Spyderco is a legendary knife maker that has been turning out top-quality products for more than four decades. Buying a Spyderco knife means being assured of obtaining a tool that will perform well and hold up perfectly for a long time to come.

Since Spyderco’s knives vary quite a bit in price, however, buyers sometimes wonder what they are receiving when they choose a particular model over others. In practice, the factors that mostly determine Spyderco knife prices are relatively easy to understand.

A Huge Range of Products Aimed at Many Different Types of Buyers

On the low end, Spyderco knives frequently cost little more than products offered by manufacturers with much less of a reputation and history. On the other hand, it is also possible to pay hundreds of dollars for a Spyderco knife without needing to feel overcharged.

This is because the retail prices for particular Spyderco knives almost always do a good job of accurately reflecting a number of relevant, significant factors. Some of the issues that make particular Spyderco knives more or less expensive than others include:

• Materials. The materials that go into any knife will always greatly influence the price the manufacturer asks for it. Some types of steel commonly used for blades can be obtained in large quantities for very little money. There are also far more advanced alloys, though, that can cost quite a few dollars for even a small amount of stock. The same general idea holds with regard to the materials Spyderco chooses to use for its frames and handles. Rugged, resilient ABS can cost very little, while a piece of titanium or carbon fiber could drive up the price of the finished product significantly.

• Features. Spyderco knives also vary with regard to what kinds of features they include. Some of the company’s knives, for instance, include simple compression-locking mechanisms. Others are based upon frame-locking designs that can provide more security and strength. Some Spyderco knives include flippers or even assisted opening features. In most cases, a knife with more and better features will carry a higher price.

Value is the Norm With Spyderco Knives

Issues like these make some Spyderco knives significantly more expensive than others. In just about every case, though, buyers can count on receiving plenty of value in return for whatever price might be paid for any Spyderco knife.