ATAX Available again at Hoods Woods

Hooray! That tool captured my imagination the first time around, and I always wanted to get my hands on one! :)

Boo! The timing of this is awful, and I won't be able to consider acquiring one anytime soon. :(
 
No offense to anyone but, uh, THAT is $230?

Not knocking it's innovation and all, but it just doesnt look like much for that price. I'm certainly no bladesmith but it looks to me like that should be far, far cheaper.

Not looking to step on toes over this, but thats some sticker shock.
 
"total Cost Of Tool: $199.95 Plus S&h.
Deposit $100 Reserves Your Tool."
 
ras said:
"total Cost Of Tool: $199.95 Plus S&h.
Deposit $100 Reserves Your Tool."
Click to expand...

still...my machinist friend tells me that 1095 tool steel just isnt that expensive. neat design, lots of thought into it and all, but wow I'd like some of that market!

To each his own
 
The cost is in the machining, not the material. That looks like it could be stamped out of a blank though. Still seems like an awful high markup... I'm surprised someone hasn't come out with a similar tool for 1/4 the cost.
 
exactly. the machining could be done on pretty basic equipment. Sure, you need some bladesmithing skills to get the edge(s), putting it out of my skillset.

My local harbor freight has a 3 axis bore (like a cheap bridgeport) that could do the job for under $900. Heck, you could do it with a drill press and jigsaw if you were careful.

If he can get over $200 for it, he deserves it.
 
Is the creator not intitled to make any money? It is their idea after all.

I really don't think there is that much of a mark up on this product. I could be wrong though. Sure,1095 is a cheaper steel but you have to consider that there is Heat treating/Tempering,Coating(wich looks like it's a 2 step process),handle material,and screws for the handle before actually machining anything.

Edit..Just had to add that there is cost for Kydex& belt clip.

Just my .02

Frank
 
like i said, if he can get the $$ he deserves it. but it's either a huge markup or an inefficient method of manufacture. as you know, the cost is in the setup. making 10 is cheaper per than making 1, and so on.

Id have a better idea if I knew the labor in making a good edge (assuming it has one). but I know I have seen similar parts milled out in minutes once the setup is done. A CNC should be able to do it in no time flat.

So like I said, he deserves it if he can get it, but what a markup.
 
digispam said:
like i said, if he can get the $$ he deserves it. but it's either a huge markup or an inefficient method of manufacture. as you know, the cost is in the setup. making 10 is cheaper per than making 1, and so on.

Id have a better idea if I knew the labor in making a good edge (assuming it has one). but I know I have seen similar parts milled out in minutes once the setup is done.
Click to expand...


I agree about the parts being Milled in minits,but It is being made by TOPS knives. I'm sure on a limited run they have to make some money too.

You should offer your friends (The Machinist) service to Hoods Woods.Maybe they can do better on the price? It would be interesting to see.

Frank
 
digispam said:
like i said, if he can get the $$ he deserves it. but it's either a huge markup or an inefficient method of manufacture. as you know, the cost is in the setup. making 10 is cheaper per than making 1, and so on.

Id have a better idea if I knew the labor in making a good edge (assuming it has one). but I know I have seen similar parts milled out in minutes once the setup is done. A CNC should be able to do it in no time flat.

So like I said, he deserves it if he can get it, but what a markup.
Click to expand...

The same could be said for any knife really. But getting them blanked out is only the first of many steps. And like what's already been said, TOPS does have some relatively high prices anyway.

But it's still a sound, proven design. Ron Hood doesn't just sit on his couch and think of this stuff, he goes out and tests them and uses them before getting them made.
 
Wow, I've stirred the pot here!

Like I was saying, not trying to step on toes.

I'm just saying that i dont find it impressive for the price. I think it should be relatively easy to churn these out for cheaper.

It's neat, but just too much $$$ IMO.

And for the last time, if he can get the $$, he deserves it.
 
digispam said:
And for the last time, if he can get the $$, he deserves it.
Click to expand...

Yup, it's a free market and he's entitled to charge whatever he feels it's worth. It's definitely an interesting tool. Someone else buy one and let us know how it works!
 
Hey, I just remembered something, I saw am article on one of these on a hoodloum forum??

Let me look around I think I can find it.
 
Definitely, there were tons of reviews on it when they came out a few years back.
 
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