I still think GEC ought to make a budget line

mnblade

mnblade

Joined
Feb 7, 2000
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I was reading this review of Leatherman's new Sidekick and Wingman multi-tools. The review says that they are "described as 'entry-level' tools that are aimed at first-time multi-tool buyers and current users looking for a high quality backup at a good price."

It continues ... "Leatherman knew exactly what they were doing when they designed the Sidekick and Wingman tools. ... Once the target audience, first-time multi-tool buyers and those upgrading from generic import models, get a taste for Leatherman quality, they’re definitely going to be hankering for more."

I think GEC ought to go the same route, launching a line of simple delrin-handled knives in the <$50 range. I'm just talking about 2 or 3 of the more common patterns, along the lines of the 72 mini lockback and a mini trapper and trapper. The idea isn't to create the next Old Timer and sell tens of thousands every year to guys all over the U.S. Instead, the idea would be to lure in a smaller but very loyal customer base that would likely be as susceptible to GEC addiction as most of you guys here are. :)

Just food for thought in case GEC guys ever read this stuff.

-- Mark
 
I just don't agree with you on this one Mark. GEC is not having any problems selling the knives they are making now. You have to really look but there are still some GEC knives available in the 50/60 dollar range. Anything with stag from GEC is beginning to reach the outrageous price range for a production knife. I have no problem with a delrin handled knife -- just look at all the yellow delrin handled Case knives I have. And, I'm not so sure delrin handles would be cheaper on a GEC knife than bone handles in some cases.

I'm waiting for GEC to come out with a sodbuster type knife. One of those with delrin handles would be great but I'd bet GEC could put bone handles on one for the same price point.
 
Modoc ED said:
GEC is not having any problems selling the knives they are making now.
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You have a point, there.

Modoc ED said:
I'm not so sure delrin handles would be cheaper on a GEC knife than bone handles in some cases.
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Nothing sets the price on a given item other than the person selling it. They could opt to sell a budget line at or below cost for the reasons I mention above. Doesn't matter, though. I don't think it'll happen.

-- Mark
 
I was going to purchase a GEC acrylic model this last time, but while they're pretty handles I prefer bone at that price point!
 
One question that is not asked is whether GEC, given the way it makes its knives can make a budget line. I will be the first to admit that I know next to nothing about making a knife. But, from what I have seen, there is an awful lot of handwork that goes into each knife. Given that and the cost of materials, can it even be done with GEC making a reasonable return on its investment? I mean you have the cost of materials, the manpower, the overhead, the expenses (shipping, etc.), and the distributors costs (with built in shipping). It seems its asking an awful lot to put out such a product.

Now, I know Queen has a budget delrin line with 1095 blades (a single blade trapper, canoe, and stockman), but I have not see the quality of these knives. These knives are in the $35-45 price range. Is Queen giving you a workable edge and taking care of gaps on the liner?

Would a GEC budget brand have GEC quality, and if it didn't would it be GEC?
 
Well, a 50 or 60 $ modell doesn´t seem to cost that much for the most guys here in Europe/Germany. We have some guys here from the Netherlands, so they would agree that a Case Stockmann cost around 70 &#8364;. For GEC or a Queen you´ll have to pay about 100 to 120 &#8364; per knife. A low-buget-line would make it more interessting to order on of theese knives.
The other prize ranges are not going to be bought, imo. For a GEC or a Queen paying more than about 100 &#8364; is much to expensive.

So a line with a lower budget would be cool, getting such a kind of great craftmanship.

Kind regards
Andi
 
I think GEC should keep doing exactly what it has been doing. If it ain't broke don't fix it. People will always appreicate quality.
There are plenty of options for every budget already. I just traded for a RR but a GEC it ain't.
 
mnblade said:
I think GEC ought to go the same route, launching a line of simple delrin-handled knives in the <$50 range.

-- Mark
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I don't think they would save enough money in changing the scale material to bring the cost down to where it is worth while to them or to the market.

Most of the cost of a knife is in the labor of precision machining and fitting, not the cost of the raw materials.
 
After starting out myself with some of the more budget brands, I ended up developing a hankering for GEC...
I think they are doing it right already.

pete
 
I have to agree with a lot of what is said here. I have had many discussions with Bill (GEC) about an economy line. They really want to do something along this line. But their main problem is they just can't bring themselves to put out a knife they aren't proud of (fit/finish) at any price point. They genuinely want every knife to be looked at in 30 years as a piece of American craftsmanship, from an era when examples were waning. And standard handle materials (acrylic, bone, wood) are really not a cost issue; because they are very close in price and labor. Even thought the acrylic and wood may not cost as much the finish times increase.

The closest thing would be making very large runs of identical knives with a little less of the time consuming cosmetic aspects. But even at that to make something like a sodbuster, the pricing would be 25% less than a standard spay scout. And I just don't know that a significant number of customers would choose a $45 economy sodbuster when a spay scout is in the $60 price range. Many would say that $15 sounds like a great deal, but I just think when they got to looking at them side by side they would have to go with the higher end knife (at least I always justify that choice to myself, but I'm weak).

So, I think it is a great idea. But when trying to figure out how to actually accomplish the project, making it come out on paper gets somewhat complicated.
 
knifeswapper said:
I have to agree with a lot of what is said here. I have had many discussions with Bill (GEC) about an economy line. They really want to do something along this line. But their main problem is they just can't bring themselves to put out a knife they aren't proud of (fit/finish) at any price point. They genuinely want every knife to be looked at in 30 years as a piece of American craftsmanship, from an era when examples were waning. And standard handle materials (acrylic, bone, wood) are really not a cost issue; because they are very close in price and labor. Even thought the acrylic and wood may not cost as much the finish times increase.

The closest thing would be making very large runs of identical knives with a little less of the time consuming cosmetic aspects. But even at that to make something like a sodbuster, the pricing would be 25% less than a standard spay scout. And I just don't know that a significant number of customers would choose a $45 economy sodbuster when a spay scout is in the $60 price range. Many would say that $15 sounds like a great deal, but I just think when they got to looking at them side by side they would have to go with the higher end knife (at least I always justify that choice to myself, but I'm weak).

So, I think it is a great idea. But when trying to figure out how to actually accomplish the project, making it come out on paper gets somewhat complicated.
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I like how you put everything that you said. I agree.
 
Not sure if you would lke to see GEC making a cheap line, or rather you would like to see GEC making their line cheap :D
Just kidding...
I have absolutely no idea about how you run a knifemaking factory.
I haven't bought my first GEC yet but it's just a matter of time before my #56 gets in my hands.
As a (potential) customer, I think GEC is doing an awesome job with their line. They make quality products, invest in design, and have their market target. Not a "low" target, but nonetheless very clear. In a word, they know who they're selling to.
I think they really shouldn't change. The most recognized companies (clothes, cars and so on) have a kind of "factory target" (I could make lots of examples). GEC clearly want to sell to the "medium-to-high" section of knife buyers. And they seem to offer enough.
The reason why you like GEC now, is probably the same reason why you would not like their cheap line. You would feel the difference in quality and finish, and that would bring down their image as a company. And it seems they do want to stay high in the "ranks" of traditionals.
Just a personal opinion, of course...
Fausto
:cool:
 
I don't see the point in GEC having an economy line. There are plenty of other knives out there that cost less. People already have a choice.
 
mnblade said:
Nothing sets the price on a given item other than the person selling it. They could opt to sell a budget line at or below cost for the reasons I mention above. Doesn't matter, though. I don't think it'll happen.

-- Mark
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I disagree. Prices are set by what people are willing to pay for an item. If GEC priced their knives too hight and people weren't willing to pay for them, they would either go out of business or reduce their prices. So far, neither of those have happened. I don't think a drop in price would have much to do with the materials used in its manufacture (except for items like stag)...I think a lower price would reflect lower quality, which is something I'm sure GEC isn't willing to do. The difference between a derilin handle and a bone handle probably wouldn't be more than a few bucks.
 
popedandy said:
I don't see the point in GEC having an economy line. There are plenty of other knives out there that cost less. People already have a choice.
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Agreed!

I just picked up my first GEC. A #25 single bladed Jack for 62.00 shipped.
Pretty close to what you're asking for when ya concider the shipping.
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Personally I found it refreshing to actually see some craftsmanship for a change, and think the prices are actually pretty reasonable for what ya get.
I hope they don't change a thing.

Charlie
 
cnas122 said:
I disagree. Prices are set by what people are willing to pay for an item. If GEC priced their knives too hight and people weren't willing to pay for them, they would either go out of business or reduce their prices. So far, neither of those have happened. I don't think a drop in price would have much to do with the materials used in its manufacture (except for items like stag)...I think a lower price would reflect lower quality, which is something I'm sure GEC isn't willing to do. The difference between a derilin handle and a bone handle probably wouldn't be more than a few bucks.
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I agree with Campbell.

GEC is pricy, but they do have a fair number of knives under $75. Plus, their $100+ knives seem to go fairly quickly.

What I would love to see GEC make is an upper-end sodbuster with some nice stag.
 
What do y'all figure was Leatherman's reasoning or strategy in releasing the two models I mentioned in my first post?

-- Mark
 
mnblade said:
What do y'all figure was Leatherman's reasoning or strategy in releasing the two models I mentioned in my first post?

-- Mark
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Because if they only sold one model, a person would only buy one of their product. But if they sell 2 models, a person may buy 2 models because they are knife nuts like us. If GEC made just one knife pattern, would you buy 10 of them (shoot...some folks on here might). But if GEC made 10 patters, I think people would be more inclined to buy more than one knife because they are different. The reasoning is just as stated in the original post...when someone buys one, they may be included to buy the other. Hell guys....remember this is a business. Even if that business has owners/employees who looovvvveee making knives, it's still a business and they have to feed their families. Leatherman wouldn't have released 2 models if they didn't think it would make them more money.
 
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