Spyders drying up from the landscape

[JD Spydo]

Recently I have been witnessing a really strange and almost unexplainable transformation in the Spyder collector market. I have also noticed how rapidly and how quietly this has all taken place with not much fanfare or discussion. I don't know if you all have been paying particular attention but the landscape for previously available Spyderco models you could get easily as recent as last autumn is changing almost overnight. Models you could get on Ebay and elsewhere with no problem and very reasonable priced I might add are not only disappearing but going up exponentially in price as well. These are models that as recently as last Christmas were really not getting much attention; but now there are even bid wars ensuing when they go up on Ebay on quite a few of them.

One model in particular I have seen just flat get tough to find is the Catcherman. Why just last fall I got 3 of them in MBS-26 all for under $30 each. Try even finding one now :confused: . The fixed blade Perrin is really an interesting piece because I tried to trade a couple of them last fall and no one had any interest in them at all. But recently I not only can't hardly find one anymore but when I do the price is enough to floor you :eek:

Other models that just seem to be disappearing fast are the JD Smith, Massad Ayoob, Centofante II C-50 & C-25, All of the LUM models :rolleyes: and even the lowly Meerkat has become somewhat a tough find here of recent. This transformation of the Spyder marketplace is changing so rapidly it's even got my head spinning. Not to mention what has transpired with the Gunting and the MOUSE :eek: What do you make of this? It hasn't been that long ago I couldn't even hardly give away a Catcherman in a trade :confused: I bet that's changed :rolleyes: . Has anyone else noticed?

[dedguy]

yeah, it also seemed to conicide with myself finally having enough money to start collecting Spyders again (after getting a Harpy in 2000). finally i have money and can't afford what some of the older models i want are going for. i'm happy i managed to get a reverse-s Meerkat, and a Toad for reasonable prices. hell even the spydercard seems to be going for more and more these days.

[The Deacon]

JD, can only speak for myself, and offer some theories. My own collection has reached a point where there are not very many of the older models that I am still actively seeking. Those models, or rather variants, are so rare that most have shown up only once or twice on eBay in the three years I've been collecting.

As for others, I think it's safe to say that all of us, to one extent or another, are working on a finite budget. Some have more to spend than others, but everyone has a limit. Between the large number of new models, variants, and Sprint Runs that Spyderco has introduced in the past six months, a much larger pecentage of enthusiasts than normal may be using up their entire knife budget just trying to keep up with the new ones, and have nothing left to invest in the older ones.

Then there is eBay, where supply of some items is driven, to a large extent, by demand. Look at all the ZDP-189 Delicas that showed up there after one sold for silly money. If the last example of a given model fetched a king's ransom, you can be pretty sure a few more will suddenly pop out of the woodwork. Then, once the handful of high rollers have all "gotten theirs", the price of the next one drops dramatically and the number of listings diminishes, or even dries up completely for a while.

[greencobra]

I've noticed the more desirable ones are drying up, or people are asking extremely high prices, but the price issue is what the market will bring. Cause I'm too cheap, doesn't mean everyone else is.

On a different note, I've noticed it's dump time for Busse's over at BF. All of a sudden there's a ton of them up, and some fairly good buys too if you get in at the right time.

I'm too new in the knife hobby to notice cycles, but it does appear to be doing just that.

[The Deacon]

I've noticed the more desirable ones are drying up, or people are asking extremely high prices, but the price issue is what the market will bring. Cause I'm too cheap, doesn't mean everyone else is.

On a different note, I've noticed it's dump time for Busse's over at BF. All of a sudden there's a ton of them up, and some fairly good buys too if you get in at the right time.

I'm too new in the knife hobby to notice cycles, but it does appear to be doing just that.That's definitely another factor. I have noticed that in the month or so prior to Blade, some collectors sell off knives to build their warchests for the show. Then, after the first post-Blade credit card bills arrive, there is another wave of selling.

[JD Spydo]

I'm a bit confused at the responses here. My whole thrust of this thread wasn't about an inordinate amount of knives being offered by people/collectors. It is about certain models of Spyderco knives that have more or less become overnight collector's pieces. From the responses I've gotten from the 2 of you I think maybe you guys misinterpreted me somehow :confused: I will go back and re-read my thread starting post and see if I worded it right.

But my whole case in point was how there are certain models that used to have great availability at great prices but all of a sudden these very models are now catapulted into primo collector status.

[VWTattoo]

I agree with all the posts so far, as with the great Sprints, new models, and hoarding factors, there are definitely not as many older models showing up anymore, at BF or on eBay. I am always reluctant to part with any of my older stuff, some of which I got for a STEAL considering today's asking prices. Regardless of the money involved, I just can't part with many at all, unless they aren't Spyderco knives. While my Lum Ti Tanto might get me some well needed loot, I can't justify it, even though it just sits in my collection and never gets carried.

You and I, JD, were recently in conversaion about one model in particular which has vanished as of late, and NO, it's not the Catcherman!! :p I guess these things really do go in cycles, but maybe there aren't as many folks willing to go after the older models in general, and there's those pack rats like myself who can't stand to see any of the older ones go bye-bye. But, if our GIN-1 thread means anything, then not too many people have an affinity for the older steels anymore.

Maybe we should set up a donation site, so people can dispose of their older models, just to free up their collection space! :D

GC- I also noticed the Busse flood over on BF... Nice looking stuff, but pretty salty prices for my tastes, and I am not a fixed blade guy for the most part. I wonder why so many lately?

[greencobra]

JD, you've named all the discontinued products. Don't people want what they can't get. I haven't seen a Rambler on the road for a long time, does that make it highly prized? Maybe to a few. Catcherman and MeerKat were never highly sought after either. I use to post on the MeerKat and praise it to the heaven, "greatest Spyderco value on the net @ 19 bucks". The only answer I'd get is from Tom Brogan, who use to edc one. It's only claim to fame is now you can't get one. The Ayoob and Gunting have always been hot within a certain group as well as the Lums. Wait another year when the D/E3's are scarce! Might as well get your "Delica/Endura3 > A Closer Look" post ready! :D :)

[smcfalls13]

But my whole case in point was how there are certain models that used to have great availability at great prices but all of a sudden these very models are now catapulted into primo collector status.

I really hadn't noticed any new "collector" Spydies recently. Pretty much all I ever see on Ebay anymore is current production stuff, with a dash of of the usual suspects at obscenely high prices.

Some of the ones you mentioned I haven't seen at all, so it's hard to guage their collector status.

Heck you mentioned the Perrin. I haven't seen one on Ebay in months, and I've only seen two on BF, both of which went for great prices. It's in demand, but not quite collector's level yet.

[JD Spydo]

I really hadn't noticed any new "collector" Spydies recently. Pretty much all I ever see on Ebay anymore is current production stuff, with a dash of of the usual suspects at obscenely high prices.

Some of the ones you mentioned I haven't seen at all, so it's hard to guage their collector status.

Heck you mentioned the Perrin. I haven't seen one on Ebay in months, and I've only seen two on BF, both of which went for great prices. It's in demand, but not quite collector's level yet.

Scott I think you need to re-read my opening post and read it a little slower this go around. What I said categorically was that there are some models which just last fall and last winter were selling very cheaply compared to what they are selling for now. As far as the Perrin goes and it's sales and recent upsurge of popularity goes I have talked to 2 collectors that have seen Perrin models go for $100 + recently. I will admit that those 2 transactions were not on Ebay but at knife shows>> one being the recent BLADE show. I don't confine a knife's worth or popularity only to what they do on Ebay.

Last fall I remember an Ebay seller who offered me 3 Perrins for $50 each and they were new in the box. I would willing to bet one of my better Spyders that it would be hard to get a Perrin for that price now>> especially the black bladed ones which were even pretty scarce even before the model dried up. Also I have seen upsurges in those other models I mentioned i.e. Ayoob, Centofante II C-50 & C-25, JD Smith, and most all of the Spyderco Lum models. I can easily document that all of those have appreciated substantially in the last 9 months. I have seen all of those models that I mentioned with the possible exception of the Perrin all fetch decent $$ on Ebay and other marketplaces. But I have seen the Perrin sell for good money at knife shows. I just saw 4 Lum Tanto folders all get over $200 each just this last week.

I just simply marveled at the fact that certain models that took off were mostly ones that I wouldn't have expected to take off as much as they did. That's all I was trying to get across :confused: But that's cool because if you all don't like what I put up here I will just quit doing it. I was just trying to share information I thought that would be enjoyed and appreciated by other members of the Forum :(

[The Deacon]

Ok JD, I will try to simplify my answer. One possible explanation for the scarcity of collectible Spydercos on eBay right now may be that there are more potential sellers than potential buyers. When that happens, sellers often decided to let someone else take the risk and wait before putting their knives on the block. Or, if they do put something up for auction, they are more likely to set a high starting price, set a reserve, or run a BIN only listing at a relatively high price.

Remember that, in addition to the few "hot items" right now that are bringing silly money, a bunch of discontinued, and not overly common Spydercos have sold recently at prices that had to (at the very least) disappoint their sellers. Some, like one highly respected member here who has been auctioning off a number of collectible models, have seen both the highs and lows in a single evening.

I will just add that I have observed a few highly collectible knives go begging recently, know that would make me very hesitant to list anything but the current "flavors of the week".

[smcfalls13]

Remember that, in addition to the few "hot items" right now that are bringing silly money, a bunch of discontinued, and not overly common Spydercos have sold recently at prices that had to (at the very least) disappoint their sellers.

I can back up this statement. I had hoped to raise some funds on a PE Spyderhawk last weekend, and it ended up going for far far lower than I would have expected. A knife that routinely used to go for over $200 only barely broke $100

That's only one example though, but the Deacon's got a good point.

JD, maybe I misinterpreted your original post, but even after going back and rereading it, I still think I addressed your question, but maybe I still don't get it, the 100 degree weather here is getting to me :p

[5150]

no, for crying out loud jd, don't give up on us all just yet! :p of course we enjoy your random :spyder: thoughts, ramblings, observations and questions. if you can't talk spyderco here, then where the heck else are you gonna go, right? :)
i also agree with green cobra, that some day once the supply starts to dwindle, that the d3 and e3's are gonna "pop" as well........................
the somewhat unpredictableness of the spydie market is also part of what makes collecting fun. :cool:

[zenheretic]

Recently I have been witnessing a really strange and almost unexplainable transformation in the Spyder collector market.
It is the magical formula of supply and demand...very mysterious...oogy boogy. :p

Every time some knife you are interested in begins to sell for more than the past years average you suddenly classify it as a highly sought after collectable. Cripes you yourself sold a Catcherman or two just a couple of months ago. :rolleyes: One of our own forumites recently sold a C25 and someone got it for a song (dang missed that one), yet the very next model went for major bucks considering the average price ($53 vs $141)...suddenly it is a highly sought after collectable? No it was just a variation and someone with lots of money to burn. Really this thread should be another "Ebay buyers are crazy in the heat" thread.

[Puyallupknifegu]

Hey JD, I hear ya...

I've been debating about snapping up some of the older models that until recently were "more common or not as desired". My dealer still has spyders like the JD Smith, Catcherman, two Meercats, multiple E3/D3 including a black blade PE D3 that I'm thinking about...she even has a SE Calypso Jr.
Does anyone know if some of the early models where the boxes are marked "Experimental 1,2,3,4 etc"....are worth anything?

Does anyone think these models are worth "speculating on"?

And Deacon, I understand what you're trying to say, too. Most people only have so much $ and when there are new and exciting spyders to buy, those same people don't go after the older models...

I may be wrong, but I think that as all spyderco models get older, they will fetch a higher price...simply because we've purchased all of them, and are probably hoarding them! LOL!!! :D

Thanks!
-Tim

[The Deacon]

Hey JD, I hear ya...

I've been debating about snapping up some of the older models that until recently were "more common or not as desired". My dealer still has spyders like the JD Smith, Catcherman, two Meercats, multiple E3/D3 including a black blade PE D3 that I'm thinking about...she even has a SE Calypso Jr.
Does anyone know if some of the early models where the boxes are marked "Experimental 1,2,3,4 etc"....are worth anything?

Does anyone think these models are worth "speculating on"?

And Deacon, I understand what you're trying to say, too. Most people only have so much $ and when there are new and exciting spyders to buy, those same people don't go after the older models...

I may be wrong, but I think that as all spyderco models get older, they will fetch a higher price...simply because we've purchased all of them, and are probably hoarding them! LOL!!! :D

Thanks!
-TimThe Experimentals, with the exception of the CX06, all eventually became production models identical to the ones labeled Experimental. So, if I have a CX04 and a C52 stainless in my display cabinet, and decide to sell one, unless I put some sort of a tag on one or the other, I could not tell which was which. So to me the CX01 - CX05 are worth, at best, a very small premium over the normally labeled versions. As with almost everything, others may have different opinions on this.

[VWTattoo]

JD, you simply have to keep posting your thoughts, because some of us are too scatterbrained to make sense out of our own thoughts enough to post a cognitive thread! (By "some of us", I am referring to myself :p ) I agree that there is no rhyme or reason as to why some of these models are fetching the kind of money they are, let alone some of the auctions happening as they do. I keep my eyes on things lately, mostly because I don't have the money to burn, but it does make me scratch my head and wonder what some people suddenly found attractive in a model that 6 months ago could have been gotten for a great deal. Remember when there was an awesome factory Special on the Bob Lum FB03 for $79.99? I am still kicking myself for not snapping at least one of those up. But try to find anything with a Lum name on it and you will pay at least $150.00+...

Anyway, I am sure Scott (smc Scott, that is) didn't mean anything derogatory, and he sure doesn't want you to avoid coming here. Granted, this is a weird time for the Spyderco market, but as others have said, It's what makes it interesting, confusing, and hard to predict. ;) Well, on some items!

Scott

[smcfalls13]

Anyway, I am sure Scott (smc Scott, that is) didn't mean anything derogatory, and he sure doesn't want you to avoid coming here.

I meant nothing negative. I apologize if that's how it came off. It wasn't intended to read that way.

I enjoy these threads. :cool:

[VWTattoo]

I know you didn't brother! And I am sure JD does, too. It's all good!

BTW- anyone want to buy a Catcherman? It's just $300.00... :D (Just kidding, all!)

[JD Spydo]

JD, you simply have to keep posting your thoughts, because some of us are too scatterbrained to make sense out of our own thoughts enough to post a cognitive thread! (By "some of us", I am referring to myself :p

Anyway, I am sure Scott (smc Scott, that is) didn't mean anything derogatory, and he sure doesn't want you to avoid coming here. Granted, this is a weird time for the Spyderco market, but as others have said, It's what makes it interesting, confusing, and hard to predict. ;) Well, on some items!

Scott

No I'm sure he didn't but I don't think he understood what I said in the opening post. Now he does make a case with that blue Spyderhawk. But I know I'm right in what I've said too. It just appeared to me like he thought I was just making this all up at random. Oh well I know what I am referring to. There are just a few select models that seem to be catapulting in price and popularity. The Perrin was so unwanted when it was in production that I turned down multiple trade offers for several of them. It wasn't until after the fixed blade Temperance was discontinued that I really got the hang of that knife and now it's my favorite fixed blade currently. It just seems like what was popular less than a year ago has changed in a very subtle way. And like I said there has just been little talk about some of these select models I am referring to.

A lot of the discontinued models are even going down in price like the Karambit for instance. But I still maintain like I said on my opening post that what took place with the Gunting and the MOUSE both is nothing short of unexplained and phenomenal. Whereas the Shabaria was hot at one time and now it seems like no one even cares about it anymore. JD :rolleyes:

[chinook]

I really hate to jump in here because I don't want to be seen as promoting anything... butt I am tired of biting my tongue.

Please people stop apologizing for speaking your mind... Sal constantly asks for opinions, additions, modifications no matter how far out. If you are serious about your opinion then what you say is important to him and Spyderco. (butt I am only extrapolating from more than a few years of watching these threads)

Sal has been extremely conscious of, and accomodating to, people collecting Spydercos. He has repeatedly said he will not redo an exact model in order to protect its intrinsic worth to people who invested in it at its inception. Only another of the hundred or so reasons I "accumulated" so many.

I have enjoyed my "Spyder Addiction" more than any of my other attention fixation disorders. I haven't lost money on any of my sales ... so far. And I am enjoying the learning of the sales part almost as much as the buying end.

Why one model is "hot" and another "not" is iffy and transitory. Time will shift and everything old will be new again. If a Catcherman hasn't been seen for awhile then probably the first one available will be swarmed while the third or fourth one will diminish in "value"

I think I have already had my money's worth from my Spydies before putting them up for sale. I have discussed and cussed them online with many forumites and dickered and bargained for them in BF and ebay and privately. I searched on Google and Simon and Priceline and a hundred search engines, found many reputable reliable dealers like NGK and GP. The search can be as rewarding as the find I found. (does that make sense?)

Anyway, as usual I said more than I meant to butt less than I needed to . Keep on Spydering.

[swede]

Ditto, Chinook!
Dave

[spydermike]

Real simple, people have discovered the quality that Spyderco builds into each knife. Spydercos' will fetch top dollar here in the Northeast. Many I've talked to are tired of wasting money on the junk that Case produces.

[WORKER#9]

I agree JD I sold a Perrin Fixed for 65 dollars a year ago and could barely sell it. Now I decided I should have kept it! DOH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and what do you know, none to be found!!! Bummer!

[zenheretic]

I agree JD I sold a Perrin Fixed for 65 dollars a year ago and could barely sell it. Now I decided I should have kept it! DOH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and what do you know, none to be found!!! Bummer!
Probably some guy bought all the spare ones for cheap and stored them right next to his Ronins....er theoretically of course.

[peacefuljeffrey]

What do I make of it?

Well, it wouldn't be the first time someone undertook to spoil the natural order of things by engineering a scheme or scam to enrich themselves. Someone mentioned a dude who had been harvesting loads of knives with very high bids (and overpaid prices) on ebay, and some were conjecturing that he was some millionaire who wanted a lot and didn't care that he was screwing things up for the average guy.

So I would not be surprised to find out that the Spyderco knife collectors' world, like so many other microcosms of society, was falling victim of someone who just had to mess things up with some sort of crookedness or greed or whatever.

I don't have a lot of faith in humanity's ethical or moral composition these days.

-Jeffrey

[zenheretic]

Maybe it was aliens.

[Manix Guy 2]

Noticed this myself , if you can find a Perrin , it is over list . As for the Meercat my source has dried up through close out . Bought 6 for gifts , everyone praises the little furry creature , was a good way to introduce friends to Spyderco . I smile when I see them in a pocket , downside I failed to keep one for poor little me , oh well . Noticed C44 Dyads last couple days on E Bay last one yesterday went over 150 . Still I do find gems at local shows with a little patience , may be there is a Perrin sitting at a table in the future . I still have fun looking around , even if I go home empty . Cycle theory is dead on , notice rash of targeted Spyderco knives over last year certain models pop up then another . Makes me wonder if readers determine this by perusing the Forum at times to see what flavor may bring top dollar .

[WORKER#9]

Maybe it was aliens.

Illegal aliens? :rolleyes:

[Chucula]

I noticed that certain models i look for dont pop up very often. I have watched for Blackhawks/renegades, shabaria's, chinese lums, spyderhawks, and a few others. I very rarely see shabarias , blackhawks, and spyderhawks (smcfalls, i was watching yours :D). I see lums more often and they go for a lot.

I plan to sell a shabaria in a few years and hope to get a good amount for it . I might change my mind though, as it is quite a beauty.

The prices fluctuate a lot though. I watch lum tanto FB's to see how much they go for and i noticed one go for $200 and one go for 120 within a few days.

[zenheretic]

Illegal aliens? :rolleyes:
Other than the ones working for the government in Area 51, all aliens are illegal.

[smcfalls13]

Makes me wonder if readers determine this by perusing the Forum at times to see what flavor may bring top dollar .

I call that the JD Spydo Effect. :cool:

I'm convinced that this forum is at the very least a research tool for those selling Spyders. No one can deny the coincidence of discussing a knife here, only to see it pop up a few days later(sometimes the same day) on Ebay.

Heck JD mentioned the Catcherman, and there was one up last night.

Chucula, I figured you were watching my Spyderhawks(trying to get a backup huh ;) )

[zenheretic]

The spyderhawk is a great example of the hype some can generate. Just a few months ago, SMC Scott likely would have fetched much more for both of his knives. I myself got one for just a little less then he sold his for. Obviously there is some fluxuations built upon expectations...and hype. Much like the futures market. Now Spyderhawks aren't commanding near the premium. But what a minute I thought they were Premium collector pieces??? I swear I've read about 10 threads claiming that. Hmmm.