Tales of the Spyderco Factory Outlet!

Ned · #1

Coming up here real soon, my son and I are heading down to Golden,Co we will be making the Hadj! What should we expect? Do they have all current production models, exclusives, are the prices the same as the on-line store? (I hope not) I've also heard that there can be a selection of factory seconds for sale..any info would be appreciated so we can know what to expect.. :)

nccole · #2

Never been there, but their prices are full MRSP as I understand it.

Ned · #3

Seriously..MSRP? Oh well, I guess it will just be cool to be able to handle all the different models..

SpyderEdgeForever · #4

I like the factory second idea. Ned, if you could buy, say, a Pacific Salt, or Endura factory second, that was functionally fine, but, cosmetically a little off, say some extra scratches or something, or whatever, for half price, would you do it? Say you can get a brand new Endura for 60 dollars, would you buy the factory second for 30 dollars?

Ned · #5

That is actually what I'm hoping for. I'd like to pick up some seconds just for modding.

Donut · #6

The factory second sales have been on a specific day, announced on the forum. From what I hear there's a long line waiting for the doors to open on that day and a lot of craziness once the doors open.

I wouldn't expect to see factory seconds sitting in the outlet throughout the year.

jalcon · #7

For the price of a factory second at the outlet, you can almost buy a perfect one at any online reputable dealer.

Ned · #8

My enthusiasm is waning... :confused:

Liquid Cobra · #9

It's a cool experience and fun to say you've been there. But the prices aren't competitive to your regular sources. I visited last week for the first time since my flight had a connection in Denver. I grabbed a hotel, rented a car to get out there. The hotel and car ran me almost 200 bucks just so that I could set foot in the SFO. I bought a PM2 which I thought was fitting (made in golden, bought in golden). I'm glad I did all that but it wasn't all that exciting. To be honest, it was pretty much what I expected it to be. A store. But I'm an uber fan, so I'd do it again if the opportunity presented itself.

bearfacedkiller · #10

Para2 MSRP $189, SFO $135, online as low as $105. Not MSRP but they are not undercutting their valued distributors either.

No factory seconds, they sell them one day a year and last year I believe they did not.

They will have all current models and sprints. If it isn't in the wild it may not be there. They do sell out of some models like the Para2 and Native5 from time to time.

The best thing about the SFO is that you can handle any model you want and then make a decision. I never would have bought a Sage3 if I hadn't handled it but once I did I was sold on a knife I wasn't even interested in. I work two miles away and go there to fondle knives often.

Clip · #11

jalcon wrote:For the price of a factory second at the outlet, you can almost buy a perfect one at any online reputable dealer.

The prices I have seen reported on factory seconds have been almost an order of magnitude lower than MSRP. Maybe I've been lied to?

Ned · #12

Clip wrote:The prices I have seen reported on factory seconds have been almost an order of magnitude lower than MSRP. Maybe I've been lied to?

Sounds like the factory seconds thing is a rare event not a regular thing there, so the price thing is kind of moot.

Clip · #13

Ned wrote:Sounds like the factory seconds thing is a rare event not a regular thing there, so the price thing is kind of moot.

Usually it happens near the end of November I believe. And people were walking away with $30 Dodos.

yablanowitz · #14

Seconds are generally sold only at the SFO Sale, and that only happens when they feel they have enough stock to service the demand (which is insane, I have to admit). I've been to the last two sales, spent a bunch of money both times. The last time it was around $800, but the total MSRP of the knives was about $3500. Worth spending the 14 hours in line, I thought.

Blerv · #15

bearfacedkiller wrote:Para2 MSRP $189, SFO $135, online as low as $105. Not MSRP but they are not undercutting their valued distributors either.

No factory seconds, they sell them one day a year and last year I believe they did not.

They will have all current models and sprints. If it isn't in the wild it may not be there. They do sell out of some models like the Para2 and Native5 from time to time.

The best thing about the SFO is that you can handle any model you want and then make a decision. I never would have bought a Sage3 if I hadn't handled it but once I did I was sold on a knife I wasn't even interested in. I work two miles away and go there to fondle knives often.

^- Great info up here :) .

I don't know who spread the rumor that a factory second would be on par with the price of a new one from an internet retailer. I recall seeing people from the factory second sale bragging about picking up Para2's for like $30 or so.

paladin · #16

SFO prices at full retail so as to NOT undercut their B&M or other authorized dealers, it is a very generous strategy on behalf of the company to foster growth & sales...

Ned, if I were making the pilgrimage to Golden I would buy a "Special" piece to commemorate my visit there...

Now, the definition of "Special" runs the spectrum from white glove safe queen to Hard Use EDC & everything in between...

But, for me, everytime I "used" my SFO piece I would have fun memories of the visit to Golden...

Heck, get a Spydercrew member to sign your box, get some selfies, have a blast, spend what you can afford to with gusto...

But don't let your enthusiasm "wane"....

I'd love to be in a position to visit the SFO...

Get a "special" piece with special memories attached! :spyder: :)

Ned · #17

I appreciate these comments, I am still really looking forward to our trip to Colorado. It will be a great experience. Thanks for the advice paladin! We will make it a great experience and we will pick up a few things there, I am sure. I cant wait to handle all of the various models; since Spyderco retailers are scarce in my neck of the woods, it will really be a treat to see and handle the knives! :)

bearfacedkiller · #18

Buy a swick while you are there. You can only get them through the SFO anyway and they are only 50 bucks. Also, I have seen Sal and Eric both while in there every now and again so that is another reason to stop in. They are always super friendly.

Stuart Ackerman · #19

Nice thoughts there, Paladin...

guitarwolf · #20

I was visiting Colorado last week and forgot about the spyderco store until we had already driven through golden to estes park. Came back another way and I left the next day. D'oh! Will definitely check it out next time, I didn't realize they had all the models on display.