I think what Tommieboy is refering to is the Imperial Tai Pan. It is selling at 1SKS for about $1,700.
If I had that kind of money I too would not spend it on CS. I'd go & buy a custom.
If anyone does truly want one of these knifes, they sell for about $700.00 through CS's Secial Projects.
I don't know what the explanation is for the substantial difference in price but it certainly does make you wonder.
As far as CS's prices go, I think that you will find that they are (IMHO) fair and there products (most of them) are very good.
I know that my post clears nothing up for you but I just had to throw in my .02.
--The Raptor--