regarding costs and values of JSP products

Joined
Jan 25, 2001
Messages
98
I just picked up and handled a v-gar mannrikkigarrote for the first time today and then after examining it, I gave it to a friend to look
at. I mentioned the price, and then stood back as said friend
proceeded to go into a frenzy over my "over payment". He rattled off
a whole list of criticisms of the system and finished with the comment
that I had paid for basically a piece of metal with a cheesy plastic cord that was overpriced if it was sold at half the price listed.
I didn't say anything to my friend, who actually does practice in the
martial arts and should have some sort of knowledge of the weapon systems the v-gar represents.
I am reminded of the idea that opinions are like a$$holes in that people have them, and they often smell, and it didn't cost anything to have.
Sure I could point out to my friend that the metal in the ring and the teardrop handle is titanium. The cord is actually wrapped steel cable. Granted, cordura is relativly cheap and easy to find, but not in such specialized fittings. (plastic shelves and racks are plentiful, but go to any plastic shop and ask them to make you one that has different dimensions from the ones they have on display and watch them
pile on the costs like labour, machine time, etc)
I could say that one of the most endearing things about it is the way it does blend in and look incredibly innocuous. ( Why yes, it IS an ususual necklace isn't it) And last but definitely not least, I could point out that someone had to come up with the idea in the first place! After all, any hack can copy the Mona Lisa, but how many could imagine it in the first place?
I showed a machinist the credit card blade. He said he could do it for a fraction of what I had paid. I said to break down the costs.
I said to remember to charge me for the metal, the time for the sharpening of the edge, the punching of the index hole and the clip hole, the construction of the clip,rounding of all the edges, and the
parkerizing. Then he had to find me a cordura wallet, kydex to line it with, and take time to actually line it. Lastly, he had to make a profit on the whole thing to compensate for time, materials, and tool use. (After all, JSP is a business and how many people just happen to have a fully stocked machine shop in their basement that they only use for a weekend hobby) After all this, he agreed grudgingly that the
credit card blade was fairly priced.
Sure, JSP stuff is expensive. Is it overpriced? NO! I just wish people would learn that price is not value.
 
Originally posted by jdcw
He rattled off a whole list of criticisms of the system and finished with the comment that I had paid for basically a piece of metal with a cheesy plastic cord that was overpriced if it was sold at half the price listed.

Regardless of what your friend's background is, the mere fact that he did not realize that it was a plastic coated steel cable tells the tale.

The fact that he did not realize that the connector sleeves are not merely the type used for steel fishing leaders, tells the tale.

Some people can be brilliant when it comes to some things and blind at others, even if the lines cross a bit. A Martial Artist in this day and age does not necessarily mean they are a weapons expert.

Let him go get some plastic coated steel leader, some connectors, and the other materials and let him with a pair of crimping pliers create the same thing, using two connectors. And let him swing from a tree branch with the damned thing like James does. As he picks himself up off the ground when the connectors come apart, remind him what he made and what James made.

Look at the connectors and you can see a seam, if you see black from the cable IN THE SEAM, I don't think you will see it though.

That's because this thing is not made in someone's basement or garage with an economy sized spool of shark leader and some pliers. Far different. James did his homework...

You're smarter than your friend is.
 
I am reminded of the quality of JSP products whenever I try them out for effect on some of my friends.

The Yelp of "holy SHI+ where did that come from!!" and the scream of "Fuc-, that hurt!!!" when I showed one of them the proper application of a V-gar disarm technique at moderate speed just bring a smile to my face.
Yeah, its expensive, but it works, its inconspicous and its my @$$ that I value.
 
Memnoch, thats it in a nutshell. What's your ass worth. Alot of people obviously think it's worth the price of a Pakistany knockoff. Ohwell:rolleyes:
 
I need to get a new wallet, and have been eyeing the JSP one...I mean, what could be better than a nice wallet that actually carries a knife... Anyhow, whats the thought on this thing? How does it function as wallets go? $25 for a wallet is pretty cheap...heck, $99 for a wallet and a knife isn't bad either.

Thanks,

Ted
 
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