Why the difference in price for Microtechs?

[MSimcoe]

I'm curious if anyone knows why the Combat Troodon and Troodon cost more than the other Microtech models. For example, the Dirac Delta Tactical I just purchased cost me $375 and was $10 more than the lowest price I saw online but, the Combat Troodon which is comparable in size is about $523. That's a pretty big difference in price but not size. My Troodon Tactical with the D/E blade cost $408 but, my Dirac Tactical with the D/E blade cost $295 and they are also comparable in size. Again a pretty big difference in price but not size. I would think the size of the knife is correlated to the cost but, in the cases mentioned above it does not seem to be the case. Seems like Microtech has some channel conflict. Does anyone have any insight into this issue?

 

[jfk1110]

Just a guess but both troodons have more milling on the handles and.larger pieces of steel. Those are just 2 things that stand out to me. I'm sure there are probably a couple more reasons as well.

 

[Centermass]

That’d be my guess too. Although relatively close in dimensions, the Dirac Delta is pretty plain in the milling department, and the blade less substantial than in the CT.

 

[Stahlmann]

Higher marketing costs and larger profit margins on the more expensive models, plus supply/demand.

Those trying to justify the price differential through higher costs alone are simply misguided.

 

[Jordan@DLT]

Size doesn't have nearly as much to do with price as you would think in knives. Mostly it comes down to machine time, production difficulty, etc.

 

[afishhunter]

My guess is the amount of machining, differences in materials (Titanium v aluminum, v carbon fiber, for example. as they no doubt buy blade steel in bulk, the differences there would be miniscule. However, that don't mean they won't charge an arm, three legs, and your first born for the more quote/unquote "advanced" blade steel, the advertising budget for each model, demand and complexity (higher demand and/or complexity = higher price.)
EDIT:
The number of knives of any model sent in for warranty repair/replacement issues may also play a roll in the pricing.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

I have 2 Combat Troodons on me right now, look at how the handles are contoured from end to end and side to side. I’m sure that’s not exactly a fast production process when compared to something more flat like the Ultratech or Dirac. The UT and Dirac are slightly contoured from side to side, but not to the degree of the CT.

Anyways, if you don’t like the price, don’t buy it. Plenty of people pay the price of admission for these.

 

[K.O.D.]

Higher marketing costs and larger profit margins on the more expensive models, plus supply/demand.

Those trying to justify the price differential through higher costs alone are simply misguided.

Size doesn't have nearly as much to do with price as you would think in knives. Mostly it comes down to machine time, production difficulty, etc.

Exactly, also as what Aflac Duck said.

Look at it this way: Kershaw Launch 8 and 12, basically big and small versions

8: 3.4" blade
12: 2.5" blade

Both are roughly the same price. Why? Machining is just as if not more difficult on the smaller version.

Look at the Brian Tighe and Friends Twist Tighe OTF small runs ~$300 with a 2.75" S35VN blade. Why? Because the milling is intricate in addition to the cost of making an OTF. Obviously the brand plays a part too, but it is a fantastic OTF, better than my Heretic Manticore E or Hogue Exploit. I paid $290 for mine and have no problem with that price.