What's up with this??

BM is figuring that the overall design is what sells, not the Steel-of-the-week marketing scam that the other manufacturers are pulling.
 
RobertA.R said:
Jason Brous only uses D2 and his knives go for a bit of cash. I can't speak to value but I have heard good things about Brous Blades and have my eye on a few.
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I don't own any brous stuff. The price and the steel are several of the many reasons why...

dano said:
BM is figuring that the overall design is what sells, not the Steel-of-the-week marketing scam that the other manufacturers are pulling.
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Steel of the week marketing scam? So wanting a better steel is marketing hype? I am getting scammed by other companies that offer better steels and at better prices? Please.

If I want a good knife with S30v steel there are better options, design and price wise out there. I own a bunch of them and paid a hell of a lot less.
 
craytab said:
So wanting a better steel is marketing hype?
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I wouldn't say hype, that's the wrong word. I can kind of see where dano's coming from though. I see time and time again guys wanting the latest and greatests super steel with insane edge retention and RC of 62 or higher. Most of these same guys will never cut more than paper or arm hair with it, making it essentially unnecessary.

But that's just my opinion, I like simple steels and simple materials. There's nothing wrong with wanting a super steel or not using your knives at all and simply collecting.
 
Silvanus said:
I wouldn't say hype, that's the wrong word. I can kind of see where dano's coming from though. I see time and time again guys wanting the latest and greatests super steel with insane edge retention and RC of 62 or higher. Most of these same guys will never cut more than paper or arm hair with it, making it essentially unnecessary.

But that's just my opinion, I like simple steels and simple materials. There's nothing wrong with wanting a super steel or not using your knives at all and simply collecting.
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I have all types of steel. All have their place and usage. But calling folks wanting better steel than s30v on a $255 knife a "Steel-of-the-week marketing scam" is ridiculous. Yes lots of folks don't use their super steel knives for much but I don't really care what other folks do with their knives. I care what I do. I use my Elmax, 3v, M4, and M390 blades just as much as my S30v, S35vn, 8cr, 9cr, AUS8, 1095, AUS6, 154cm, and SK5 blades. Frankly, I use the super steels more since they offer properties that I like more. So for BM to offer a knife in S30v at and above the price that other companies are offering some of the best super steels just seems like they are ignoring current market realities. Put Elmax or M390 on that $255 BM and now you have my attention. Hell, there are knives in BMs own lineup that cost less and have better steels than this knew offering. I own a couple and there are others I would consider buying more than the knife in question.
 
I think Silvanus was getting at the fact that people will dismiss a knife entirely, solely based on bladesteel is a little silly. Do we like knives or do we like steel? I always will want a better steel but if I like every thing about a knife but the steel isn't up to par (s30v is still a really good blade steel) I won't automatically pass. We pay a lot for designs too not just blade steel. Are these functional blades or stocks that we like?
 
If I had my way all knives would be M390. However a lot of knives have lesser steels. That does not change whether I like them or want them; it is just easier to sell M390 to me than S30V. Lately though I have bought 2 Striders with S30V, a ZT with Elmax, a custom with 1095, a custom with O1 and a custom with D2. Most guys that make traditionals don't use M390 or even S30V.
 
kniferbro said:
I think Silvanus was getting at the fact that people will dismiss a knife entirely, solely based on bladesteel is a little silly. Do we like knives or do we like steel? I always will want a better steel but if I like every thing about a knife but the steel isn't up to par (s30v is still a really good blade steel) I won't automatically pass. We pay a lot for designs too not just blade steel. Are these functional blades or stocks that we like?
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I'm not paying $250 for 440A and AUS-8, I don't care how nice the knife is.
 
DAVE_M said:
I'm not paying $250 for 440A and AUS-8, I don't care how nice the knife is.
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Well that's kind of the point I was trying to make. Obviously we don't want basic steels but we often forget that s30v is still a modern super steel. I bet I could take an s30v blade laser engrave it with "m390" and everyone would be all over it and never really tell a difference. Obviously there will be some that could, because of their cutting demands. As of late I've noticed this hobby becoming more about pissing contests and "good investments" rather than just liking cool knives.
 
kniferbro said:
Well that's kind of the point I was trying to make. Obviously we don't want basic steels but we often forget that s30v is still a modern super steel. I bet I could take an s30v blade laser engrave it with "m390" and everyone would be all over it and never really tell a difference. Obviously there will be some that could, because of their cutting demands. As of late I've noticed this hobby becoming more about pissing contests and "good investments" rather than just liking cool knives.
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Well, no offense, but it's a moot point for me, but I understand where you are coming from.
I'd pay $250 for S30V. I even won't pay $30 for AUS-8 and 440.

My favorite knife is a plain old Benchmade 551 Griptilian with 154cm. I'd like to find one in S30V, but for the price (at the time) you couldn't beat the 154cm. Would I pay $250 for a M390 Griptilian? No, but the Griptilian comes in many flavors and price points, so we have choices. When a knife comes out in one flavor with sub-par steel, we tend to pass it up. Would you buy a $400 custom with S90V? Would you buy an identical knife with 440C for $100? It boils down to preference and bang for your buck. Some of us buy for the materials, some for features, some for looks, and some for utility. Just remember, a $6,000 custom cuts paper just like a $20 kershaw.
 
Don't get me wrong, I get the theory behind what folks are saying. Yes, design can be worth a higher cost. If anyone thinks the design and steel combo in question is worth $255, be my quest and go buy it. But for me, the design is okay, nothing special, and the steel is okay but nothing special. Design can be very subjective. Steel choice can as well to a certain point. But to call super steel marketing a scam? Come on.

I am not paying $255 for a heavy titanium liner lock with average steel. For me, Benchmade has totally missed the mark here.
 
I see where you guys are coming from. If the design doesn't tickle you, I can see how s30v can be lack luster.
 
I don't want to be That Guy ™ but Benchmade makes a lot of stuff that's quite a bit pricier than it probably should be.

Although to be fair I'll jab Spyderco because of the upcoming Starmate. MSRP of $300 and it's made in Japan with VG-10? Taiwan-made with CTS-XHP might be worth that price, but not that...
 
kniferbro said:
I think Silvanus was getting at the fact that people will dismiss a knife entirely, solely based on bladesteel is a little silly. Do we like knives or do we like steel? I always will want a better steel but if I like every thing about a knife but the steel isn't up to par (s30v is still a really good blade steel) I won't automatically pass. We pay a lot for designs too not just blade steel. Are these functional blades or stocks that we like?
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This holds true for some knives and not others, which is where the line blurs. A lot of people would cry if ZT or BM produced a knife with s35v and charged $450+ for it. Though if CRK does it, that is fine.

There is no set line of distinction, some people are willing to pay for things other than a certain new steel, or give a few points in f&f to get vanadis 4e.

Different strokes for different folks. If you don't like the new benchmade due to the steel, don't buy one. Someone else will take your spot on line.

That being said, I personally would hold out and save a few more $ and put the coin towards a custom or said CRK...
 
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It seems benchmade has stick with 154 cm and s30v as a go to steel for them. There is nothing wrong with these steels, they suit my needs well. But I've seen a trend where new knives from benchmade come with 154 or s30v. Some models come with m390, but I too would like to see more higher end steels on more models for the prices they are charging.
 
Jastab said:
It seems benchmade has stick with 154 cm and s30v as a go to steel for them. There is nothing wrong with these steels, they suit my needs well. But I've seen a trend where new knives from benchmade come with 154 or s30v. Some models come with m390, but I too would like to see more higher end steels on more models for the prices they are charging.
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Yup. Other companies are doing it. Some for less money. Spyderco still has some of their regular production models in S30v but at much more reasonable prices.
 
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I like the looks of some of the new models and will be tempted. As far as being overpriced for s30v, I'm happy with s30v if it's a cool design. The new rubicon is about $300 with s30v, but I will have one. An absolutely beautiful knife.
 
I'm digging this guy......


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