spyderco srint runs, are they worth it?

sogflash

sogflash

Joined
Aug 28, 2011
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lately I've seen some user here criticize spyderco sprint runs. same knife with new color and blade steel.

do sprint runs cost more than they should when you think about the upgraded material(s)?
 
The sprints are, in general, more reasonably priced than exclusive runs, since dealers are forced to compete with each other in price. It's the exclusives that sometimes are unreasonably priced IMO.
 
For collectors, yes they are worth it. I'll give you an example. I had a spyderco para 2 CF S90V sprint run and I sold it last year for $275, fast forward to a month ago when I started looking for one and now they're selling for $400-450 on ebay. Since they're so limited they will only appreciate in value over time.

If you pre-order and snatch them up from dealers the prices are usually very reasonable. For me personally I have a limit as to what I think when a sprint run is worth it or not. I really want the para 2 S90V, but I don't think it's worth $400-450.
 
The wiseguy - and correct - answer is that the marketplace determines if they are "worth" it. :) Some of these dealer exclusive pieces are sold out before they are released, and there never appears to be a shortage of consumerism going on with the rest of them. Are they worth it in terms of function? In my view absolutely not. Materials and workmanship? I'm not privy to production costs, but that one is dodgy too in my view. Are they worth in in terms of aesthetics, collectability, fun factor, pride of ownership and pocket jewelry? Demand seems to exceed supply, so by that objective measure they are worth - at least to those of us who choose to buy them.

Its perfectly cool not to buy them too. Thats what makes the world go around, and it leaves more of these in the pipeline for those of us who do buy them. :thumbup:

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I think they are great. They let you try different types of steels and some newer super steels. And they add color to a collection
 
sogflash said:
lately I've seen some user here criticize spyderco sprint runs. same knife with new color and blade steel.

do sprint runs cost more than they should when you think about the upgraded material(s)?
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If you can make due with any old knife, then no. Keep in mind, sprint runs are not made for the general public. Sal has mentioned that they make sprints for us steel junkies to try out new steels in familiar platforms. If you are quick on the draw, you can buy the sprints when they are released. The problem most people have comes when they get frustrated when they start searching and get stuck having to pay the secondary market price. It's not like anyone is forcing a person to buy the knife, it doesn't cost them a cent if it's made or not. In the end, haters are always gonna hate on something sooner or later.
 
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RevDevil said:
If you can make sure with any old knife, then no. Keep in mind, sprint runs are not made for the general public. Sal has mentioned that they make sprints for us steel junkies to try out new steels in familiar platforms. If you are quick on the draw, you can buy the sprints when they are released. The problem most people have comes when they get frustrated when they start searching and get stuck having to pay the secondary market price. It's not like anyone is forcing a person to buy the knife, it doesn't cost them a cent if it's made or not. In the end, haters are always gonna hate on something sooner or later.
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Yep it's the ones who don't pay attention to the forums as the knives are announced way ahead of time so they do have a chance to get them at good prices.

Now if they have to pay those high marked up prices it's their own fault, not Spyderco's.
 
Sprint runs are sometimes hard to get in Canada. If I was able to I would buy all the PM2 and Manix2 sprints and keep them forever.
 
I am pleased that Spyderco does sprint runs as it gives us a greater selection of great knives. That said, like any selection, I pick and choose which sprint offering I feel is worth buying. In the case of the PM2 sprints, I took a pass because I don't particularly care for the PM2. Even my favorite knife, the Military, is chosen for it's utility rather than it's collectability. I have an S90V Military 'user', so what represents a practical upgrade to that? OK, perhaps M390, but you get my point.
 
I have occasionally bought Spyderco Sprint runs, but then, I'm a steel junky and I find them a great way to try a new alloy. But I won't buy one just to get a different colored handle.
 
I think for the most part they are worth it. When I first got interested in Para 2 sprints the standard models were hard to find and sold for good prices. Used ones are still a little scarce and sell for close to new prices. The new prices for most sprints did not seem to be all that much higher than the standard prices, and while some people may value the different color choices the improved steels are definitely worth a good amount of price difference. Now the secondary market might be a different story. Of course the sprints are unique and are nice knives with good steel, and there will be people who can justify paying a lot more for one because they are unique, but for people that just want to buy one to use I think the aftermarket pricing can be too high. But of course only the buyer can say if they are worth it.

I bought a blue Para 2 and I like it, and I didn't pay an inflated price for it, but it was still the most expensive knife I've bought for my EDC. I don't plan on buying a lot more of them but that doesn't mean I won't every buy one.
 
sogflash said:
lately I've seen some user here criticize spyderco sprint runs. same knife with new color and blade steel.

do sprint runs cost more than they should when you think about the upgraded material(s)?
Click to expand...

No, they're almost always a bargain, especially when the sprint run involves upgraded steel.
 
Ankerson said:
Yep it's the ones who don't pay attention to the forums as the knives are announced way ahead of time so they do have a chance to get them at good prices.

Now if they have to pay those high marked up prices it's their own fault, not Spyderco's.
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+1 ^3
 
shunsui said:
People don't collect Spyderco knives for nothing. ;)
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I use my knives, with a few exceptions.

spending money on a knife just to put it in a display case just isn't for me. especially buying 10 of the same knife with different colors and blade steels.

but if that's what people want to spend their own money on, be my guest.
 
I bought two Orange M2 sprints and one BD30P M2. All of them cost around 110$, or 30$ more than the standard Manix 2s. For 30$ I got to try out very nice blade steels and fancy new handle materials on knives which featured milled-out liners and flat-ground blades (a major upgrade imho).

For me, that extra money was worth it, and I definitely don't regret spending it.
 
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