Why so much money?

If you look at it as machining cost+assembly labor+cost of materials, there definitely is some overlap in cost between a nice production, or semi-custom knife, and mass produced firearms, although both have a way to go to catch up to far less practical things like a decent watch or engagement ring. A full G17 probably contains about $5 worth of polymer(maybe $20 worth of steel or aluminum for a frame), $10 worth of small parts, and $20 worth of steel, really not to different from a decent folder with high-end steel and titanium/advanced composites. A lot of the small parts can be molded or stamped to save time and money, decent knives are almost entirely machined, and while there is more complicated machining of a slide than blade, it probably takes just as long, and wears just as many tools, bits, and abrasive belts as a blade in a much tougher wear resistant steel. Now trade molding for advanced machining, and mass production for hand fitting, and that same $40 or so in materials might have $1000 in labor and machinery costs, advanced coatings, scrollwork, gems, precious metals, or custom designs, and the sky is the limit for either.

That being said, I prefer blades around $100-$250ish, that range IMO buys good materials, great steel, and great design features in a production model with good fit and finish. You get an awesome knife, but it is affordable enough that you can still use it, sharpen it, and get it dirty, maybe even collect a couple models for some variety. There are others that feel they get the same practical value from a $50 Kershaw, or a $800 Bodega, same as those who enjoy an inexpensive C&R Makarov or Ed Brown custom 1911, to each their own.
 
Hand guns can be used at the range (ammo, and range costs) and then sit in a draw, or just sits in a holster waiting for that one day you might have to defend yourself. Knives can be used all the time for many general purposes. You also don't need to buy ammo for knives which save a bunch over the long run. Guns are fun but price wise for an average joe don't serve much of a purpose except enjoyment, unless you hunt (harvest meat). Guns and knives rule either way, this is just how I look at it:D
 
I don"t think that the maker of a 500$ handmade knife is making much per hour. I could be wrong but I am betting you pay a tradesman to work on your house a lot more than most knifemakers receive.
 
Halfneck said:
I can get a Marlin Model 60 for under $150, or I could spend around $1000+ for a Anshultz rifle. Both shoot .22lr so what's the difference?

Same applies to varying prices on knives.
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True, and that reminded me of something.
I've got an Anschutz in .22 WMR, and in .22 LR. Also have a Sako Finnfire .22lr. My rimfire handguns are a S&W 41 .22lr, TC Contender .22lr, and an Anschutz Exemplar(handgun) in .22lr.

I only have a couple of centerfire rifles, and my friends think I'm nuts. They're always saying things like..." thats crazy, I could've bought two good deer rifles for the price of one of those little .22's".

Thats what the OP's post reminds me of. The same friends say the same thing when I show them a knife that cost as much as a deer rifle or combat handgun.
Some will never get it, so I've mostly gave up trying to explain.
 
Premium pricing strategery: The practice of keeping the price of a product or service artificially high in order to encourage favorable perceptions among buyers, based solely on the price. The practice is intended to exploit the tendency for buyers to assume that expensive items enjoy an exceptional reputation or represent exceptional quality and distinction.

I could name names, but you can figure out a few of them. And I own most of them, so apparently the strategery works. :)
 
If you're buying strictly for enjoyment, it can become tough to justify paying the ever-increasing prices for knives, whether nice ones or just novelty junk. But if you think of each purchase as an investment, either toward a growing collection or acquiring a tool for serious work, then it's not so different from any other collection or other tool purchase.
 
powernoodle said:
Premium pricing strategery: The practice of keeping the price of a product or service artificially high in order to encourage favorable perceptions among buyers, based solely on the price. The practice is intended to exploit the tendency for buyers to assume that expensive items enjoy an exceptional reputation or represent exceptional quality and distinction.

I could name names, but you can figure out a few of them. And I own most of them, so apparently the strategery works. :)
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Good one. I also own a few , so that strategy is working on me.
 
leghog said:
Or you can shop, watch, and be patient and nab a Mauser ES340 for $400, a Winchester M75 for $325, a Winchester 62 for $350, a Remington 511 for $150, a Walther KKJ for $500, etc, etc.

Buy quality vintage, and buy it used. That's where the true value is.
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Oh I prefer your method myself. I have a nice old Browning BL-22 that I payed under $200 for and a 1960s-1970s Helle Jubileum I traded a CRKT knife for.
 
I think it is partly supply and demand. If people wouldn't buy CRK, Hinderer, Randalls for their prices, those companies wouldn't be selling them. Just like if people wouldn't pay $80k for a Porsche, they wouldn't be making them anymore.

There are pretty good knives available at low prices- Rat 1, various Kershaws, Spyderco Tenacious, etc. There are some good Spyderco knives available for a little over $100, and used to be more Benchmades available in that price range. Of course you can spend a lot more for a Spyderco or Benchmade. A Spyderco Sage I is around $100, the Domino is almost twice that. there are some differences in materials and construction but it would be hard to explain to most people why the difference. If people wanted a nice knife in that size, but were only willing to pay around $100, Spyderco wouldn't be making the Domino. So if there is a demand for a nice knife in that price range, companies will make them.
 
Ankerson said:
Exactly correct....

You get what you pay for, higher manufacturing costs mean higher customer end pricing.

People complain about spending a few hundred on a knife...

But will go out and spend $30K on a car, $250K on a house or $500 or more on the latest gadget or $200+ on a pair of shoes, $150 on a pair of jeans and not even think about it....

How about the Wife spending $80 to $200 a week at the hair dresser and nail salon?

How about that $5 cup of coffee on the way to work everyday, start adding that up..... ;)

When you can buy a can of coffee for that, make their own for pennies and drink it on the way to work....

Eating out 2 times a day or more.....

Not even getting into talking about Booze and what that costs.........

But that knife costs way too much.... Yeah... OK.... ;)
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I think this explains it very well to the average Joe....

People spend $200 on a pair of pants, $150 on a pair of shoes, $200-$300 for the smart phone, $20-$50 shirt, it all adds up. No matter what it is. Usually the higher end knives will never lose money respectively. But who the Hell cares as long as your happy.

Enjoy the small things in life :D
 
If price and quality had an exact correlation, you would always "get what you pay for." It has never been thus.
 
kwazyjuice said:
I think this explains it very well to the average Joe....

People spend $200 on a pair of pants, $150 on a pair of shoes, $200-$300 for the smart phone, $20-$50 shirt, it all adds up. No matter what it is. Usually the higher end knives will never lose money respectively. But who the Hell cares as long as your happy.

Enjoy the small things in life :D
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Not to mention those types of cars people buy, you know the newer muscle cars.....

WOW look how awesome it is, it's so fast..... I am the man........ Traveling 0-60 in 5 seconds only to slam on the breaks at the next stop light..... :rolleyes:

Then that 1st $500 - $700 car payment comes in......

After a few months of driving showing off it needs a new set of tires..... At $300 each or more ......... Don't forget they have to go on the tire site and complain about how fast they wore out.....

And new brakes because the person who owns it drives it like a maniac.....

Then the new insurance bill comes in...... :eek:

Driving it around like a maniac all over the place showing off with gas prices at $3.80 a gallon..... It drinks gas like water driving it like they do......

Then they go to trade it in one day and it's a mess mechanically because they have been driving it like a maniac since they had it so they take another $2K to $4K hit on the trade in on top of the original hit they would take. Then they roll that over into the next car just like the last one because they are the man you know....... So over the course of that next loan that $2k to $4K turns into $4 to $8K with interest......... While the process starts all over again.... Don't forget they give the sales person a bad survey because they didn't get what they thought they should have for what ended up being a pile of garbage they traded in.... And complain on the car sites how they got ripped off by the dealership.....

Hey but they have to impress whomever it may be so you know.......

Man but that knife just costs way too much....... They don't understand why knives are so expensive..... ;)
 
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ibute21 said:
I don't see what the issue is here. Tell you what. Come back and report on a Wilson Combat 1911 and tell me why I should spend that money on a gun when I can buy a boat or a used car for that price.
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That really put things in perspective. I totally agree. BUT...WC's are so nice! That's human nature I guess.

This weekend we decided to buy out the lease on our highlander. There were soany options for tricked out cars and were tempted but opted for paying down debt.
 
It's not like these are common consumer products - I'd bet far more people recognize the Glock brand name than Spyderco or ZT. If you want a cheap and good knife that will likely meet all of your usage needs, there are dozens - if not hundreds - of production knives under $40 that come with warranties and good materials and build quality.

Looking at ZT and Benchmade prices is like looking at Desert Eagles - you really don't need it, but you pay for what you want and are not looking for the cheapest thing that will work.

I mean, you can spend thousands on watches, jewelry, shoes, and accessories - that doesn't mean the prices reflect a practical advantage over the cheaper options. I carry expensive knives because I feel the prices are reflected in the materials, build quality, and/or design. I'm looking at dropping 80+ on a Buck Marksman when a Vantage of similar size and design would cost me less than thirty dollars. Why? Bearings, better steel, interesting lock and overall design, and I like the blade shape slightly better.

It's all about personal tastes and priorities. I'd be fine with a cheap Casio watch but will not often carry a knife that cost less than $100, where some people couldn't bear the thought of wearing a watch that didn't have tritium arms and DLC coating but carries a gas station knife the person is completely content with.
 
I'm actually fine with spending money. What I don't like is if I'm paying for inflated value. If price = quality I'm fine with that. But if price is >>>> quality then it does irritate me. But it is America.

The inflation and the practice of erasing numbers from the cost of knives on this forum is making it difficult for me get a good gauge on prices for blades. it's almost like we're back in the middle ages and we have to haggle for prices so one person could end up paying far more than the other guy.

Hope I didn't come off rude, just my second day on this forum and stating what I see.

I am in the market for a knife and man it is going to take a long time to decide
 
Chopayne said:
I'm actually fine with spending money. What I don't like is if I'm paying for inflated value. If price = quality I'm fine with that. But if price is >>>> quality then it does irritate me. But it is America.

The inflation and the practice of erasing numbers from the cost of knives on this forum is making it difficult for me get a good gauge on prices for blades. it's almost like we're back in the middle ages and we have to haggle for prices so one person could end up paying far more than the other guy.

Hope I didn't come off rude, just my second day on this forum and stating what I see.

I am in the market for a knife and man it is going to take a long time to decide
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Find what you like sticking with the Major brands design wise 1st....... You will get what you pay for with them.

Then look at price after....

But you should have some idea of what you want and what you can afford price wise....

Knife Center and Knife Works are a good place to look and GP Knives.
 
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