I've become a steel snob!

Hi DGG,

Do you mean "a" marketing guy, or "our" marketing guy.

Our marketing guy is Joyce, whom many have met or communicated with.

Joyce will tell the public the truth about the features of that steel. She will generally get that info from me, experts she communicates with and the testing we do at Spyderco. (CATRA, Q-fog, etc).

While I cannot speak for her personal interests, I think she's savvy enough about steel that she would select the steel for the application. H-1 for water, etc.

I can't speak for other marketing guys. Some knife companies don't even list the steel they use in their catalogs. Some (like Spyderco) list steels and chemical elements as well as what those elemets do.

All steels look relatively the same, so if you're "selling" a more expensive steel, you have to educate your customer as to what they're paying for and why.

Most knife buyers know little about steel and purchase their knives on looks, thinking that "all steels are similar". Or in their case, not very important.

That small percentage of the market that does know there is a difference and pays attention to that difference are called "steel snobs". ;)

One of the beauties of the knife industry is that the customer base is so varied. There are many happy buyers enjoying everything from fantasy knives to Military, pocket slip-joints to mega folders, cheap to custom, 0-1 to CPM-125V.

As one stays involved in the knives, and learns about them, their tastes change.

sal
 
Hair said:
Sal, you own an Elise? You just sold a few more Spyderco knives! The Elise is one of my favorite cars, though I cannot afford one (I drive a Dodge SRT-4, which I absolutely love).

I was having trouble deciding on what I wanted next. A Spec Bump, a Military, or a nice slipjoint. Now I will get the Military.
Click to expand...
I love the Elise too. I own an Acura NSX, but really like the Elise and appreciate its handling capabilities.
 
Dodge SRT-4 - nothing to complain about.

I appreciate the NSX also. Watched that puppy from conception to delivery. High performance AND user friendly.

The Elise isn't really user friendly (not much there, just a Go-Kart with lights).

I sold my Honda S2K to get my Elise. Also a sweet ride.

sal
 
[All steels look relatively the same, so if you're "selling" a more expensive steel, you have to educate your customer as to what they're paying for and why.

Most knife buyers know little about steel and purchase their knives on looks, thinking that "all steels are similar". Or in their case, not very important.

That small percentage of the market that does know there is a difference and pays attention to that difference are called "steel snobs". ;]



These thoughts have been running through my mind since recently purchasing a Native at WM for under forty dollars.

I have been wondering ever since, just how many WM shoppers have gazed wistfully into the display case, and made their buying decision based solely on looks, not realizing what a great steel was in the Native, and what an incredible buy it is. Totally unaware it's the best of all of those on display, at an unbelievable price, and with an overall quality and attributes not reflected in the price.

Only a "steel snob" truly realizes what kind of deal this is for a quality knife with this high grade steel. After using my new WM Native for just a week now, I'll be returning to purchase several more to give as gifts for those unaware of the difference such quality steel makes in everyday use......

Treadwell
 
Thank you Treadell,

Although I will readily admit that the Steel snob market is qute small.

sal
 
Sal,

Three SALTS in transit, 2 SALT 1s, and 1 Pacific SALT, all PE & yellow, due to arrive mid-week. Being an avid striper fisherman, I'm excited about your new product!

Treadwell
 
The NSX is also one of my favorites. I think it is one of the best looking cars in the world. I got an NSX model for Christmas :D

The S2000 ain't half bad either! A friend of mine from high school bought one, but I haven't seen him in years.

I went with an SRT-4 (over a similarly priced sports car like a Miata) because I needed the extra seats and cargo space. But I am really into small sports cars like the Elise, S2000, and NSX. Of course those also cost a bit much for me, too. I really love the SRT-4, though. For the price, it is exactly what I wanted. If I could have spent more, I would have bought a WRX STi instead.
 
My first knife was one of those hollow-handled survival thingies. I bought it when I was like 8 from a flea market. I moved on to various throwing knives until I was given my first Spyderco at the age of 16. It was an original Endura and I loved it. It stayed with me for 8 years until someone stole it from me. I wish I could remember what kind of steel it was made from. Anyway, I won't buy anything less than 154CM/ATS-34 these days. I'm a BM-whore with Spyderco loyalties.

Shao
 
Good steel does nothing without good heat treating. Good heat treating does nothing without good edge geometry. Good edge geometry does nothing without proper grinding. Proper grinding does nothing for finish and polishing. Quality is in the combination of everything, not just in the hunk of steel something is made from....check out professional cutting competitions...most are won with blades made of simple carbon steels...no mystique, no ninja dust mixed in...just good old oil quenched steel pounded with a hammer...its all in the fabrication....

Not to say steel snobbery isnt fun...but very few people even use their knives enough to know the difference and fewer purchase knives having done research on geometry for their intended use. If they did, a lot more people would be carrying around convex edged knives...but thats just my dirty .02
 
I think becoming a steel snob is the natural progression in the life of a knife knut!!
 
Hi TikTock,

certainly what you say is true. :)

But, all the guys I know in the contests are ALL steel snobs. Their choice may be simple, but their reasons and conclusions are deep. I forge 52100. Love the stuff. Tht doesn't mean it's good for the general market which treats rust like a disease. :rolleyes:

sal
 
Sal,
Very true....I think if people learned how to properly care for a knife everything would be different...very very good point.

Good point on the steel snobs in cutting comps....they, i would say, are the truely informed snobs...who look at performance alone given equally perfect knife design.
 
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