Factory slip joint prices

I got into customs because I was already paying custom prices for some production knives. You get much better fit and finish. I still like production knives, but my main focus has shifted.
 
SFO's aside, what I took from factory tours at GEC was that their profit margin per unit was not as much as you would suspect. Taking into consideration for USA materials, time and professional labor, I don't believe they are getting rich in the knife manufacturing business.
 
^^^ This makes sense to me. I would not expect they are making huge margins when I look at the prices opposite materials, craftsmanship and quality. Given that, I believe working capital and demand for variety of styles is what keeps the run sizes smaller. And that's ok by me, otherwise there'd be no GEC. I want these brands to grow and be profitable. But I'd never want to see these brands go to big retail/volume.
-Rex
 
So I can assure you, there is no OPEC stuff going on. GEC and Queen are putting out knives as fast as they can.

Honestly (and I know I am a dealer, so you can call BS if you want), I find it hard to believe they are priced as low as they are. Hear me out here.

Look at a baseline ZT0770 in Elmax. $180. It is mass produced by precision machines and then put together by skilled people in a matter of minutes using the precision parts. (I am fine with the price, by the way)

But a slipjoint is a whole lot of skill and finesse putting together roughed in parts and finishing by hand. There is as much art as engineering in them. And basic GECs are right around $90.

There is so much more labor in slipjoints than in a modern folder. And labor is one of the most costly parts of any business.

So, yeah, I get it that they are not cheap like a Rough Rider--or even a Buck, but they are not that expensive when you consider what it takes to bring one to market.
 
An interesting thread.:thumbup::thumbup:

My recent GEC Tidioute 38 Whittler in bone cost me about 92 USD plus postage and import duty to Europe. This was good value for a really nicely made 3 blade Traditional knife, it has no build issues or annoyances. Of course, with the Dollar roaring up in value against the Euro I've had to scale back on buying lately but I'd say IF the knife is well finished then that sort of price is reasonable from my position. However, many SFO knives from GEC are quickly sold out or bought in numbers by individuals with an eye to sell on at a large profit. Of course they are responding to 'demand' but most of this is fuelled by current fashion or trend in knife buying. A certain pattern is perceived as having prestige and becomes sought after, thing is, this is perilous and fickle, interest can and will wane and you will likely see a downward adjustment in prices within a year or two I'm sure. It's ironic and amusing that the humble Barlow, one of the more plebeian, robust but often crude knives of yore is now an expensive prized item. Sometimes sporting rare and luxurious handles... Somebody has got a lot of money out of this taste hype. A GEC 56 is around the same size as a Barlow or 15, made by the same company using identical materials and methods and yet it is not loved-currently - and its price is the same as when it left the factory, considerably less second hand. It's a Cinderella and untrendy but is a decent interesting knife that goes largely unnoticed, there are other examples too. These are factory knives at reasonable prices. In contrast, the current must haves that command, for now, prices close to Customs, are another matter indeed.

This is what I think the OP was musing over.

Regards, Will
 
I know I am not adding more value to this thread, since all the fine points have been discussed. However, I'd like to narrate my experience that started with modern folders, and is now hovering/settled on traditionals. In the initial days, I had quiet a few modern folders, and thought they were the best out there. Then there came a point where I realized the "cutting edge" does not require a lot of metal around it in all directions, and got my first traditional - Northwoods IRJ. "Oh, so this thing does the job with way less metal, and looks and feels as if it has been carefully hand assembled, rather than machine cut" was my initial thought. And truly, traditional slipjoints from GEC, and Northwoods indeed have the custom/handmade feel for a fraction of the price. Oh and add the "uniqueness" of character each knife has, and you'll soon feel good spending $100 on one. I have had fair share of the lower end of the rung, the sub-$20 traditionals, and there is absolutely no comparison between them and GEC or Northwood offerings.

Actually there should be a thread on "factory folder prices" rather than "factory slip-joint prices", which I think have shot through the roof for a machine cut, machine assembled, 100 knives per hour offering. :eek:
 
IMO GEC is one of the best value you can get right now. I bought my Northwoods Fremont (made by GEC) for $150 and it blows away anything else at that price point. Most everyone is fine paying $200 and up for a plain titanium framelock, even ones made overseas. GEC brings to the market the nicest American made traditional folders right now and if you expect to get that sort of quality for under $85 you are dreaming.
 
RexRazorX said:
I can't blame folks that take opportunity to make profit in resale.
Click to expand...

Who could? If the second market price is too high, no one will pay it. What defines too high? A price no one will pay. It seems like circular logic, but that's exactly how it works.

On the other hand, if the price seems high but people pay it, and willingly, and within five minutes of the sale post, then "too high" isn't a valid description, even if it applies to 90% of the market.
 
I've coon fingered some GECs, but really haven't been that impressed.

I can usually find a nice unused or barely used antique slipjoint for less money than a new GEC...

with a nice antique, I actually feel like I have something... plus the thrill of the hunt and all that
 
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