The biggest difference between the Striders/CRKs and the 0560/0561 is price. For those who are willing to remain patient, the price of the 0560/0561 will eventually fall to MAAP ($260.00). For those who aren't, I dare say they'd be better off buying a Strider or CRK than paying $400 plus for an 0560/0561. Don't get me wrong. ZT makes great knives. But Striders and CRKs are in a different league than ZTs if for no other reason than their projected market value. Spend $400 on a Strider or CRK today and it will be worth $400 tomorrow. Spend $400 on an 0560/0561 today and it will be worth $260.00 tomorrow. For some folks, projected market value isn't an important consideration in making their purchase decisions. (And more power to them, I say!) But for me, it is.
I've been harping on this perspective for a while now, and will again give it here.
As enthusiasts there are a few ways to look at this genre of knives. There is the big industry picture, and the individualistic picture. While neither are wrong or bad, I just feel to give the flip side of story when the individualistic point of view is posted.
When making market value comparisons all facts have to be presented so to give a clear and accurate picture. As you say bld522, the market value with CRK's and Striders vs. ZT's needs to be considered. Not everyone uses these knives for their intended purposes, and secondary value is important. In this case, Striders and CRK's should hold their value better.
The counter to the above which puts ZT on a completely different planet than these other two manufacturers are the extreme differences with the programs, discounts, and volume that are available from each brand.
One could say that the initial price you pay on a ZT is outrageously inexpensive in comparison due to our ability to have all that the other two brands have with regards to materials, spec's, and yes even tolerances. The kicker is that dealers and even distributors can actually make real money on the product. There are no small margin deals on ZT as with the others. There's full margin to be had, and even wholesalers have the ability to profit on the line. This is a very uncommon occurrence with knives in this industry genre.
This is important for a variety of reasons, firstly it assists dealers and distributors with financial support that aids in their future. This channel of product hasn't ever had much to offer when it come to that type of support.
Availability additionally increases as the number of outlets are greatly enhanced. It's important to us that consumers, lot's of consumers, have the ability to purchase this type product somewhat regularly. They don't just have to be bought on the secondary market.
Could we go direct? Have minimal dealer margins available? Yes and yes, but we're looking at this genre of knives in a different way, a bigger way. Right or wrong it's important to us that we push more volume and discounts than we normally see with this type knife in it's price point, and not max out profit for ourselves.
In the end distributors, dealers, and ultimately you the consumer can financially benefit from the experience of the brand Zero Tolerance.
