Spyderco pricing over time

rye_a

rye_a

Joined
Apr 27, 2007
Messages
874
I have been waiting for the Southard flipper to become available for awhile, but now that it is I'm having a hard time justifying its price.

I have seen the price of knives like the Zero Tolerance 560/1 drop off significantly (like 30%) after they had been on the markets or awhile. I'm curious about whether the same thing happens with Spydercos?
 
It's production, they'll be available for less as more people get their hands on them.
 
With the ZT are you talking about the insane prices people paid at the beginning to have one first? Because I haven't seen any kind of drop in dealer prcing.As for the Southard pricingit is what it is.I haven't seen anything past a few dollar fluctuation between dealers.
 
Spydercos have tended to bottom out around 60% of MSRP the few years I've been buying them, though I noticed a couple dealers drop down to 55% this year. They don't drop lower as they've been on the market longer from what I've seen. If anything, they go up. Gayle Bradleys were available around $120 lots of places when they first came out (paid $99 shipped for mine with a $20 coupon deal), and now it's hard to find them under $135-140.
 
rycen said:
With the ZT are you talking about the insane prices people paid at the beginning to have one first? Because I haven't seen any kind of drop in dealer prcing.
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This is true. I am not sure, but it looks like ZT has something like minimum advertized price policy, so dealers are advertizing $260 for 560/561, still quite a few well known dealers are willing to sell for much less, a hair over $200. Just check " For sale by dealer section".
 
To my knowledge, Spyderco has never lowered the price of a knife while it was still in production. They do close out poor selling ones at a substantial discount, and have occasionally come up with less expensive versions. And, of course, they sometimes have to raise prices to account for increased costs. So, if you want a specific knife, and are not willing to wait until it's closed out and gamble that it will be heavily discounted, the best you can do is find the dealer with the best price.

Cardiackid said:
Southard pricing is what it is? Are you sure?
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Well, the MSRP "is what it is" and is highly unlikely to go lower. Dealer discounts vary from store to store, but most are fairly constant. Of course you might get real lucky on an eBay auction, assuming there are any for the Southard, but I wouldn't bank on that.
 
Over the years I've seen some of Spyderco's MSRPs go up rather than down. The STREETBEAT being a prime example. Also on the second go around for the Ayoob model it was substantially higher than when I bought a couple the first go around.

It seems to me that the Temp 2 might have even had a price increase as well but I could be wrong on that one but it seems like I remember one a year or so ago.
 
Honestly. You have to look at the quality of the knife. The fit and finish of the Southard is better than 98% other Spyderco's. Taichung Taiwan is more for the higher end Spyderco's. they are usually flawless. My Techno is insane. For $150-160 dollars the tolerances and fit Nd finish are close to Chris Reeve. It's crazy. For that price if you compare $150 price point versus $350 it's a steal. If Spyderco wanted to match Reeve in tolerances, Sal said his knives would be just as expensive. I've had over $2000 of knife product in my hands in the past year. And I can't explain enough to you the value Spyderco really has. I went away to mid tech and customs. Always finding myself coming back to Spyderco. I've sold most of my collection. I mainly carry the Techno. Awaiting the Southard. Until you up your collection to $300-400 folders you won't/can't understand what you are getting versus a $50 folder. Not to say that every $300$400 knife is worth it. Huge grey area! Until you get over $400-$500 and up. Then the area narrows down. Look at the custom I just sold I'm the exchange. It's amazing. The work Marty put into it. Versus man hours justifies $390. Do I think the quality is worth it? Or the price point? No. But the man hours and skill, yes. Does it equal the quality and fit and finish of the Techno? No. Apples to oranges though. When Taichung probably has the machining and ability compared to someone working at a shop out of their garage or home. I hope I made sense guys.
 
So do you all think that the $220 pricing available on the Southard is as low as we are likely to see based upon the $399 MSRP?
 
I think the pricing on the southard flipper is reasonable. In line with other similar knives. The starmate on the other hand....
 
Elgreco said:
I think the pricing on the southard flipper is reasonable. In line with other similar knives. The starmate on the other hand....
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Personally, I think the build quality of the Starmate is extraordinary - I view it as a semi-custom level of craftsmanship. Is it expensive? You betcha. Is it great quality for the money? You betcha.

I expect the same of the Southard!

TedP
 
Hi Taroh,

Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

I'm not sure I understand your reference. (Wakarimasen).

sal
 
KrisOK said:
Problem with them is stock... Or lack there of.
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That's the problem everywhere at this point. I don't think a single dealer outside of the SFO has them in stock. Dealers are filling preorders as they come in, but thus far there aren't many out there.
 
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