Spyderco, no longer the value it once was...

[MatthewSB]

All the new Spyderco are coming out at around $200 retail pushing $300, that's getting into Sebenza territory and is plain ridiculous.

Who pays retail for a Spyderco?

Now before anyone jump on me about the made in U.S. Spyderco Para 2, Manix 2 being a good value. First of all, the new Para 2, Yojimbo 2 when they first came out all cost around $90-$100. Nowdays due to demand they're for sale around $150-$175 new on many dealer's websites and that's if they're in stock. So who's gouging us? Did Spyderco increase whole sale prices due to demand or are the dealers trying to make more money? Maybe both? And the FFG Manix 2 is impossible to find also.

If someone pays $150-175 for a regular Para2, they're impatient or un-resourceful.

I just picked up an S35VN Sprint version for $150 shipped, from a dealer.

 

[Sunyata]

$108 blade in a $2 handle. I wouldnt call it a deal personally because FRN is absolutely terrible.

The para2 for around $80-100, which they are going for on the exchange now, is a great bang for your buck and is hard to beat. I easily prefer Spyderco to BM, but will choose Kershaw/ZT when it comes to bang for your buck any day.

FRN is awesome. I used my Manix in S110v as a fishing knife for two days this week. Covered in fish guts, blood and water the FRN was still grippy and useable. I washed it off in the sink with some soap and water and it didnt retain the smell.

 

[cards94]

This thread is ready to explode.
It's like going to the supermarket. If you look at eye level and up, you will pay top dollar. You have to learn how to sometimes look on the bottom shelves for the good deals.

 

[Stays Sharp]

The para2 for around $80-100, which they are going for on the exchange now, is a great bang for your buck and is hard to beat. I easily prefer Spyderco to BM, but will choose Kershaw/ZT when it comes to bang for your buck any day.

ZT/Kershaw offers class leading value, I agree... In the market for frame/liner locks that is... AO's too.

 

[Quiet]

Not sure about the S110V availability but I see other models of the Manix 2 for sale and in stock with various sellers at the large female warrior website. Good prices too, from what I can tell.

You need to shop around.

I am speaking specifically of the S110V Manix 2, not the others. This is the one being touted as a sign of value in Spyderco's line-up (which I am not arguing, it's a fantastic product) except that you can't actually get one right now.

 

[Stays Sharp]

Spyderco dealer Bento Box Shop is a big culprit and the only entity that I'd agree with that Spyderco is losing it's position as a value leader.

They commission insanely priced exclusives and gouge prices higher than the secondary market.

 

[calc]

I am speaking specifically of the S110V Manix 2, not the others. This is the one being touted as a sign of value in Spyderco's line-up (which I am not arguing, it's a fantastic product) except that you can't actually get one right now.

There were plenty of opportunities to, though. IIRC it was readily available for a good amount of time. There are also other offerings in the FRN/"premium steel" category for a decent price if you consider ZDP-189 to be premium - it's not new or flashy anymore, but it's still a very nice steel. You can get a Stretch in it for ~$100 or a Dragonfly in it for <$70.

 

[Quiet]

There were plenty of opportunities to, though. IIRC it was readily available for a good amount of time. There are also other offerings in the FRN/"premium steel" category for a decent price if you consider ZDP-189 to be premium - it's not new or flashy anymore, but it's still a very nice steel. You can get a Stretch in it for <$100.

That's a good example, I'll definitely agree. Plus, you can get THAT knife!

I am currently on the "Email me when it's back in stock" for two or three different sites for one of the Manix's, have been for awhile. My own memory on their release differs from yours because I remember BladeHQ and one or two other places being sold out fairly quickly.

 

[Stays Sharp]

I am speaking specifically of the S110V Manix 2, not the others. This is the one being touted as a sign of value in Spyderco's line-up (which I am not arguing, it's a fantastic product) except that you can't actually get one right now.

Spydercos are produced in batches. Popular models (regular production) do get dry. The S110v Manix just came out 5 months ago, I'm sure it'll come back around... The thread is about Spyderco losing its perceived bargain value, not knives being unavailable due to popularity.

 

[calc]

That's a good example, I'll definitely agree. Plus, you can get THAT knife!

I am currently on the "Email me when it's back in stock" for two or three different sites for one of the Manix's, have been for awhile. My own memory on their release differs from yours because I remember BladeHQ and one or two other places being sold out fairly quickly.

I think KnifeWorks had them available for a while (I remember trying to decide whether to buy it or not and checking periodically), but regardless, that doesn't affect the value, just the availability. If the criticism is centered around availability, that's surely warranted because they're currently undergoing expansion to address exactly that. But the value is still there.

The thread is about Spyderco losing its perceived bargain value, not knives being unavailable due to popularity.

Exactly.

 

[stabman]

First of all, the new Para 2, Yojimbo 2 when they first came out all cost around $90-$100. Nowdays due to demand they're for sale around $150-$175 new on many dealer's websites and that's if they're in stock.

Yojimbo 2's are still the decent price at many places.
Don't buy from gougers; simple.

If the knife you want is out of stock, wait till it's in stock; simple.

When bought for a decent price at a reputable dealer, they're a great value.

Don't buy for ridiculous prices.

 

[BradT85]

You should look into how much FRN molds cost to produce before making such a statement. Also, there are many out there who like polymer handles. Works on handguns, works on knives. Ti, G10, SS are all wonderful too, FRN does have it's advantages.

I didnt literally mean $2. They actually feel like they cost less than $2 to me, so I thought I was being generous, no matter the actual cost. Other than being light, I absolutely hate it. Thats why I said its not a deal to me personally. If you like FRN then I am sure you consider it a great deal.

The molds might sound pricey, but not when you conisder how many pieces they can make over the life of one it is actually very cheap.

 

[Stays Sharp]

I didnt literally mean $2. They actually feel like they cost less than $2 to me, so I thought I was being generous, no matter the actual cost. Other than being light, I absolutely hate it. Thats why I said its not a deal to me personally. If you like FRN then I am sure you consider it a great deal.

The molds might sound pricey, but not when you conisder how many pieces they can make over the life of one it is actually very cheap.

I thought as much... It holds way less value to you because you're not into FRN. I just wanted to point out for the sake of the thread that not everyone thinks that (of course you know that).

Yeah, molds cost between $20K to $35K depending on country and maker. Crazy right? Not all molds get the success of the Delica/Endura line though. Either way, I just brought it up since you did say it's a $2 handle on your first post although now you made it clear that to YOU it's not even worth that.

 

[Quiet]

So, what we have ascertained with this thread is that Spyderco and its perceived value are going to be different to different folks.

Huh, sweet! Next topic!

 

[calc]

Not all molds get the success of the Delica/Endura line though.

It's like the high price of medicine. People take a look at the price and think to themselves, "that's ridiculous! How expensive can it be to make this?". They're ignoring the years of research pharmaceutical companies have to go through and, more to your point, the countless failed products along the way that this success has to cover for.

 

[stabman]

So, what we have ascertained with this thread is that Spyderco and its perceived value are going to be different to different folks.

Huh, sweet! Next topic!

No!
Not until everyone on the internet agrees to the same prices and values as everyone else!!!

 

[sheepdog229]

My Tenacious is a great value folder. My Enduras and Delicas are also great values at around $60ish each in VG10 steel. I love VG-10 steel. My Manix with translucent blue scales at $72 is also a great value IMO (I am happy with Spyderco's FRN).

Some of the issue is that the U.S. dollar sucks against the Japanese yen lately. Therefore, it is more expensive for us to buy the seki city blades. That said, I still think lots of Spydercos are a good value. Not all of them are - the sprint runs IMO are not good values - they are definitely cool collectibles but I don't think they offer any more in performance than the regular production.

 

[Goosey]

A couple years ago the Police3 was selling for $130-140...

Nowadays it's more like $170-180... same with the Ulize and Caly3.5, probably many more as well...

 

[gooeytek]

Spyderco Gayle Bradley. How's that for value?

 

[sheepdog229]

A couple years ago the Police3 was selling for $130-140...

Nowadays it's more like $170-180... same with the Ulize and Caly3.5, probably many more as well...

You can thank the depreciation of the value of the $1 versus the Yen.