Colors

[Bugs3x]

Sal -- for those of us who keep importuning you for various colored knives, could you please explain the process in changing from one FRN color to another? I'm sure that the molding system has to be cleaned of one color before another can be used. Is that just a big-time hassle, or is it relatively easy?

Thanks,

 

[Shmackey]

I hereby volunteer to clean the black stuff out to make room for more blue. I have a sponge and some Citra-Solv if that helps...

 

[Carlos]

I think that the inhibition on colour variations isn't any difficulty in producing them, but that additional colours means more SKU's competing for the limited space in dealer display cases and storerooms. More limited capital tied up in stock.

An example, the FRN C11 Delica (so not counting the steel handled models):

Black FRN Serrated
Black FRN 50/50
Black FRN Plainedge
Red FRN Trainer

That is already 4 stock-keeping-units. To add a blue Delica as a regular model would mean:

Black FRN Serrated
Black FRN 50/50
Black FRN Plainedge
Blue FRN Serrated
Blue FRN 50/50
Blue FRN Plainedge
Red FRN Trainer

That is now 7 SKUs. Any time you add another colour to this model you add another 3 SKUs.

An alternative example is the Lum Chinese folder, now in two SKUs, plain and serrated with green handle. A limited third SKU is being tried with another colour with plainedge only. If it sells well they might consider replacing the serrated green model (which may not be selling well) with a plainedge model of a different colour. That way you have two colours without increasing the number of SKUs.

The problem with a popular model like the Delica is that you can't give up any of the current variations to make room for new ones. To add 3 new SKUs here means you have to take them away from somewhere else in the line-up. Then there is still the question of whether the market wants the new colour variations to merit all of this juggling.

Additional colours is a business problem rather than a technical one.

 

[red mag]

Hi Carlos,

I see it that way: If I give a new handle-color a try start simple with a plain-edge-model. That adds only one SKU. If the color is a hit, then you can add the other blade-options.

Greetings
red

 

[Carlos]

But you'd still have to cancel one SKU from somewhere else in the lineup to make room for it. There are a number of clipits with only one SKU -- do you discontinue an entire model (with one SKU) to add a new variation of one that already has several SKU slots? This is part of the business problem.

 

[Bugs3x]

Carlos -- thanks for your responses. What you're saying makes a lot of sense to me for a B&M outfit, but since folders don't consume inordinate amounts of space, wouldn't think that would be much of a problem for most web sellers. Few of them seem to carry the entire line anyhow. I guess I'd like to know what sort of numbers/percentages of Spydie models the typical B&M carries, too.

It is interesting that you chose the Delica, apparently the biggest seller for Spdyerco year in and year out. If the sales figures would support more alternatives, including a profit level to compare against more expensive models, then so be it if another model has to bite the dust.

Not just in discussion here, but in the knife magazines also, there does seem to be a coming trend for colors other than the basic black. In establishing or taking advantage of trends, some have to be leaders, others followers -- many of which are likely to be too late to benefit.

I do understand that Spyderco already has more SKUs than most other manufacturers. So that may indeed be a bigger problem for them, than for other manufacturers.

Still would like to know if your answer is wholly correct, or if the changing of colors for FRN handles is part of the problem.

 

[Mundele]

I too would like to see more colors introduced into the line. If some models aren't selling as expected (say, the Calypso Jr. lightweight) why not try producing them in another color, rather than discontinuing them altogether, or try another color as a one-time test run? It may be that colors become more popular than the black, and could turn around the sales for a particular model. I think that most ELU's (i.e. not us knife-knuts) buy knives for the way they look. They probably don't know much about steels or about blade grinds and they probably dont care. If, then, they are more concerned with looks, then give them something that looks different, and see if you can find something they like. Then, after they have bought and used the knife, they will appreciate it's quality and hopefully become knife-knuts too.


Just my 0.02.

--Matt

A disclaimer: I don't mean to sound overly critical of Spyderco. You guys produce GREAT knives, and you lead the industry with innovations. You take a lot of risks and we (the customers) benefit. Thanks!!

 

[Carlos]

Originally posted by Bugs3x
Still would like to know if your answer is wholly correct, or if the changing of colors for FRN handles is part of the problem.

I'll have to leave that one to Sal or someone else from Spyderco.

Regarding the new trend toward colour in the industry: I expect that at Spyderco we will see colours <b>replacing</b> black rather than being offered as an additional alternative. Some new models will come out with coloured handles <i>ab initio</i>, and never be offered in black at all.