What is it like to NOT go bug-eyed and start laughing when you see the price for this? I'm not destitute - I just can't imagine either having so much money that $77 is a drop in the bucket. Nor can I imagine having so much use for this tiny thing that it'd be worth the price.
To be clear, I'm not saying it isn't for you. I just can't imagine it in my life. And I'm genuinely curious to hear stories about how this is practically a bargain for all the use you're going to get from it. I like learning about other people's lives.
Still, in the meantime, I'm going to be over here all bug-eyed like wow. :)
tcabeenThe knife is actually pretty good. I got one in an earlier drop - a cool blue and green one - here's my comments on it:
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/spyderco-panchenko-dog-tag-folder-knife/talk/114950
Basically, if you already have a knife in your pocket, you have no need for this tiny knife. But once I tried it, I realised that it's surprisingly awesome. What other knife can you keep with you when you're swimming? And even though it's tiny, it's quite well built, and doesn't feel like a toy at all. In the end I gave it to my wife, since I do usually have a larger knife in my pocket. Now she always has a knife with her, and I guarantee she would not carry anything bigger or less colourful. (Black doesn't suit this knife, in my opinion.)
BUT I only paid $60. Not cheap, but it impressed me enough that it felt worth it. $70 is getting up there...
As for the flashlight, I have no idea.
I agree that this drop won't appeal to many people, but the knife itself is legit.
tcabeenI've had this little guy on my desk for 2+ years, because I open a LOT of boxes and don't really want to abuse the points of my other blades or need to sharpen them constantly. The amount of time and effort I've saved in maintaining more expensive blades easily outweighs the cost of Serge's dogtag folder, which is essentially a premium boxcutter. S35VN can take a lot of abuse, and the coated blade keeps the packing tape from sticking to the blade very well - I've only had to sharpen it once, last week in fact. So that's why I find this (or something like it) very useful - but not every knife is a worthwhile investment for every buyer, and you could certainly get a very functional boxcutter for $20 or less, but probably not a great one that fits in a coin pocket of your jeans.
JonasHeinemanThese are exactly the kinds of responses I was hoping for. I knew I had some ignorance that was masking the value. See, I would've never thought this would be a good box cutter. I've always been told NOT to use the good knives on things like this, so the idea of opening boxes with a $50 knife was just insane. But you make an impeccable case. Thank you so, so much.
What is your sharpening technique, if I may ask?
tcabeenYW, glad to shed some light. Depends if it needs a touch-up (Spyderco Sharpmaker) or an actual sharpening (ViperSharp). I'd like to try some of the pricier systems for myself, if you have $300 to spend then Hapstone, Wicked Edge, KME, and Apex all get very high marks from almost everyone who's used them. those systems are all guided-angle systems - if you want to learn freehand, I've used RY Preyda (Arkansas w/oil) and King (water stones) and I like them both better than diamond. Korin has a killer YouTube channel with excellent instruction on using waterstones.
tcabeenPS - Arguably, the most important tool for sharpening a knife costs less than $2 and isn't included in any sharpener or sharpening kit, but you can find it at any office supply store if you don't already have one sitting in your bag, on your desk, or in a drawer at home. First person to name it and explain how it's used gets a prize...go!
JonasHeinemanI'd guess a Sharpie or marker? Mark the edge to see if you are sharpening at the right angle (if you are, you will remove all the Sharpie).
awkYep, @awk FTW! Mark the whole edge before starting, then take a light pass...
If the angle is too high, the black marker will only be removed from the sharp edge.
If the angle is too low, the black marker will only be removed from the ridge between the bevel and the edge.
If the angle is just right, the stone will remove the black marker from the whole surface of the edge evenly.
Thanks! Is it okay with you if we reference your member profile to get your shipping address and contact info so we can send you a small 'thank-you' gift?
If the angle is too high, the black marker will only be removed from the sharp edge. If the angle is too low, the black marker will only be removed from the ridge between the bevel and the edge. If the angle is just right, the stone will remove the black marker from the whole surface of the edge evenly.
Thanks! Is it okay with you if we reference your member profile to get your shipping address and contact info so we can send you a small 'thank-you' gift?
Yes that is okay, thank you!