how does these knives get priced?

[qqfob]

... just wondering why a ZT300 costs $295(msrp). Lets compare it to say, a Tyrade for $249 which has as much, if not more, and on top of it all, is limited in production.

... just wondering...

 

[spiralarchitect]

... just wondering why a ZT300 costs $295(msrp). Lets compare it to say, a Tyrade for $249 which has as much, if not more, and on top of it all, is limited in production.

... just wondering...

You will find that materials costs are less significant than alot of other factors. You have labor costs, machining costs, licensing costs. I am sure a big factor on the ZT300 series is fact that you have Ken Onion, Strider Knives and Hinderer Knives all three involved in the knife. The patents aren't free and (I'm assuming here) have a per unit cost associated with them. Finally, pricing reflects where you think your product belongs in the market. If you offer a premium product (ZT in this example) you have to price it right (relative to other brands) to reflect the quality of the product.

I am sure Thomas will chime in on this at some point, but, I thought I'd throw in my 2cents.:thumbup:

 

[riffraff]

Agreed. I know people who wouldn't buy the 0300 if it was priced at $100. Perceived value, I believe it's called. Much in the same way some people shy away from Linux because it's sometimes offered free of charge (and therefor "can't be worth anything.")

 

[Thomas W]

... just wondering why a ZT300 costs $295(msrp). Lets compare it to say, a Tyrade for $249 which has as much, if not more, and on top of it all, is limited in production.

Actually the Tyrade has a MSRP of $350 vs. the $295 ticket for the ZT 0301. I think what your seeing is street price, and that's where the difference is between Kershaw and ZT. ZT has a strict MAP policy in place, where as Kershaw products do not.

Hope that helps.