Does it cost more to setup tooling for a metal handle or a zytel handle?

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uncleknife

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May 25, 2000
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Does it cost more to setup tooling for a metal handle or a zytel handle?

I ask because I have read how expensive it is to make the molding for a zytel handle.

I hope the next run of zdp-189 knives ( calypso jy or whatever) could have a metal handle, if it would be more cost effective.

I love the action on my Harpy, but love the grippability of the R2.

It also looks a lot nicer than the maroon zytel & feels more solid & strong.
 
The initial tooling cost for FRN is higher, and there is a practical minimum run size given how much it costs to just have a FRN injection molder turned on for a production run.

Tooling metal handles costs less, but the per unit price of the finished item is higher due to material and finishing costs.

I don't think we'll hear anything on additonal ZDP runs, new models with ZDP, or possible permanent upgrades of models to ZDP until both the Caly Jr and Delica have had their day in the market.

Don't forget that the whole point of using these two models was as a market test at the lowest possible price point.
 
SS handles are more expensive, that's why the FRN Delica has a VG-10 blade, and the SS one has AUS6, to keep the price comparable.
OTOH, the updated SS models will come with VG-10 blades as well :D
 
Thing is, the R2, due to its trusswork design is one of the rare metal handles that offers good traction. Since the tooling for that already exists, it would make the best candidate for future metal handled ZDP offering, if one is ever considered. Imagine the feedback from the Calypso Jr and Delica projects will have a large bearing on whether there will ever be another. Seems like there are a few other interesting steels out there too, so it also becomes a question of which will sell better, yet another ZDP offering, or some new exotic, perhaps CPM125.
 
Thanks for all the replies, I was wondering, because I want to PERSONALY have them swapped out by a 3rd party vendor.
As a custom job, not waiting for spyderco.
 
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