Small gripe

ShelterMe

ShelterMe

Joined
Jul 11, 2010
Messages
103
Hello all,

Small gripe here. Ordered a Native 5 (always intended to but not until now). LET ME SAY FIRST:***I realize and >>>am aware<<< that Spyderco transitioned from S35VN to S30V on the base model and DLC blade.***

I ordered one which *did* state S35VN in the description, which I half expected and fully prepared myself for the event that I would be sent the newest stock of S30V (despite the product details). I naturally knew prior to ordering that it is common practice to be sent the most recent product revision, as most people would want (unless there was a significant change) but I took a chance that the info provided was ideally *based on the exact, accurate, literal product description.* So in short, I got skunked a little but as I said, I knew the probable outcome. I am of course keeping the knife anyway because it's a great knife. Bear with me, it's coming...

I have numerous folders in S30V so it's not a huge problem, I do *prefer* S35VN because in my personal experience I have an easier time sharpening it than S30V. I also like the edge retention of S35VN over S30V but to me it's not a huge difference In this area. I also fully understand that knife makers often decide to transition away from certain steels for whatever reason all the time.

My gripe is this: why is this not reflected in the price of the Spyderco I ordered that transitioned to a lower quality steel? There was no alteration in price concurrent with the alteration of materials.

⚠️⚠️⚠️Before anyone jumps on me,⚠️⚠️⚠️yes I know that S30V and S35VN are two different steels with entirely different properties and attributes and it comes down to individual preference. You may or may not consider S30V to be a downgrade from S35VN, BUT the accepted properties indicate better edge retention and ease of maintenence with S35VN over S30V. In my mind also, S35VN generally appears as an upgrade to S30V and this is reflected by a distinct price increase over similar models that remain offered in S30V.

I'm not looking for an argument in any way shape or form. Again, I understand that it may be accepted that these two types of steels parallel each other in terms of individual distinct characteristics. My issue is strictly in terms of pricing, I just don't understand why I had to pay a consistent market price when the steel changed from a more expensive steel to a lesser expensive steel.

Any non-confrontational and friendly thoughts on this? I know that Sal is on here and I only ask this respectfully as I am a fan and will remain a fan. It's only a small gripe, I realize that to keep the price consistent is a business decision, I just want to understand it. I believe the definitive answer (not the opinion) can only come from Spyderco. Once again I am not looking for a beef or to pick a fight especially with Sal or Eric, just an explanation as a long-time Spyderco consumer and fan. I will probably regret posting this... Thanks!
 
First, did you buy direct from Spyderco? If not, your initial issue is with the specific dealer... and you should contact them.

As far as the pricing - I'm not a Native fan. I knew nothing of the steel change. There are a couple of common sense type explanations I could offer; but I'm sure you'd rather get real answers.
 
If you go over to the Spyderco Byte March 2018 towards the bottom it gives the reason .
 
OP why don't you contact the seller asking why they sent you something different.
 
I’ll add my 2¢.

FWIW, the SFO online site still lists S35VN. By the same token, the UKPK has been running BD1N for a while now, though SFO still has it listed as BD1. They don’t always keep up to date with the rolling changes in production.
 
I can see where you're coming from. Don't know how much of a difference there would be between the two in terms of raw materials but if there is a significant difference it would be nice if that was reflected in the price.
 
Odds said:
I can see where you're coming from. Don't know how much of a difference there would be between the two in terms of raw materials but if there is a significant difference it would be nice if that was reflected in the price.
Click to expand...

My thought as well.
 
I skipped this issue entirely on my new native buy snagging one in the S110V “blurple”. It cost more but damn it was worth it. Now that I have this I’m flat out going to buy the PM2 and PM3 in S110V as well.

Also, congrats on the new knife! I carried a native for years until the clip broke and I lost it. Then carried an Endura FFG for years until the clip broke and I lost it. Fool me once... Literally got my S110V model yesterday and can’t put it down.

All my new Spyderco knives will now get titanium deep carry clips. Costs around $40 per knife to do, but worth it to actually keep the knife.
 
ShelterMe said:
BUT the accepted properties indicate better edge retention and ease of maintenence with S35VN over S30V. In my mind also, S35VN generally appears as an upgrade to S30V and this is reflected by a distinct price increase over similar models that remain offered in S30V.
Click to expand...

I can definitely see how getting a steel other than the one being advertised is a bit discouraging. I'd say you won't be able to notice a difference between the two in use though. I have found that while S35VN is a bit easier to sharpen, the edge retention isn't quite as good. I've done two tests personally and the results have shown that each time. S30V has 4% vanadium, whereas S35VN has 3% vanadium and substitutes niobium in the mix for added toughness and ease of sharpening. A 1% difference in vanadium certainly isn't negligible being as it forms super hard carbides to give S30V/S35VN their edge holding capabilities.

As far as knives in S35VN generally being pricier, I think that may have to do with the perception of S35VN being more of a "premium" steel. S30V is so commonly used that consumers were more willing to pay for something used less often, such as S35VN (as well as it being marketed as a better steel). Companies have seen that consumers are willing to pay more for S35VN, so they charge more. Supply and demand.

Just my 2 cents!
 
Hi ShelterMe,

I don't think anyone would take offense.

The cost of processing blade steels is more than steel costs. We're still in the process of working with both steels, though our preference is for S30, partially because we've got processing down and partially because the "improvements" were made for manufacturing. We'll eventually end up with one or the other.

sal
 
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