Why is the Starmate so expensive?

[eschwebach]

I am just curious about the price point of the Starmate. On paper there is nothing about this knife that leads me to believe it should be priced around $180. The VG-10 steel is good but not special, the G-10 scales are plain. I don't see any new technology incorporated in the knife. Is it purely because it is a Terzuola design? My response to that is it isn't even a new design, it's a rehash of an older design. My feeling is at the very MOST it should be priced similar to the Police 3 around $130.

I like the knife and hear a LOT of good things about it. I also LOVE Spyderco, but I see a disturbing trend where a lot of the knives being introduced are getting more and more expensive. Sign of the times I guess.

 

[SSonnentag]

The cost of running a company in the US is going up. Manufacturers just pass their projected costs on to the customer.

 

[RevDevil]

And again...A little searching goes a long way. The question was answered here:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1005822-tarmate-what-s-up-with-the-price?

You may not realize it yet, but in time it might become clearer. The price of EVERYTHING usually moves in one direction and it isn't down.

 

[mkjellgren]

This topic has been discussed to death. In short, it's a combination of the cost to create new tooling for the model and the currently high relative value of the Japanese yen.

 

[eschwebach]

Okay, sorry guys. I guess I should have spent more time researching.

 

[Ken44]

Its a great knife, and worth the price IMO.

 

[RevDevil]

Okay, sorry guys. I guess I should have spent more time researching.

No worries fellow knife nut.

 

[AF]

Sal's response was that the Yen is stronger and that the maker in Japan is expensive.
Now why those reasons don't apply to the other, relatively cheaper knives that Spyderco has made in the same factory from similar materials...I don't know.
Anyway, I'm voting with my wallet. I like the design but the price is not compelling.

 

[austonh]

There is a certain shoppe somewhere on the high seas that sells said knife for under $170... all problems solved!!

Well almost, there is still that whole world hunger problem, but one thing at a time!

 

[brownshoe]

Spyderco G10 police is about 150 street price. Unlike the police, the starmate has a thicker blade, skeletonized liners, a top swedge, a 4-position premium clip and yes, a Terzuola design is worth more money. That's what you get for your extra $30.

The Starmate is an evolution, not an old design. Bob Terzuola and Sal Glesser are alike in that both men take a good design and work with it over a period of years to make it better and keep it marketable.