Benchmade pricing seems to have changed

[skyhorse]

I have to admit I was wrong and it's very clear what Benchmade is doing. Thanks to this thread it looks like I got the last of the good deals. What's bad is their knives are expensive even with the discounts so I doubt that I buy anymore Benchmade knives on the primary market.

eta: How the f@%& does Benchmade justify doing this at Christmas time? Big slap in the face to their customer base.

No big deal really. It worked out great for me,instead of buying mini grips for Xmas presents I bought 7 Nitecore P12s for $59 each from a B/F dealer on sale. They are awesome! 950 Lumens and the size of a cigar! :thumbup:

 

[kreole]

.

Thanks for explaining. I do believe as newer models, materials, and innovations come about any negative impact will be short term.

Except BM isn't really on the innovative side of the knife world. They've found a lock that works and stuck with it, and new models have been few and far between the last few years. Only the steels have been getting updated.

Just went through their product list....There was only one brand-new model for 2013 for Benchmade-brand folders, the 300 (Ball Flipper). Before that, you have the 48x line in the fall of 2012 (which are actually based on the 480 which came out way back in 2008, so it's arguable if these are a new model line or not), and before that the 810/Contego in March of 2012 and the 275/Adamas in January 2012.

2013: 300
2012: 48x (3 knives), 810, 275

Put another way, other major knife companies are putting out more new models every half year than Benchmade has in at least the last two years.

On the other hand, going off your point, if they want to keep MAP pricing, perhaps this will push them to come out with more new lines.

edit: Actually the 300 shipped mid 12/2012, so that means there weren't any new models for 2013 I don't think.

 

[skyhorse]

I know where your coming from 100%. However, that $65 knife was never justified at more than $40 either.

Yeah the $85 mini grip really got me laughing. What are those folks in Oregon smoking ? Must be some killer stuff !

 

[EDCanAdamas]

Except BM isn't really on the innovative side of the knife world. They've found a lock that works and stuck with it, and new models have been few and far between the last few years. Only the steels have been getting updated.

Just went through their product list....There was only one brand-new model for 2013 for Benchmade-brand folders, the 300 (Ball Flipper). Before that, you have the 48x line in the fall of 2012 (which are actually based on the 480 which came out way back in 2008, so it's arguable if these are a new model line or not), and before that the 810/Contego in March of 2012 and the 275/Adamas in January 2012.

2013: 300
2012: 48x (3 knives), 810, 275

Put another way, other major knife companies are putting out more new models every half year than Benchmade has in at least the last two years.

On the other hand, going off your point, if they want to keep MAP pricing, perhaps this will push them to come out with more new lines.

edit: Actually the 300 shipped mid 12/2012, so that means there weren't any new models for 2013 I don't think.

I thought the Volli was new for 2013, so they introduced two new knives this year. But your right, Benchmade is rather stuck on the axis lock (which is still great). I would like to see five or six radically new designs for 2014, but somehow I don't think that is this going to happen.

 

[Catrepair]

Well I had just over 500. bucks worth of knifes in my cart using the code BM25. I went to check out and the price jumped to just over 700. Oh hell no... Every one just got Jetbeam flashlights. Sorry CS.

 

[RamZar]

Except BM isn't really on the innovative side of the knife world. They've found a lock that works and stuck with it, and new models have been few and far between the last few years. Only the steels have been getting updated.

Just went through their product list....There was only one brand-new model for 2013 for Benchmade-brand folders, the 300 (Ball Flipper). Before that, you have the 48x line in the fall of 2012 (which are actually based on the 480 which came out way back in 2008, so it's arguable if these are a new model line or not), and before that the 810/Contego in March of 2012 and the 275/Adamas in January 2012.

2013: 300
2012: 48x (3 knives), 810, 275

Put another way, other major knife companies are putting out more new models every half year than Benchmade has in at least the last two years.

On the other hand, going off your point, if they want to keep MAP pricing, perhaps this will push them to come out with more new lines.

edit: Actually the 300 shipped mid 12/2012, so that means there weren't any new models for 2013 I don't think.

2013 Black Class: 300, 470-1, 586, 1000001. Out of those only the 300 flipper and 1000001 Volli were truly new. The other two are variations of an existing model.

2012 Black Class: 801, 483, 482. Only Contego 801 was truly new.

2011 Black Class: 470, 581, 583, 480-1, 746. Only Emissary 470 was truly new.

 

[kreole]

I thought the Volli was new for 2013, so they introduced two new knives this year. But your right, Benchmade is rather stuck on the axis lock (which is still great). I would like to see five or six radically new designs for 2014, but somehow I don't think that is this going to happen.

Whoops forgot the Volli. Nice catch

2013 Black Class: 300, 470-1, 586, 1000001. Out of those only the 300 flipper and 1000001 Volli were truly new. The other two are variations of an existing model.

2012 Black Class: 801, 483, 482. Only Contego 801 was truly new.

2011 Black Class: 470, 581, 583, 480-1, 746. Only Emissary 470 was truly new.

Thanks for doing the legwork.

Emissary, arguably, wasn't new. It's based on the old, long-discontinued 771, or at least looks like it
http://www.benchmade.com/products/771

 

[RamZar]

When were 275 Adamas and 755 MPR announced and/or actually started shipping? Those two were certainly fine new introductions.

Edited: Looks like 755 MPR is from 2010 and 275/375 Adamas announced 2010-2011 but not shipped until early 2012?

 

[jkarp_53]

I thought the Volli was new for 2013, so they introduced two new knives this year. But your right, Benchmade is rather stuck on the axis lock (which is still great). I would like to see five or six radically new designs for 2014, but somehow I don't think that is this going to happen.

Shortest list of new knife models ever was this year...Never mind anything fixed, I passed on the 300 and Got a good deal on a Volli. Saved a chunk of cash, didn't even receive a 2013 catalog for that matter. Did I miss something?

 

[ToolDiva]

Yeah, uh hey Liz, with your 3 posts and all. No need to talk to a collective us, as if we just got out of 2nd grade. I would be more than willing to bet a few bucks, that there are plenty of people here that are business savvy, and have the education to back it.

I'm not pretending to be all knowing. If I came off that way, sorry. Maybe the "This isn't rocket science" remark was a bit over the top. Please know that I wasn't trying to be insulting. The thread has obviously stirred up a lot of feelings and opinions. If I overshot the mark, I apologize. At the same time why are my number of posts relevant to having a civil discussion? Seriously, how many posts are required to have an opinion? Should the first 50 posts be simple questions? Maybe at a hundred posts I can draw an inference. Please clarify.

That said, let me give you an education in economics.

So now you proceed to treat me like I just got out of 2nd grade.

When the price of something exceeds the value, the sales will not, and cannot be sustained. The biggest and primary reason this will occur, is when the "need" is filled by a competitor, for a product, that is either cheaper for the same quality, or better quality for the same price. That is a very simple matrix to follow, now wouldn't you agree??? Bottom line, there are two other players in the ballgame, that both offer GREAT customer service, and are fair on prices. We are not talking about a couple of hundred people on this forum either. Johhny Q. Public, has a whole lot harder time spending the difference in a $65 knife, and a $100 knife. Don't believe me? Hide and watch.

OK. Maybe you're right. Maybe this will hurt Benchmade's sales. But then again, that wasn't the primary point of my original post. All I was trying to do was think of why Benchmade is changing (or enforcing) their MAP policy. And I still stand by that as reasonable conclusion that at the end of the day is just speculation. Sheesh!

That said, I could care less about BM..

Then why are you working yourself up into a slather?

They will either get it together, or get the same lesson that you need. I've spent plenty of money on them, I've liked them quite a bit, but I'm not married to them. I also love how you tout the "foot stomping, and pouting". That's absurd, to say the least. So I like how you think that you will roll up in here, and speak as if you are some authority, and we shall follow like good children.

Please don't tell me what lessons I need. I have shown no one disrespect, yet you openly patronize me.

Buy what you want woman, and we will do the same.

I really hope that you're only speaking for yourself here - not your purchasing decisions, but how you treat women.

Elisabeth

 

[L2bravo]

I'm not pretending to be all knowing. If I came off that way, sorry. Maybe the "This isn't rocket science" remark was a bit over the top. Please know that I wasn't trying to be insulting. The thread has obviously stirred up a lot of feelings and opinions. If I overshot the mark, I apologize. At the same time why are my number of posts relevant to having a civil discussion? Seriously, how many posts are required to have an opinion? Should the first 50 posts be simple questions? Maybe at a hundred posts I can draw an inference. Please clarify.


So now you proceed to treat me like I just got out of 2nd grade.


OK. Maybe you're right. Maybe this will hurt Benchmade's sales. But then again, that wasn't the primary point of my original post. All I was trying to do was think of why Benchmade is changing (or enforcing) their MAP policy. And I still stand by that as reasonable conclusion that at the end of the day is just speculation. Sheesh!


Then why are you working yourself up into a slather?


Please don't tell me what lessons I need. I have shown no one disrespect, yet you openly patronize me.


I really hope that you're only speaking for yourself here - not your purchasing decisions, but how you treat women.

Elisabeth

Well, since you have gone down a laundry list, and disected everything I have said, I will take the time to answer all of your questions.

1. Your number of posts (or anybody's for that matter) come into play, in the fact of having some credibility, and being known. Do you go to any other place, and start acting like you are above and beyond everybody else? Didn't think so.

2. I took the stance of educating you on economics, because you seem to fall short of the mark, when it comes to understanding how a free market actually works. You see Liz, I am not only one of those guys who has some education in that arena, but I also have owned and ran businesses. Real world practical experiences will carry one a long way, when it comes time understand cause and effect.

3. No, you weren't "trying to think of why BM is changing their policy". What you did, was come in here and commence to tell everybody how it is, why it is, and do your dead level best at justifying it. Again, I stand by the very basic assertion, that free market will rule. More times than not, when a company decides to drastically (I consider 15-25% pretty hefty) alter their prices, and there is no more product being offered for the price tag, (IE. better products, more service, more technology) it has the ability to ruin a company. Let's take Roger @ KW for example. I would bet he is in the top 10 BM dealers nationwide, if not much higher. What do you think this has done to him? Care to stab a guess? I'll bet it isn't good. So go right ahead and justify all you would like, I am sure it will be an excercise in futility.

4. I find it pretty bold, that you openly assume that I am in a "slather". When I said I don't care, that's exactly what I meant. Maybe that is tough to understand, but it's true. I will sell my stuff tomorrow, and buy a load of Spyderco's, just like I sold everything else, and bought all Benchmades not too far back. Read the beginning of this thread, and you will see me having said that.

5. As for the lessons that you need to learn, it really matters none to me if you learn them or not. In point of fact, you devolved so much by the end of your post, that you went into a full fledged strawman argument, by saying "what good would it do for them to answer anything. And while they are at it, why don't they just show us all their dealer wholesale info". What good would it do? I'll tell you. It would make people understand what in name of all that is holy, BM is thinking, rather than somebody in here ineffectively attempting to spoon feed a bunch of people garbage, and hoping they eat it. And what would them showing us their dealer prices have to do with anything?

6. Would you rather me call you man? Would you rather me tell you what to buy? I think you are really reaching hard, assuming how I treat anybody for that matter.

Hopefully this clears up some of your misunderstanding. Not only with me, but also concerning how economics work, and what effect business decisions can have on a company.

 

[Kyle78]

Looks like benchmades intended effect is working, I was in my local brick and mortar store yesterday, they have always given a small discount of around 15%, and it looks like they are now the cheapest place for me to find bm knives.

 

[southernknives]

Looks like benchmades intended effect is working, I was in my local brick and mortar store yesterday, they have always given a small discount of around 15%, and it looks like they are now the cheapest place for me to find bm knives.

A company as large as Benchmade doesn't make decisions like this to loose money. This won't be their undoing. I can imagine a few years in the future record profits for them.

 

[Wolverine666]

I find this all very confusing. There are so many opinions as to what BM's real game plan is here.

I will continue to buy BM's regularly. I like their knives. But if the price of say a D2 710 suddenly jumps to near $200 then I'll reconsider my position.

 

[L2bravo]

A company as large as Benchmade doesn't make decisions like this to loose money. This won't be their undoing. I can imagine a few years in the future record profits for them.

Bud, sorry, but that is not remotely close to a realistic statement. You think big companies don't **** up? Really? Ever hear of Enron? What makes a company good, is the ability to recover fast, from when you do make mistakes, and then never making them again. Them being able to pretty much always be able to make "money making decisions" though, is not reality.

 

[N8N]

Enron was sleazy from the get go. A good example would be GM, I don't think they ever intended to do anything other than build cars and make money, but they badly misjudged the market and went tango uniform.

 

[southernknives]

Bud, sorry, but that is not remotely close to a realistic statement. You think big companies don't **** up? Really? Ever hear of Enron? What makes a company good, is the ability to recover fast, from when you do make mistakes, and then never making them again. Them being able to pretty much always be able to make "money making decisions" though, is not reality.

Actually had a dozen huge corporations in mind when I wrote my last post.
Benchmade isn't big or small enough to take a major hit and survive. This is well thought through. I stand by this.:thumbup:

 

[southernknives]

Double tap.

 

[ToolDiva]

Bushido, I agree with you completely, and without argument. What is stupid, is when somebody rolls up, and almost alludes to the fact that they work there, or at least pretends to have all these inside loops of info. You know what? Go right ahead, and don't tell me anything, you'll see what I'll do. And not only will I do it, but I bet you I'm not alone either.

JKARP, you are truly a peacemaker. Sorry pal, they just seem to want to make some pretty big statements. That's okay too, we'll see how it works.

How did I "almost allude" to working for Benchmade or pretend to have all these inside loops?

Elisabeth

 

[dogboye]

Last nail in the coffin for Benchmade's economy lines? I don't see anyone shelling out $100 for a Gripitilian or $85 for a mini-grip. Time to let the market do its magic here. All we can do is wait and see if hurting the larger online retailers to save the guys charging full MSRP is going to be a viable business strategy. To bad, I really did like some of Benchmades knives.

This. I saw Benchmade knives long, LONG ago at stores and fleamarkets. The only one I bought I bought used, I think, back when they were Pacific Cutlery and I could afford it. When they went upscale, I never bought them at stores because they were too expensive. I bought things like Buck, Case, even Spyderco plastic knives, because they were cheaper. I eventually found online retailers, that made Benchmade inexpensive enough that I could (would) afford them, and I bought about a ton. I believe anyone new to knives is going to take a similar path, and Benchmade is going to lose sales, both at B&M shops, and online retailers. They filled the upper end of a niche, and by increasing all sales to MSRP, they have priced themselves out of that niche. They just aren't worth that much. The market will do its work. Meanwhile, there are plenty of other brands out there still that I'll buy. It is unfortunate that this happened just before I was about to buy a couple different Grips. But it isn't like I need them.