Overpriced fixed blades?

[RubiconSS]

Not sure if actual "facts" matter in this discussion but as it relates to RHK's I believe it is important to point out that there is a marked difference in "list price" of an item and "selling or re-sale price".
One should not be judged interchangeably with the other.
Also, as for the price of anything as it relates to its perceived or real value is highly subjective. Measuring ones wallet is much more objective.
Gauging wants -vs- needs, desire -vs- necessity..... again an exercise in balance.
For those who have translated fantasy into reality by actually starting their own business..... You know the costs associated, the risk and the reward.
Staying small has its own costs/benefits as well.
I say, what someone spends their own hard earned money on is their business especially when it occupies the "hobby realm".
We (some) work hard and if indulging ones passions make us "feel" a little better about the sacrifices we make then - who are any of us to judge.
As for stating the obvious? If we didn't I wonder what internet forums post counts would look like? 2 maybe 3..
So to that end, what something "costs" is it worth it or not as it relates to the next 10 items that sort of do the same thing, cost of raw materials, warranty, staff, machines needed to do it the way you do it -vs- another way.
There is a lot that goes into pricing and bringing an item to market.

Have Fun.

 

[DAVE_M]

Supply and Demand + Production vs. Small Batch/Mid-Tech vs. Custom

I bought a custom a few weeks ago and it cost me 20x more than the Mora Clipper I just bought Friday. They both do the same thing, but they are completely different.

Guys, everyone knows about supply and demand, you don't have to keep repeating it ad nauseum. Moreover, it's not a good answer to his question.

Fine, I will only speak from my experience with the current fixed blades that I own.

This little fixed blade neck knife is a small batch production knife made from O1 steel with G10 handle slabs that are bolted on. It comes with a Kydex sheath and 550 cord. It is ordered by contacting the maker and discussing exactly what colors you want and how you want the handle slabs made.

This next fixed blade is what I consider a custom. It is made from Cryo Treated S35VN with pinned G10 handles and red liners. It comes with a very nice kydex sheath for IWB carry and also came with 550 cord. It is ordered by contacting the maker, discussing the design, choosing the materials, choosing the blade grind, and choosing alterations to the design. It can be customized to fit your wants and needs.

Some of the knives that the OP is questioning, are overpriced, because of the name. Plain and simple. However, those same makers WILL make a custom knife for you in the same price range. So, why should they charge significantly less for a handmade knife, when it takes just as much time as a custom? It truly is all about supply and demand. There are other factors that account for the price and availability, but it really just boils down to S&D.

 

[knife117]

If I'm using a fixed blade, it's because I'm seriously beating the crap out of it, and I need the extra durability that a fixed blade offers. Most of ESEE's lineup is what I prefer. The ESEE3 and ESEE6 are always with me for outdoor heavy use stuff.

I agree about Medford being ridiculous with their prices, especially since they use D2. This Medford made me LOL:

 

[22-rimfire]

I see a lot of fixed blades as being over priced for me. I find Bark River fixed blades to be very appealing and I use their pricing as the max for mid level factory fixed blades. Their handles save them from my considering them way overpriced. Strider... forget it.

Beyond the basics of a practical cutting tool with reasonable steel, everything else is just personal preference.

 

[RX-79G]

I'm sure PT Barnum would have loved to be in the knife business.

You can pay whatever you want for what you want, but a machine ground $500 D2 knife pushes the bounds of common sense. Some people like to buy the best - but they really have no idea what "best" is, so they just buy the most expensive.

 

[DAVE_M]

My fiancée's ring cost me roughly $5,000 and that's only because she saw a 1 carat ring and said it was huge and ugly. That's $5,000 for a rock. That rock has no value, to me, other than what someone would pay for it. It's a symbol and she thinks it's pretty. That's all that matters. So if I want to walk around with a $500 ugly fixed blade, then it's justified, because I want it.

 

[R.c.s]

The one I don't understand is rockstead . I was looking at the Don when I notist the price and nearly fell of my chair . 2591.95 GBP . who would spend that much on a knife . may be if it was antique and had a good story behind it or a one of a kind . but no this is a production knife . is this just me being a cheap skate

 

[RX-79G]

My fiancée's ring cost me roughly $5,000 and that's only because she saw a 1 carat ring and said it was huge and ugly. That's $5,000 for a rock. That rock has no value, to me, other than what someone would pay for it. It's a symbol and she thinks it's pretty. That's all that matters. So if I want to walk around with a $500 ugly fixed blade, then it's justified, because I want it.

I hear you. But it is more like she got a $20,000 rock that is identical to all the $5000 rocks.

 

[sideways]

My fiancée's ring cost me roughly $5,000 and that's only because she saw a 1 carat ring and said it was huge and ugly. That's $5,000 for a rock. That rock has no value, to me, other than what someone would pay for it. It's a symbol and she thinks it's pretty. That's all that matters. So if I want to walk around with a $500 ugly fixed blade, then it's justified, because I want it.

I'm getting a bit off topic and it has nothing to do with knives but those who have recently purchased rings or are soon to be purchasing rings might get a kick out of this article. A look behind the scenes at the diamond business.
http://priceonomics.com/post/45768546804/diamonds-are-bullshit

The wedding industry built around the ceremony itself and honeymoon aren't great either... and don't get me started on the death industry.

Back to the knives... well, there are many flavors of crazy.