Factory slip joint prices

glocktenman

glocktenman

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I recall when I began getting into knives, I would scoff at a $30 knife. After learning more about them and the challenge it is to make them on the custom level I don't blink when looking at knives that cost several hundreds of dollars.
Well, now I'm moving backward on some of the factory knives I've recently seen on the market.

Without discussing dealers or individuals, I've noticed several styles of knives priced just way too high in my opinion. I've seen GEC 15s of varying styles (- TC Barlow - Soup Bone?) single blades and double blades; GEC 85s of varying styles but specifically the EO single blades and Northwoods Fremonts and IRJs single blades that have been anywhere from the low end of $125 (I bought this one!!) to as high as $270. I have nothing against any of these knives (have several) and they're all quality products and well made in most all cases but they're factory made knives, the're not handmade customs.

The prices I've seen are poaching on the lower end of custom slip joint prices.

So, is the driving point of these prices simply supply - demand. It's like there's a knife "OPEC" setting the volume on runs of specific knives! (Sorry, lost my mind a bit) IE: Makers doing lower volume runs of specific knives and then letting the private owner market drive the prices higher because the knives are desired and although not a limited edition they are short in numbers made. The makers do another run of those same knives with some variations and they're even more desired at the makers prices. They sell all again and the cycle continues until......

Maybe we're (knife lovers) just conditioned to pay a little more for what we want or know to be a quality product. I know I've changed over just a few years time in regards to custom knife prices.

I understand people are in business to make money and individuals often buy things to turn profit on the item when the demand is there.

Some of the prices just seem too high to me for a factory knife. So, what's with some of these prices?
 
I don't understand the prices for the GEC, Canal Street, or even some of the Case knives, either.
I've been spending my money on Rough Rider, Colt, Buck, and new made Schrade knives.
 
It looks like you're talking secondary market? When it comes to short run items, the secondary market will generate some very high prices for popular items. Simple supply and demand.
 
Agreed with Buzzbait - the initial prices may be reasonable if you get in on the SFOs, but the resale market tends to run the prices up. GEC has become "hot" recently and if there are people willing to pay, then the market will dictate the prices.
 
Prices are determined by the buyer. If a knife on the exchange is priced too high, no one buys it and the seller usually lowers it until someone believes it's worth the price. Anyone can ask what they want for their knife but that doesn't mean that's what it's worth.
 
It's called Capitalism. If folks won't pay the price, it goes down. i f they are willing to pay more, it goes up. You decide what the price is for you.
 
It might rub you the wrong way sometimes especially if it's something you've been hunting but it's supply and market demand/how much it's worth to you. I've spent far more than factory pricing on a knife but had to justify using it by selling two others in it's place. With the Scouts that recently came out. The price for ones that I've hunted over before this recent run came to light was far more than what I imagine dealers will be selling them for. It's really all up in the air for the patterns that were produced long ago until a new run comes through.
 
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Naturally, everybody would like the best deal possible. But with some traditional models, I do feel that they seem to be priced pretty high in comparison to modern folders with similar components. I attribute some if this though to what I'm assuming is the lower production run of the traditional, and likely a smaller target audience.

What I would like, on these SFO runs for instance, offer a more budget friendly version with walnut scales or something like that rather than just all featuring more exotic materials. I think some models appeal to guys but get turned off that it's only in mammoth or something. The more exotic materials are more for collectors I think as opposed to users who would be hesitant to carry such a higher priced knife with the fancy scales.

If all that makes sense. ;)
 
I draw the price for a factory slippie at a saw buck.. CASE prices are way out of line in my book since the Zippo dude took over!! Crap QC!! GEC is top in my book.. John
 
Buzzbait said:
It looks like you're talking secondary market? When it comes to short run items, the secondary market will generate some very high prices for popular items. Simple supply and demand.
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This.

It all depends on how much you want it. In they case of Charlows I think they are priced right at their original prices. But then again I'm just an accumulator of using knives, I'm no collector. I'm not trying to complete a set, so I'm not willing to pay the increased prices the secondary market demands.

I guess I don't want it bad enough.
 
The "Traditional Folders and Fixed Blade" sub-forum is a non-commercial forum. Discussions on pricing should be conducted elsewhere. I'm moving this to Feedback.
 
I believe the extreme prices are due to supply and perceived exclusivity. The high end brands are becoming a veblen good. I don't seeing anything wrong with it - just the laws of free trade. If you want the exclusive pattern & handle, you'll have to pay the exclusive price. I'm not sure how I feel about second market pricing. I you're a collector and enthusiast you'd want to preserve the brands and see everyone prosper - makers get their profit and more buyers are attracted. Personally I wouldn't put big markup on a resale - I'd rather see more people enjoy this hobby and pass it on. I can't blame folks that take opportunity to make profit in resale.

Regarding supply control by manufacturers, that only make goods sense to me. Don't rule out working capital and planning constraints. I'd say these are probably the more likely drivers, not price control. However, a good company will controls its brand and make sure the right is charged - not always the lowest price. Trading margins for volume is a slippery slope - a game that put your directly at odds with foreign competition. Better to differentiate yourself with better designs, creativity, quality.

Personally I like traditional knives for their link to my heritage and I collect them as heirlooms for kids and their grandchildren. The knives I buy for this purpose must have USA stamped on them, therefore I'll pay the premium as long as the quality is worth the value.

- Rex
 
Thanks I was curious myself after looking in the Traditionals, Slipjoints.... For Sale Forum. The Barlows (I think) going in the $125-175 range. I want one but I just don't see the value.
 
RevDevil said:
Good post Rex. :thumbup:
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Thanks. I've been fortunate to work 20+ years in American manufacturing. Sometimes it's difficult to understand price or value. I've seen both sides of the price and volume game. As a consumer I don't mind if someone makes a profit as long the price is fair.

braillediver said:
Thanks I was curious myself after looking in the Traditionals, Slipjoints.... For Sale Forum. The Barlows (I think) going in the $125-175 range. I want one but I just don't see the value.
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I'm with you. I just don't see the value for the barlows.
-Rex
 
afishhunter said:
I don't understand the prices for the GEC, Canal Street, or even some of the Case knives, either.
I've been spending my money on Rough Rider, Colt, Buck, and new made Schrade knives.
Click to expand...

I get a very mis-proportionate amount of use out of my "cheap" traditional knives. I am in no way a collector of knives, though my "accumulation" borders on the size of a smaller collection. One day when I have more time and money I will start collecting knives, and guns as well, but for now I buy users of both. For my particular needs I can in no way justify paying hundreds of dollars on a knife that cuts only marginally better even if it is gorgeous. So for me, used Schrades and Bucks, and new Schrades, Bucks, Rough Riders, and Colts work great. I like my US made knives, but Rough Rider and Colt are turning out some great knives, while Taylor/Schrade is only a little behind them.

All this being said, the prices I've seen for new GEC's seems very reasonable for what they are. Often less than $100 for a very attractive, high quality American made knife. While I definitely like paying $20-30 for a knife and using it for quite a long time, I am really starting to want a few higher end traditionals. Two in particular I'm liking the looks and price of from GEC are numbers 22 and 54. Will I be getting one of them this month? no. This year? probably. Saving an extra $40 instead of getting another knife isn't that hard, and I do see the value in a quality American made product. (This does exclude "special" offerings, I'd rather not pay $200 just because it has a certain serial number or is a limited run when I'm buying a user)

I'm a little torn on the subject really if you can't tell.. Both levels of knife are very nice for the price. I think what matters is just what you are willing to pay, and why. For now I'm sticking to my lower priced knives, while I take my time deciding which patterns I like the most from GEC. :thumbup:
 
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Well said, this is why there are so many different knife makers whether state side or over seas. Not everyone will be able to buy a new American made knife. I know many older collectors that buy only older knives and believe they were just made better. Some were and some weren't, just like today. In the end, each one of us has to decide what he or she wants to spend their money on. It's different for everyone. I'm a collector/user so I like finding a few of the harder to aquire knives sometimes but I don't try to collect every knife from that run, sometimes I get lucky but mostly I just get the ones I can find. Prices on the secondary market have certainly gone way up but the factories have kept their prices at a very reasonable point IMO.
 
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