Could Glock make/sell a top performing large Bowie for $59.99?

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SanLuisObispo

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Could Glock make/sell a top-performing large Bowie that would sell at retail for $59.99/unit (or less), while realizing a profit margin similar to their classic Feldmesser 78 and 81 field knives, which often sell for $29.99/unit?

More specifically could Glock produce/sell a Bowie (with sheath) roughly the size of a Randall 9" Sportsman's Bowie (made in Austria), using the same materials/heat treat/level of finish Glock already uses on their field knives at a cost that would allow it to be sold at retail for $59.99 (or less) with profit margins similar to what they realize now in the sales of their field knives?

Like their field knives, there would be next to no promotional expenses, and the knives would get to ride on the sales channel already wrought for the sales and distribution of their handguns.
 
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SanLuisObispo said:
Could Glock make/sell a top-performing large Bowie that would sell at retail for $59.99/unit (or less), while realizing a profit margin similar to their classic Feldmesser 78 and 81 field knives, which often sell for $29.99/unit?

More specifically could Glock produce/sell a Bowie (with sheath) roughly the size of a Randall 9" Sportsman's Bowie (made in Austria), using the same materials/heat treat/level of finish Glock already uses on their field knives at a cost that would allow it to be sold at retail for $59.99 (or less) with profit margins similar to what they realize now in the sales of their field knives?

Like their field knives, there would be next to no promotional expenses, and the knives would get to ride on the sales channel already wrought for the sales and distribution of their handguns.
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In order to answer we would need to know what their profit margins are now. Can you please supply us that info?
 
Glock is able to sell those field knives for so cheap in part because of government subsidies. I do not believe there are subsidies available for the type of knife you have described.
 
greatscoot said:
In order to answer we would need to know what their profit margins are now. Can you please supply us that info?
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I don't know what Glock's profit margin is on their knives? One wouldn't need to know them either, to estimate what I'm asking.

We know the Feldmesser 78 and 81 are often offered at retail for $29.95. Not too long ago it was $24.95, but I don't see that pricing anymore. Also, as stated, like their field knives, Glock would spend next to nothing on promotion, and it would use their existing sales channel.

That would mean estimating the additional materials costs -- much more metal, more metal finishing chemicals, and more handwork grinding the edge. Could the same handle be used? Plus the amortization of any design costs (negligible I would guess) and tooling costs (forging dies and perhaps an injection mold for a new handle if necessary.)

There really isn't any great economies of scale factor on this one. If anything, it would increase Glock's use of polymer and steel, giving them increased raw material buying power for all 3 knives.
 
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SanLuisObispo said:
Could Glock make/sell a top-performing large Bowie that would sell at retail for $59.99/unit (or less), while realizing a profit margin similar to their classic Feldmesser 78 and 81 field knives, which often sell for $29.99/unit?

More specifically could Glock produce/sell a Bowie (with sheath) roughly the size of a Randall 9" Sportsman's Bowie (made in Austria), using the same materials/heat treat/level of finish Glock already uses on their field knives at a cost that would allow it to be sold at retail for $59.99 (or less) with profit margins similar to what they realize now in the sales of their field knives?

Like their field knives, there would be next to no promotional expenses, and the knives would get to ride on the sales channel already wrought for the sales and distribution of their handguns.
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You have the insider information needed to factually discuss this? Close thread if not...
 
SanLuisObispo said:
I don't know what Glock's profit margin is on their knives? One wouldn't need to know them either, to estimate what I'm asking.

We know the Feldmesser 78 and 81 are often offered at retail for $29.95. Not too long ago it was $24.95, but I don't see that pricing anymore. Also, as stated, like their field knives, Glock would spend next to nothing on promotion, and it would use their existing sales channel.

That would mean estimating the additional materials costs -- much more metal, more metal finishing chemicals, and more handwork grinding the edge. Could the same handle be used? Plus the amortization of any design costs (negligible I would guess) and tooling costs (forging dies and perhaps an injection mold for a new handle if necessary.)

There really isn't any great economies of scale factor on this one. If anything, it would increase Glock's use of polymer and steel, giving them increased raw material buying power for all 3 knives.
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Seems like you already have an answer in mind, so why not just share with us?
 
Danke42 said:
The ol' Government knife subsidy. Used that many times myself to build my knife collection.
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I'm not sure how that applies here? I suppose there were some development costs for the field knives -- I know Glock worked with the Austrian Army on the project, and any Glock Bowie program would benefit from materials/processing knowledge gained, but the actual design of a Glock Bowie knife? Let's just say there is plenty of existing data on the subject, so I would guess the development could be be fairly trivial?

Anyway, I really am curious what a excellent large Bowie could be sold for in huge volumes, if it didn't need to be promoted/hyped?
 
Some variables in this equation matter:

SanLuisObispo said:
Could Glock make/sell a top-performing large Bowie
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This is very subjective. I doubt we would agree on what "top-performing" means.

SanLuisObispo said:
a profit margin similar to their classic Feldmesser 78 and 81 field knives
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You'll need to know what this is or the question isn't answerable...
 
SanLuisObispo said:
I'm not sure how that applies here? I suppose there were some development costs for the field knives -- I know Glock worked with the Austrian Army on the project, and any Glock Bowie program would benefit from materials/processing knowledge gained, but the actual design of a Glock Bowie knife? Let's just say there is plenty of existing data on the subject, so I would guess the development could be be fairly trivial?

Anyway, I really am curious what a excellent large Bowie could be sold for in huge volumes, if it didn't need to be promoted/hyped?
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That would be a government contact, it goes to the lowest bidder and is not subsidized.

Glad we could clear that up for you.
 
Cold Steel already has this in the market. It's $70, made in Taiwan, and called the Marauder. Not sure how well it sells but it does have almost 0 marketing and is a pretty good performing knife. Move down to 55rc carbon steel and give it a cheap coating and it's probably doable at $60 but who knows. The all in cost on the glock field knife is probably like $2-3, manufactured goods mark-up is often 5x-7x cost.
 
craytab said:
Why? You don't think they can get a D3v Bowie together for around 60 bones?
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A D3V bowie with a very high, thin, flat, polished grind, an expertly-sculpted handle, rock-solid guard construction, near zero edge, substantial distal thickness taper, and Peter's HT? 60 buck, no problem! :D
 
Mecha said:
A D3V bowie with a very high, thin, flat, polished grind, an expertly-sculpted handle, rock-solid guard construction, near zero edge, substantial distal thickness taper, and Peter's HT? 60 buck, no problem! :D
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Seconds!
 
Danke42 said:
That would be a government contact, it goes to the lowest bidder and is not subsidized.

Glad we could clear that up for you.
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The fact that Glock builds their field knives for both commercial and mil customers has absolutely nothing to do with this thread. Hope you're able to understand that.
 
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