enjoy more in the future.

Cheers
Dan

[stonyman]

This is one of the reasons why I sigh when answering post about my next Spyderco purchase. There are many that catch your eye and when you go to purchase the one you have been waiting for, you find out another one you like, but was not intending to buy next is discontinued. Now you snatch up the discontinued model, so you do not miss out...oh no, this is the new year, it sounds like the same symtoms when bitten by the :spyder: ! :D

[jaislandboy]

nothing sparks clipit sales like the announcement of a discontinued list :eek:
at least for me it helps me to spend when I'm straddling the fence :o
Lots of cream for everyone in the 2008 catalog :D