Why are autos so expensive?

KFLEISIG

KFLEISIG

Joined
Dec 27, 2004
Messages
233
I am a big fan of assisted openers, and I was recently thinking that the only way to get an EDC I would like better than my AOs would be to get an automatic. The problem is that autos are so expensive. Why? I would think that the mechanisation is what drives up the price, but then assisted openers are not that much different in that respect, but can be had for reasonable prices. So what gives?
 
They are 'forbidden fruit', contraband. Also, some are pricey due to top shelf materials and workmanship. Some due to collectibility. I think they also charge more for gadget factor, coolness and relative rarity. Mostly, though, it's probably because we'll pay it:D
 
I won't pay it... My theory is that since they are fairly illegal in most places, there really is no low-end market so all the companys that do sell autos are targeting them at the high-end consumer. Whether that be the collector or the field op, neither would likely settle for a cheap low grade knife.

Somehow I wouldn't be suprised if there is some type of archane tax on them either, but thats just some anti-goberment rhetoric on my part.
 
On the contrary, the low end market for switchblades is probably the biggest segment of the market. Despite the legality issues, they are very commonly found for under $10 in places like flea markets, ethnic stores, etc. They aren't necessarily good knives, but they are out there and seem to move off the shelves quite a bit.

What seems to be lacking is a middle ground.
 
I know I wouldn't want to carry a cheaply made knife that is spring-loaded to explode open in my pocket if I so much as brushed against it funny...

YMMV
 
well, since the market for them is smaller (fewer people can have them, legally) they will move a smaller volume, so per unit prices would have to be higher to generate as much money during a period of sales to match numbers for manuals. Other than that, I also don't see a reason for them to cost so much more than equal quality manuals. Maybe up to a 20% premium for the spring, button, and few extra minutes of installation, but not in the range of 100%, which I have seen a fair bit of.
 
The smaller market is a good point. With a smaller production run, the price per unit would have to be higher to be profitable.
 
Actually, for a William Henry, their autos are cheap! :D
But I know what you mean about the cost. I don't really get it either.
 
I'd like to have an auto even if it's illegal here. But those price make me sick. With that amount of dough I'd rather grab a busse.
 
If you are only talking USA Autos then the price is fairly high, but there are many Italian, Germany and other European models of good quality for fair prices. The one thing that does get me is that you can buy a great 11" honey horn Falcon ( Fox) manual stiletto from SMKW for $20, but the same in auto is at least twice the price if not more......there are many Italian leverlocks that are top notch in the $40-60 range......including the Leverletto designed by a great guy, Bill Deshivs
 
I guess it depends on your perspective. My auto's, Daltons, ProTechs and William Henry's are the cheapest knives I own and carry. My price average for manual folders is over $500 while my price average for auto's is in the $200 range.
 
Comparitively speaking, when looking at manuals versus autos in the same blade, you have numerous things making manuals cheaper.

1) More parts in an auto; this is likely not a major reason as many would think
2) More labor in an auto; still probably not a big player
3) Autos are made on a less mass market scale
4) There is less demand for high end automatics then manuals, so the supply versus demand rule plays a factor
5) There is more liability in producing automatic blades for a number of reasons
6) There is only a hand full of decent automatic makers...there are a boatload of good manual makers, so the law of variety plays part
 
I would say there might even be the fact that the well known auto makers, make their auto higher priced is to keep them out of the hands of gang bangging punks that get into trouble.


John
 
In part marketing has put the automatics into the high end of knives. Some of the automatics are like fine automobiles, in terms of beauty and precision workmanship and this comes with a price. However, there are lots of cheap autos out there too, but many of these are really junk knives.
 
Gangbangin punks moved up to handguns in the '60's when autos were prohibited from interstate commerce. They know real power - and silly automatic knives don't stop another punk cause he carries a firearm, too. It is the unintended consequence of a New York Democrat trying to legislate morality after seeing one too many Hollywood biker flicks in the '50's. Nobody in Justice or DOD tried to stop him - they were exempt.

Stolen handguns are cheaper and more effective. Pricing what the market will bear only points out that auto owners like me will part with the cash for a unique feature that is relatively useless in a waved, holed, studded, and AO world. Frankly, the existing patchwork of state and local restrictions actually help sales by supporting the desire to get one. The major makers probably don't want a change - it could cut into their "protection."

I've got an Paragon, Benchmade, Camillus issue, Chinese "Lightfoot," and a German "Nato" OTF that really did disintegrate in my pocket - and they're fun toys, but not worth the functional difference. If Mick Strider offered me a free auto SnG, I'd be hard pressed to politely accept it without asking "What's It For?"

Buuuut I'd take it.
 
I think that the autos require more parts and have to be made "beefier" in order to handle the added stress of slamming open. I'm not sure of the advantage of having an auto even if they were legal. I think that it's probably not safe to carry an auto in your pocket without the safety on. So if you have to pull out the knife, disengage the safety and then open it, you lose the quickness advantage.
 
You all need to hop on over to the Auto forum, and any number of other forums which discuss autos. There are some Out the Front autos that really are safer to handle than folders. A double action OTF auto will flick both out, and in. This allows you to keep your hand on the handle at all times, and never put your fingers in harms way. The 'button' acts as a safety, as it takes considerable force and distance to fire or retract. My wife can't operate my Microtech Scarab, but familiarity and use will allow you to operate a D/A OTF with no problem.

Anyway, I think the reasons for the higher price have been covered. I'm willing to fork over the higher price for the quality, exclusivity, and coolness factor that autos possess.

If you have any way to leagally own autos, they are a fun investment, and you should give yourself a chance to experience them.

Daniel D.
 
Daniel Dorn said:
If you have any way to leagally own autos, they are a fun investment, and you should give yourself a chance to experience them.

Daniel D.
Click to expand...


so true... i think every knife knut should own at least one quality auto, at some point in his/her time. it is after all, a significant contribution to knife technology.
 
Scott Dog said:
I'm not sure of the advantage of having an auto even if they were legal.
Click to expand...

The advantage is that they are 'cool'. Well, they are to me any way.

Back to the original question. Look at it this way. For years auto's were not readily available in the US. This comprised my whole life until I was in my mid 30's. For an knife junky like me, I'd have paid any price to own a switchblade as I was left wanting for all those years when you could'nt get them. I think the makers knew this and have been capitalizing on it for over 10 years now. I say good for them and thank God some people have been willing to step up and make them available.
 
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