Collector number 68 checking in -
The only high cost is that upon joining, you have to buy all of the knives left over from the last person to have your number. In my case this was seven knives. If these are lightweights, not a really big deal, if they are custom collabs, get the credit card out!
Upon joining I got a Spyderench, Spydercard, Shabaria, Lum, JD Smith, Matriarch, and Ltwt Calypso Jr, all number 68. Think I'll have too hard a time getting rid of these should I so desire?
You get first dibs on the latest and greatest Spyders, with matching serial numbers. You are shipped a partially serrated Spyder if the variant exists, and have the opportunity to order additional knives in any other variant offered (the variants receive your serial number plus a "V").
The retail price level is the trade off for getting the newest Spyders, before the dealers even get theirs, with the matching serial numbers. It's just what the name says: a collector's club. If you're not a collector, then it does make sense to wait until they hit the stores, and buy them at a discounted price.
Like all those abundant Spyderenches, Lums, Starmates, and Shabarias that are around for a discount...
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AKTI Member #A000832
"That which does not kill me just postpones the inevitable."