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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
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2023 Catalog
- Thread starter dano
- Start date
Even if you can afford these New And Improved prices, being able to afford it and being willing to pay it are not the same.
Thing is, numbers can be deceptive. A 10% increase in a $70 knife is only $7.00; most us will probably gripe, but pay it and go on. On the other hand, 10% of a $350 knife is $35, and that raises eyebrows. Seems that might cause lost sales. I know my money will stay in my pocket.
Maybe the best way for the consumer to voice their opinion is simply to not buy them until the prices return to sanity. Should not take too long. If we were to dig in our heels, a month or two of no sales should emphasize the point. Many BM knives are priced higher than Protech and Spyderco, so there are alternatives. In the case of Protech, if you can find one it's an alternative. Then there is Hogue. Excellent knives even though limited blade steel choices, and dirt cheap compared to BM.
And face it, how many here really -need- another knife? My grandchildren won't live long enough to wear out the few I have and we're waiting for the next one to make their appearance.
Thing is, numbers can be deceptive. A 10% increase in a $70 knife is only $7.00; most us will probably gripe, but pay it and go on. On the other hand, 10% of a $350 knife is $35, and that raises eyebrows. Seems that might cause lost sales. I know my money will stay in my pocket.
Maybe the best way for the consumer to voice their opinion is simply to not buy them until the prices return to sanity. Should not take too long. If we were to dig in our heels, a month or two of no sales should emphasize the point. Many BM knives are priced higher than Protech and Spyderco, so there are alternatives. In the case of Protech, if you can find one it's an alternative. Then there is Hogue. Excellent knives even though limited blade steel choices, and dirt cheap compared to BM.
And face it, how many here really -need- another knife? My grandchildren won't live long enough to wear out the few I have and we're waiting for the next one to make their appearance.
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Houge knives “dirt cheap compared to BM”? A quick search shows Houge knives ranging in price from $135.00 to $400.00 at one particular dealer - not exactly dirt cheap. Considering that the Houge warranty applies only to the original owner and they do not offer lifetime sharpening, I don’t think they are such a bargain compared to Benchmark.
This is really it for me, it's not about if I can afford it, but there's a price/value decision to be made. If I can buy PM2, Manix 2's (both made in the USA models), in basically any steel offered with G10 for $200 or less (even the sprint 15v's were $200 or less), do I really want to pay BM $180 for a plastic handled s30v bugout, $220 for a 945 in s30v, or $280 for a mini crooked river, mini barage, or vector in s30v? Nope. When I can buy Bradford Guardian 4.5 in magnacut for $280, or 5.5 in magnacut for $300, less for either in 3v, do I really want to pay BM $280 for a s30v bushcrafter.....Nope. I like some of their designs, love the 945, still love my Rift, but as you said there's a difference between being able to afford something, and not letting yourself be taken for a ride at the checkout.Even if you can afford these New And Improved prices, being able to afford it and being willing to pay it are not the same.
Unfortunately parting consumers from their $ has never been easier, just look at all the people paying $5-10k+ over MSRP for new cars at 5% interest rates and now 96 month loans. We've been programed that price hikes are the fault of Covid and the government for 3 years now, and even after all those massive price hikes, for the most part consumers have not modified their behavior at all. Consumers are both the single most powerful and dumbest group in existence. If they could stop spending money for a month on a wide range of things prices of everything from eggs to cars would tank, but consumers will never organize much less sacrifice for such an effort.Maybe the best way for the consumer to voice their opinion is simply to not buy them until the prices return to sanity. Should not take too long. If we were to dig in our heels, a month or two of no sales should emphasize the point. Many BM knives are priced higher than Protech and Spyderco, so there are alternatives. In the case of Protech, if you can find one it's an alternative. Then there is Hogue. Excellent knives even though limited blade steel choices, and dirt cheap compared to BM.
>> I don’t think they are such a bargain compared to Benchmark.
Let's see.
I checked a few knives from both companies. The spirit did not move me to do more. There are not a lot of models from Hogue that are directly comparable to Benchmade, so I did the best comparison with what they gave me to work with.
I stuck to knives that I either have, or have one very similar to. In some cases I have both the Hogue and the Benchmade.
I did the price checks on one of the major discount retailers. Not sure if they are a sponsor here, so I won't name them but the prices are similar if not exactly the same among the best well known ones, so the name does not matter. I stuck with the same retailer but in a couple cases, verified the price with another. It was the same.
_______________
The nearest thing I could find to the Hogue Deka was the Benchmade Tagged Out. The Benchmade Tagged Out in CPM154 sells for $180. Bailout is the same unless you get it in M4 and then you can tack on another $90.
I couldn't find a Deka in CPM154 but Magnacut is generally more expensive than CPM154 and the Deka in Magnacut is $127.
If you want to jump on the Benchmade Magnacut bandwagon, they make a CLA Magnacut in a similar size to the Deka for $360. It is automatic, but that should not add $233 to the price tag.
_______________
The Griptilian 551 in 20CV sold for $187 but far as I can tell it was discontinued in 2019. Or maybe the last production was 2018, either way that price was four years old.
The Hogue Ritter in 20CV currently sells for $169. Probably about $139 or so four years ago. Maybe as much as $149.
_________________
The Hogue Ballista 3.5" CPM 154 automatic, with aluminum scales, sells for $161.46
he Benchmade CLA automatic 3.4" with G10 scales costs $ 252.
Then there are the usual price increases. Benchmade has raised prices on their knives twice in 2022 as far as I can tell, and they were increases along the lines of 10% or so. If they do the same this year it will be unaffordable.
My memory might let me down, but it seems to me that a Benchmade Bailout in M4 started 2022 at $212 from the big discounters. At the end it was $252, and will likely be close to $300 by the end of the year if the trend continues. Same jumps on the Adamas.
In contrast, the Hogue Ritter 20CV started out at $159 and is now $169.
Label it any way you like.
Let's see.
I checked a few knives from both companies. The spirit did not move me to do more. There are not a lot of models from Hogue that are directly comparable to Benchmade, so I did the best comparison with what they gave me to work with.
I stuck to knives that I either have, or have one very similar to. In some cases I have both the Hogue and the Benchmade.
I did the price checks on one of the major discount retailers. Not sure if they are a sponsor here, so I won't name them but the prices are similar if not exactly the same among the best well known ones, so the name does not matter. I stuck with the same retailer but in a couple cases, verified the price with another. It was the same.
_______________
The nearest thing I could find to the Hogue Deka was the Benchmade Tagged Out. The Benchmade Tagged Out in CPM154 sells for $180. Bailout is the same unless you get it in M4 and then you can tack on another $90.
I couldn't find a Deka in CPM154 but Magnacut is generally more expensive than CPM154 and the Deka in Magnacut is $127.
If you want to jump on the Benchmade Magnacut bandwagon, they make a CLA Magnacut in a similar size to the Deka for $360. It is automatic, but that should not add $233 to the price tag.
_______________
The Griptilian 551 in 20CV sold for $187 but far as I can tell it was discontinued in 2019. Or maybe the last production was 2018, either way that price was four years old.
The Hogue Ritter in 20CV currently sells for $169. Probably about $139 or so four years ago. Maybe as much as $149.
_________________
The Hogue Ballista 3.5" CPM 154 automatic, with aluminum scales, sells for $161.46
he Benchmade CLA automatic 3.4" with G10 scales costs $ 252.
Then there are the usual price increases. Benchmade has raised prices on their knives twice in 2022 as far as I can tell, and they were increases along the lines of 10% or so. If they do the same this year it will be unaffordable.
My memory might let me down, but it seems to me that a Benchmade Bailout in M4 started 2022 at $212 from the big discounters. At the end it was $252, and will likely be close to $300 by the end of the year if the trend continues. Same jumps on the Adamas.
In contrast, the Hogue Ritter 20CV started out at $159 and is now $169.
Label it any way you like.
>> I don’t think they are such a bargain compared to Benchmark.
Let's see.
I checked a few knives from both companies. The spirit did not move me to do more. There are not a lot of models from Hogue that are directly comparable to Benchmade, so I did the best comparison with what they gave me to work with.
I stuck to knives that I either have, or have one very similar to. In some cases I have both the Hogue and the Benchmade.
I did the price checks on one of the major discount retailers. Not sure if they are a sponsor here, so I won't name them but the prices are similar if not exactly the same among the best well known ones, so the name does not matter. I stuck with the same retailer but in a couple cases, verified the price with another. It was the same.
_______________
The nearest thing I could find to the Hogue Deka was the Benchmade Tagged Out. The Benchmade Tagged Out in CPM154 sells for $180. Bailout is the same unless you get it in M4 and then you can tack on another $90.
I couldn't find a Deka in CPM154 but Magnacut is generally more expensive than CPM154 and the Deka in Magnacut is $127.
If you want to jump on the Benchmade Magnacut bandwagon, they make a CLA Magnacut in a similar size to the Deka for $360. It is automatic, but that should not add $233 to the price tag.
_______________
The Griptilian 551 in 20CV sold for $187 but far as I can tell it was discontinued in 2019. Or maybe the last production was 2018, either way that price was four years old.
The Hogue Ritter in 20CV currently sells for $169. Probably about $139 or so four years ago. Maybe as much as $149.
_________________
The Hogue Ballista 3.5" CPM 154 automatic, with aluminum scales, sells for $161.46
he Benchmade CLA automatic 3.4" with G10 scales costs $ 252.
Then there are the usual price increases. Benchmade has raised prices on their knives twice in 2022 as far as I can tell, and they were increases along the lines of 10% or so. If they do the same this year it will be unaffordable.
My memory might let me down, but it seems to me that a Benchmade Bailout in M4 started 2022 at $212 from the big discounters. At the end it was $252, and will likely be close to $300 by the end of the year if the trend continues. Same jumps on the Adamas.
In contrast, the Hogue Ritter 20CV started out at $159 and is now $169.
Label it any way you like.
Funny how when you quoted me you left out the first half of my sentence -
“Considering that the Houge warranty applies only to the original owner and they do not offer lifetime sharpening, I don’t think they are such a bargain compared to Benchmark.“
>> not letting yourself be taken for a ride at the checkout.
>> Unfortunately parting consumers from their $ has never been easier, just look at all the people paying $5-10k+ over MSRP for new cars at 5% interest rates and now 96 month loans.
I love elegant but simple ways of boiling things down. A friend put it perfectly, "I ain't making house payments on a car." Cant say it any better.
>> Consumers are both the single most powerful and dumbest group in existence. If they could stop spending money for a month on a wide range of things prices of everything from eggs to cars would tank, but consumers will never organize much less sacrifice for such an effort.
Exactly. I am not a believer of cancel culture but many decades ago I was in high school Civics class and the teacher drummed into us this: "Every time you spend a nickel, you cast an economic ballot." He went on to say that if we continue to buy overpriced junque, that is the demand that the market will fill. If we are discerning and seek out good quality at a fair price, then the market will accommodate that. Either way, we decide if we have the will and stubbornness to.
Everyone blames the government for made in China. I blame us. If we all stayed away from Walmart for a month, and let them know why we stayed away, they would start bring production back here. Not just Walmart, the other retailers would follow just as they did when WM started buying from China. I remember when Sam Walton was alive, each aisle had signs on it saying, "Made in USA." They were proud of it. Then they went over to the Dark Side. If we had the will, we could change that and it would not involve Uncle and the tax law.
>> Unfortunately parting consumers from their $ has never been easier, just look at all the people paying $5-10k+ over MSRP for new cars at 5% interest rates and now 96 month loans.
I love elegant but simple ways of boiling things down. A friend put it perfectly, "I ain't making house payments on a car." Cant say it any better.
>> Consumers are both the single most powerful and dumbest group in existence. If they could stop spending money for a month on a wide range of things prices of everything from eggs to cars would tank, but consumers will never organize much less sacrifice for such an effort.
Exactly. I am not a believer of cancel culture but many decades ago I was in high school Civics class and the teacher drummed into us this: "Every time you spend a nickel, you cast an economic ballot." He went on to say that if we continue to buy overpriced junque, that is the demand that the market will fill. If we are discerning and seek out good quality at a fair price, then the market will accommodate that. Either way, we decide if we have the will and stubbornness to.
Everyone blames the government for made in China. I blame us. If we all stayed away from Walmart for a month, and let them know why we stayed away, they would start bring production back here. Not just Walmart, the other retailers would follow just as they did when WM started buying from China. I remember when Sam Walton was alive, each aisle had signs on it saying, "Made in USA." They were proud of it. Then they went over to the Dark Side. If we had the will, we could change that and it would not involve Uncle and the tax law.
>> Funny how when you quoted me you left out the first half of my sentence -
“Considering that the Houge warranty applies only to the original owner and they do not offer lifetime sharpening, I don’t think they are such a bargain compared to Benchmark.“
It's not "Houge", but "Hogue". Look it up.
I didn't leave it out, it's not an issue to me. I have NEVER sent any knife back for a warranty issue. Not ever. If the blade isn't centered or the action is sticky, I fix it. If I'm stupid enough to hammer on the blade or twist it and it breaks, that's not the manufacturer's fault. I can either buy another or find something different, either way, that's on me. I believe there is a price to be paid for being stupid. Maybe if more of us paid it instead of making someone else pay, we would be less stupid.
If the knife turns out to be complete junk I either write it off as experience or give it back to the one who sold it if I thought they cheated me. Most manufacturers don't accept direct returns, you have to return it to the retailer who sold it.
As for sharpening, I don't need anyone to sharpen my knives for me. Even if I did, it would not be the factory. Tell me, would this be the same factory that everyone says uses belt sanders and cooks the edge until we have to sharpen them several times to get to the good steel? That place? Nope. Send yours if you want, and you can have my place in line, too.
I've been sharpening knives since the 1950's and would hate to admit that I had to pay freight both ways to get someone to do it for me. Nope. Not ever.
I was not ignoring it, it is simply no issue, at all, to me.
If you want to make a credible case about BM customer service, then maybe brag on them sending different pocket clips and screws. I'll give them that.
But if that is all you got, oh well.
“Considering that the Houge warranty applies only to the original owner and they do not offer lifetime sharpening, I don’t think they are such a bargain compared to Benchmark.“
It's not "Houge", but "Hogue". Look it up.
I didn't leave it out, it's not an issue to me. I have NEVER sent any knife back for a warranty issue. Not ever. If the blade isn't centered or the action is sticky, I fix it. If I'm stupid enough to hammer on the blade or twist it and it breaks, that's not the manufacturer's fault. I can either buy another or find something different, either way, that's on me. I believe there is a price to be paid for being stupid. Maybe if more of us paid it instead of making someone else pay, we would be less stupid.
If the knife turns out to be complete junk I either write it off as experience or give it back to the one who sold it if I thought they cheated me. Most manufacturers don't accept direct returns, you have to return it to the retailer who sold it.
As for sharpening, I don't need anyone to sharpen my knives for me. Even if I did, it would not be the factory. Tell me, would this be the same factory that everyone says uses belt sanders and cooks the edge until we have to sharpen them several times to get to the good steel? That place? Nope. Send yours if you want, and you can have my place in line, too.
I've been sharpening knives since the 1950's and would hate to admit that I had to pay freight both ways to get someone to do it for me. Nope. Not ever.
I was not ignoring it, it is simply no issue, at all, to me.
If you want to make a credible case about BM customer service, then maybe brag on them sending different pocket clips and screws. I'll give them that.
But if that is all you got, oh well.
Isn't that what opinions are? To tell what the we think about a knife from our point of view? It's not about me. How about I write a review about a knife based on what you think about it? How will that work for you?
I didn't say that Benchmade is a bad knife; I own several and they are pretty good for the price they were a few years ago. They're still pretty good, but overpriced.
A poll here on this site asked if the members preferred the Benchmade Freek 560-1 or the Hogue Ritter RSK. 80.9% voted for the Hogue. 7.4% for the Freek. Freek: $252; Ritter: $169. Draw whatever conclusions you will from this.
For the record, I have both and agree with the poll results. The Freek is a good knife, but most days I have the RSK in my pocket.
Help me get this right. BM sends pocket clips and case screws, and sharpens your knife for you on a belt sander on a $300 Bailout and you think all this is free? P. T. Barnum was right. Sell it to me for $169 and I'll buy my own clip and take my wife out to a fine seafood dinner on the difference.
Finally, this little exchange is boring. Has been for a while. You haven't said a single word about why you think BM is fairly priced. Not a word. If you had a point to make, you would have made it.
Over and out.
I didn't say that Benchmade is a bad knife; I own several and they are pretty good for the price they were a few years ago. They're still pretty good, but overpriced.
A poll here on this site asked if the members preferred the Benchmade Freek 560-1 or the Hogue Ritter RSK. 80.9% voted for the Hogue. 7.4% for the Freek. Freek: $252; Ritter: $169. Draw whatever conclusions you will from this.
For the record, I have both and agree with the poll results. The Freek is a good knife, but most days I have the RSK in my pocket.
Help me get this right. BM sends pocket clips and case screws, and sharpens your knife for you on a belt sander on a $300 Bailout and you think all this is free? P. T. Barnum was right. Sell it to me for $169 and I'll buy my own clip and take my wife out to a fine seafood dinner on the difference.
Finally, this little exchange is boring. Has been for a while. You haven't said a single word about why you think BM is fairly priced. Not a word. If you had a point to make, you would have made it.
Over and out.