What do sharpeners cost?

Bill DeShivs

Bill DeShivs

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jun 6, 2000
Messages
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What do the good sharpener/fixtures cost?
I have designed a better mousetrap, but have no idea if I can make money with it. Give me some figures, please..
 
I guess it depends on what your mouse trap is made to catch. IMO something like the DMT aligner is about as good as it gets until you move to the level of percision that the edge pro brings. I think it also depends on what level of sharpness is desired by the end user, if everything is needed from grinding to micro polishing the the price is usually going to be high. For example; in my case if I'm not freehand I'll use my aligner tool (about $15) and set of diamond benchstones ($400+) and strops plus compound ($120). I guess my point is what's the level of quality within the product and abrasive? What market do you plan to target?
 
The Lansky fixtures sell for $25 to $40. I think that would be the major competition at the low end. Edgepros approach $200. Gizmos are $400 and on and on. I think you need to define your competition before anything else.
 
Patent it, then license it or sell the patent to a company that already has a presence in the marketplace.
 
I have a pretty large presence in the marketplace.
I'm assuming then, that $125.00 for a good product is a reasonable price?
Thanks!
 
IMO, people will be looking for the lowest priced quality products, $125 may be a bit high unless it offers a lot.
 
I think a lot of the cost in various sharpeners is based on the size, quality and number of abrasives that it comes with. I also look at... can I buy it and use it "as is" to sharpen, (at least put a decent edge on a knife) or do I have to buy something else to be able to use it?
 
Bill DeShivs said:
I have a pretty large presence in the marketplace.
I'm assuming then, that $125.00 for a good product is a reasonable price?
Thanks!
Click to expand...

It's a reasonable price if your sharpener works fast and easy to use. Speed is very important now that super steels like S110V and ZDP-189 are more popular.

BTW, I'm familiar with the popular sharpening systems like the Sharpmaker and EdgePro, as well as benchstones and sandpaper/mousepad. I can give you some input on your design if you're interested.
 
My system would actually teach hand sharpening. It uses varied sharpening mediums, but is useable out of the box. Though I'm not a fan, it can be used to convex edges. It will also polish and strop edges.
 
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