Sebenzas Are Overpriced???

I used to be a firm believer that almost all CRK folders are WAY overpriced, and I have quite a few knives that cost considerably more than a sebbie or a mnandi. I've carried a mnandi everyday for over a year,,and I use if for everything from envelopes to cardboard boxes. Other than sharpening it a few times, it looks like the day I bought it. I know of no other custom or production knife that is that durable. Enough said on the plain jane CRK folders, fine, durable, using knives. But $330....and then up to $750 for a fancy mnandi? Come on...., the blacklip, damascus Chamblin I posted in the Gallery I paid $630 for (yes, I did steal that one)! But you can buy a really nice, handmade knife from a well know maker for alot less than that! So I have to stick to my guns, great using knives, but not worth the price when you take it strictly from a value perspective. You can buy a Ken Steigerwalt stainless damascus, black pearl folder for less than some of the fancier Sebbies, now tell me again they're not overpriced?!:rolleyes:
 
O.K. I'll tell you again they aren't overpriced. If they were they would not be selling so many of them. Actually I think that they are rather underpriced myself. Value is highly subjective. Some people like the Sebezas and are willing to pay the price and some people aren't. I'm not trying to say that you are wrong about the "worth" of Sebenzas because you aren't. To me they are worth it and to you they aren't. As long as there are people willing to pay the asking price then they are not overpriced. I believe that CRK is still backordered. Which means that demand is greater than supply. If the demand goes down and the supply is greater than the demand, Chris will be faced with the decision to either lower the price, lower the supply or possibly retire. Just basic economics.:D :cool: ;) :p
 
I just received my very first Sebenza. It is a large classic with dark brown leather inserts. I bought it NIB, for a very very reasonable price on Ebay. It is an "OK" looking knife (a bit unexciting in appearance) with fabulous quality.

After carrying the knife for a few days I can honestly say that the quality is superb. However the suggested retail is a bit over $400.00. Honestly, I would never pay $400.00 for this knife. It was worth every penny that I paid, but at $400.00 it would have been quite overpriced.

Please don't take this as a real criticism. I am more than pleased with the knife, considering what I paid. The somewhat boring appearance is starting to grow on me. It is so unassuming looking that you can use it in public without offending the non-knife folks.
 
I'm not saying they're not great knives, because they are. I just think that they could be produced profitably for less. The market sets the price no question, but I would bet CRK could increase sales by at least 30-40% for a 25-30% corresponding price reduction. The dealers aren't making the same margin on CRK products as on many others. Economically, I just don't get their pricing policy.:confused: I mean it certainly isn't like they have to re-tool every 8 months like some companies do! Enough, I've said my piece for the last time on this subject. BTW I give special brownie points to CRK for making dedicated lefty knives:) !
 
Their pricing policy is a no-brainer. That's how they put bread on the table. When they last raised their prices, Chris made no bones about the fact that he raised prices because they were so backordered. For example, if someone offered you a job for $20/hour, would you say,"nah, I can live on $15/hour, you don't have to pay me $20"? It's the American way. Make as much as you can while you can. Pricing decisions can make or break a company. CRK isn't in business to do people favors, they are in business to make money. I too apreciate their left hand policy. I'm so sick of trying to get custom makers to make left hand models that I think I will stop buying customs.:D :cool: ;) :p
 
Just to add a little balance to this thread. I am not a Sebenza owner and have an opinion to voice. Are they too expensive? I have no idea I've never handled one. I've seen pictures of them and find them to be visually appealing. I've heard rave reviews of them so I have faith in their quality. For me personally? I'm not going to buy one any time soon. This is more a financial issue with me than an issue of anything I'd WANT to buy. I think as I said It's more that I have no experience with them than anything else. I don't believe what I know about them justifies the price tag, hell in all honesty it looks like an up-town Emmerson to me. But the value is determined by the individual. If you guys are into them and will accept nothing less then the Sebenza is worth every penny. For me, with no need for a higher quality of production blade and no interest in anything with collectible value or looks, no it's not worth it.
The way I see it is sure it'd be nice to live in a 30 room mansion. But I have me a wife and one kid there is simply no need for me to shell out the extra bucks for something I don't need.

That being said, I hope I didn't tweak anyone too hard and, yes I respect the hell out of the reputation of CRK.
 
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