Multitool.org Forum

Tool Talk => Swiss Army Knights Forum => Topic started by: Shambopyro on February 04, 2014, 12:39:10 PM

Title: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: Shambopyro on February 04, 2014, 12:39:10 PM
Usually victorinox knives of the same tool layer count and size cost around the same price, whereas the cybertool line costs double or more than knives of the same tool layer count. Like the super tinker costs about $30, and a cybertool 29 costs about $60. What gives? Is a little bit driver that much more expensive to make?
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: ICanFixThat on February 04, 2014, 01:51:49 PM
I'm sure there are several factors, the bits are likely the biggest manufacturing cost difference since they come from a 3rd-party.

I will say though, I got a super deal on a Super Tinker once... now i'm in the poor house with a pile of SAKs...   of course a couple small Alox knives were partially responsible for me even looking at the ST in the first place.
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: jrp316 on February 04, 2014, 02:15:34 PM
Because they're worth it.   :pok:

Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: Chako on February 04, 2014, 02:22:18 PM
 :pok:  :pok:

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/IMG_4481small.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/IMG_4481small.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: Fattsgalore on February 04, 2014, 06:13:15 PM
All the blades (tools) are hammered out of a sheet of steel. Which is the norm, but I don't believe this to be the case with the bit driver.

I'm not sure if it's even the same steel. Mine has oxidation and the oxidation on the blade and bit driver are't consistent. But then again I'm not really sure.

The bits alone will run you about $15 for a replacement set.

Higher manufacturing cost, multiple pieces, other factors which I probably don't know about... = more money.
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: detron on February 04, 2014, 06:25:39 PM
:pok:  :pok:

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/IMG_4481small.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/IMG_4481small.jpg.html)

Chako,  looks like you are missing a bit
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: NutSAK on February 04, 2014, 06:27:14 PM
Usually victorinox knives of the same tool layer count and size cost around the same price, whereas the cybertool line costs double or more than knives of the same tool layer count. Like the super tinker costs about $30, and a cybertool 29 costs about $60.

While that is the case with the Super Tinker vs. the CT29, that is not the case when you compare the larger models.  A Swisschamp and a CT41 are not that far apart in price.
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: Caranthanus on February 04, 2014, 06:49:14 PM
:pok:  :pok:

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/IMG_4481small.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/IMG_4481small.jpg.html)

Well, there's no doubt, this "is" the swiss army formation  :salute:
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: kirk13 on February 04, 2014, 07:02:56 PM
:pok:  :pok:

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/IMG_4481small.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/IMG_4481small.jpg.html)

Looks like an armoured column getting ready to invade!
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: GigaHz on February 04, 2014, 07:27:15 PM
This picture was before I started downsizing. I think the driver is handmade. I had 3 of them side by side on a brass rod in the open position and all 3 were open at different angles. I can't believe they were all bent. I thought they were stamped out, but now i don't know. Unless there is 3 different types? Like the 2 types of bit holders.

(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/gigahzfemtohz/cybertoolsmost001_zpscf4225cf.jpg) (http://s289.photobucket.com/user/gigahzfemtohz/media/cybertoolsmost001_zpscf4225cf.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: colt 1911 on February 04, 2014, 07:58:14 PM

This picture was before I started downsizing. I think the driver is handmade. I had 3 of them side by side on a brass rod in the open position and all 3 were open at different angles. I can't believe they were all bent. I thought they were stamped out, but now i don't know. Unless there is 3 different types? Like the 2 types of bit holders.

(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/gigahzfemtohz/cybertoolsmost001_zpscf4225cf.jpg) (http://s289.photobucket.com/user/gigahzfemtohz/media/cybertoolsmost001_zpscf4225cf.jpg.html)

Man I thought I was bad with two.


Swiss Army knives .


Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: sir_mike on February 04, 2014, 08:01:12 PM
Wow that is or was a nice collection!   :tu:

This picture was before I started downsizing. I think the driver is handmade. I had 3 of them side by side on a brass rod in the open position and all 3 were open at different angles. I can't believe they were all bent. I thought they were stamped out, but now i don't know. Unless there is 3 different types? Like the 2 types of bit holders.

(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/gigahzfemtohz/cybertoolsmost001_zpscf4225cf.jpg) (http://s289.photobucket.com/user/gigahzfemtohz/media/cybertoolsmost001_zpscf4225cf.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: tosh on February 04, 2014, 08:07:30 PM
This picture was before I started downsizing. I think the driver is handmade. I had 3 of them side by side on a brass rod in the open position and all 3 were open at different angles. I can't believe they were all bent. I thought they were stamped out, but now i don't know. Unless there is 3 different types? Like the 2 types of bit holders.

(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/gigahzfemtohz/cybertoolsmost001_zpscf4225cf.jpg) (http://s289.photobucket.com/user/gigahzfemtohz/media/cybertoolsmost001_zpscf4225cf.jpg.html)

WTF... :whistle:

"You know you've got a multitool problem if........"

I don't really need to spell it out do I?? :pok: :pok:
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: microbe on February 04, 2014, 08:08:34 PM
 Nice pic :cheers: But at $60 a pop, that's a rather expensive collection!
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: Reinier on February 04, 2014, 08:26:14 PM
Awesome pic GigaHz!
I think they recently changed to a different kind of allow for the bit driver. It now has a more gray color.
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: Marius on February 04, 2014, 08:47:51 PM
(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/gigahzfemtohz/cybertoolsmost001_zpscf4225cf.jpg) (http://s289.photobucket.com/user/gigahzfemtohz/media/cybertoolsmost001_zpscf4225cf.jpg.html)

Awesome :tu:
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: kkokkolis on February 04, 2014, 09:20:35 PM
:pok:  :pok:

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/IMG_4481small.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/IMG_4481small.jpg.html)

Looks like an armoured column getting ready to invade!

That's artillery for sure. M110 Self Propelled 8" Howitzer battery, that's it.
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: splico on February 04, 2014, 09:51:08 PM

This picture was before I started downsizing. I think the driver is handmade. I had 3 of them side by side on a brass rod in the open position and all 3 were open at different angles. I can't believe they were all bent. I thought they were stamped out, but now i don't know. Unless there is 3 different types? Like the 2 types of bit holders.

(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/gigahzfemtohz/cybertoolsmost001_zpscf4225cf.jpg) (http://s289.photobucket.com/user/gigahzfemtohz/media/cybertoolsmost001_zpscf4225cf.jpg.html)

Man I thought I was bad with two.


Swiss Army knives .

 :rofl: :tu: :tu:
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: enki_ck on February 04, 2014, 10:27:40 PM
Awsome pic, GigaHz. :tu: And a few of those are mods too. It's a shame Vic doesn't offer more SAKs in differnt configurations with the bit driver. The 5th from the right, 2nd row from the top is my favorite. ;) Your first mod right?

Awesome pic GigaHz!
I think they recently changed to a different kind of allow for the bit driver. It now has a more gray color.

Yeah, this summer I believe during the Dash4it shopping craze. GigaHz noticed it first. The newer is lighter in color.

Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: Huntsman on February 04, 2014, 10:38:38 PM
Usually victorinox knives of the same tool layer count and size cost around the same price, whereas the cybertool line costs double or more than knives of the same tool layer count. Like the super tinker costs about $30, and a cybertool 29 costs about $60. What gives? Is a little bit driver that much more expensive to make?
Guys
I have nowhere near the experience of some of you - But one further thought on this....
I do remember reading that the smaller Vics are all assembled 100% automatically.
Obviously QA (and sharpening??) is by hand.

However the larger Vics (SwissChamp + bigger??) are hand assembled.
My guess is that the CTs with the bit holder etc have to be hand made.
Labour in Ibach is very (very) expensive
Also as mentioned above there is a different manufacturing process for the tool itself.
So ..... (More expensive parts) + (Way higher labour)  =  Much higher price??

Then when you add in the CT 'coolfactor' and 'Coz they're worth it' !!  :whistle:

PS. @ Gigahz - That collection is nuts !!
It's bigger than my whole collection and I thought I 'had a multitool problem'.
Is that just your CTs? And do you have a pile of others too?
Not sure I even want to know the answer!!
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: Reinier on February 04, 2014, 10:40:23 PM
Yeah, this summer I believe during the Dash4it shopping craze. GigaHz noticed it first. The newer is lighter in color.

I thought I did (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php?topic=21658.msg798572#msg798572) :whistle:
But who's counting...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

I am, that's who! :D
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: GigaHz on February 04, 2014, 10:41:30 PM
Yeah, this summer I believe during the Dash4it shopping craze. GigaHz noticed it first. The newer is lighter in color.

I thought I did (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php?topic=21658.msg798572#msg798572) :whistle:
But who's counting...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

I am, that's who! :D


Yup Reinier was first. I just took the pictures.
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: Reinier on February 04, 2014, 10:44:35 PM
Which means my Swiss Points count is once again above zero :P
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: enki_ck on February 04, 2014, 10:45:24 PM
Yeah, this summer I believe during the Dash4it shopping craze. GigaHz noticed it first. The newer is lighter in color.

I thought I did (http://forum.multitool.or...21658.msg798572#msg798572 (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php?topic=21658.msg798572#msg798572)) :whistle:
But who's counting...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

I am, that's who! :D

 :rofl:


Sorry, my good sir, I hope you'll be able to forgive me at some point. :cry:

 :D

Well GigaHz posted the first pics in response to your question and I'm more of a visual guy, if that's a good enough excuse. :whistle: 

I remember the pictures best. ;)
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: Reinier on February 04, 2014, 10:46:23 PM
Well I'm always too lazy to take pics :)
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: enki_ck on February 04, 2014, 11:02:29 PM
Well I'm always too lazy to take pics :)

I think you posted quite a few if I can recognize them by the backdrop. ;)

But yes, more pics is always better. :whistle:
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: Chako on February 04, 2014, 11:36:45 PM
That is correct detron. I lost it myself...and could never find it in the grass.
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: Luna Knife on February 05, 2014, 12:13:10 AM
If it is still there at the flea market this weekend, I am planning on getting a Blue translucent Cybertool for $15.  It had a pen too
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: Chako on February 05, 2014, 12:25:55 AM
You left it there the first time?  :ahhh  :o  :ahhh
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: ICanFixThat on February 05, 2014, 02:07:38 AM
WOW!   I thought I was rather fond of Cybertools.   :drool: :drool:
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: Luna Knife on February 05, 2014, 02:12:50 AM
You left it there the first time?  :ahhh  :o  :ahhh

you are making me lose hope that it is still there :ahhh
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: ColoSwiss on February 05, 2014, 02:24:53 AM
This picture was before I started downsizing. I think the driver is handmade. I had 3 of them side by side on a brass rod in the open position and all 3 were open at different angles. I can't believe they were all bent. I thought they were stamped out, but now i don't know. Unless there is 3 different types? Like the 2 types of bit holders.

(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/gigahzfemtohz/cybertoolsmost001_zpscf4225cf.jpg) (http://s289.photobucket.com/user/gigahzfemtohz/media/cybertoolsmost001_zpscf4225cf.jpg.html)

Tsk! Tsk! I at least spread my insanity around a bit.   :facepalm:

Nice collection BTW!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: Aloha on February 05, 2014, 04:23:23 AM
Those are some really great picture GigaHz and Chako  :tu:

@Luna I sure hope its still there and at that price.

Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: mr626 on February 06, 2014, 01:56:44 AM
I have noticed the price difference between the Champs and the Cybertools also. The 29 isn't too bad, but the 34 and 41 are quite a bit more expensive here in Aus land.

If any member has a 34 or 41 they'd like to sell please let me know- I'm not having much luck on Ebay.
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: Huntsman on February 06, 2014, 03:10:04 AM
I think GigaHz has a few spare  ???

Seriously tools are expensive in Oz eh?

I try various webshops in the UK, US and Europe - But it is pot luck whether they will ship to Oz.
I bought a Cybertool Lite from Amazon in the UK at a great price - £44 - Its list price was more, but they dropped the tax - Hoorah - However Amazon uk does not seem to ship knives to Oz anymore  >:( - nor does amazon.com.

Good Luck
 
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: mr626 on February 06, 2014, 03:44:21 AM
I think GigaHz has a few spare  ???

Seriously tools are expensive in Oz eh?

I try various webshops in the UK, US and Europe - But it is pot luck whether they will ship to Oz.
I bought a Cybertool Lite from Amazon in the UK at a great price - £44 - Its list price was more, but they dropped the tax - Hoorah - However Amazon uk does not seem to ship knives to Oz anymore  >:( - nor does amazon.com.

Good Luck

Yeah, good old 'Australia Tax' at work unfortunately. I get all of my Leatherman stuff from USA. I mean, I don't mind paying and extra 10% or whatever and buying local, but I see prices like $280AUD for a Wave at my local shops...well the choice isn't a hard one.

And yes, have tried both Amazons, its a shame they just have a blanket 'no knives to Oz' rule, when in reality as long as it isn't OHO it is fine.
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: GigaHz on February 06, 2014, 12:09:21 PM
A used CT34 in nice shape usually goes for $45 here. Shipping to AUS was $20 last time I shipped to there. I would think you could do better on the AUS eBay?
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: mr626 on February 06, 2014, 01:03:02 PM
A used CT34 in nice shape usually goes for $45 here. Shipping to AUS was $20 last time I shipped to there. I would think you could do better on the AUS eBay?


You'd think so, but cybertools don't seem to be that common locally. Am keeping my eyes peeled for one...
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: fozzy_au on February 06, 2014, 11:49:00 PM
A used CT34 in nice shape usually goes for $45 here. Shipping to AUS was $20 last time I shipped to there. I would think you could do better on the AUS eBay?


You'd think so, but cybertools don't seem to be that common locally. Am keeping my eyes peeled for one...

They come up occasionally.  There were two late last year. I got a CT34 in near perfect condition with the leather sheath for $50 including postage just after Christmas.  At the same time there was a blue CT40 that didn't sell the first time for around $48 including postage, it sold just after that for not much more.  Neither were listed as Cybertools, just Swiss Army Knives.  If I see another one on there I'll try to remember to shoot you a PM.
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: mr626 on February 06, 2014, 11:59:00 PM
A used CT34 in nice shape usually goes for $45 here. Shipping to AUS was $20 last time I shipped to there. I would think you could do better on the AUS eBay?


You'd think so, but cybertools don't seem to be that common locally. Am keeping my eyes peeled for one...

They come up occasionally.  There were two late last year. I got a CT34 in near perfect condition with the leather sheath for $50 including postage just after Christmas.  At the same time there was a blue CT40 that didn't sell the first time for around $48 including postage, it sold just after that for not much more.  Neither were listed as Cybertools, just Swiss Army Knives.  If I see another one on there I'll try to remember to shoot you a PM.

Much appreciated. Yes, I'm noticing that searching for 'swiss army knives' tends to net more gems than other search terms
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: Luna Knife on February 08, 2014, 07:35:11 PM
What cybertool has no scizzors or pliers?  Just the driver, bit rack and plus scales.  Kind of like a spartan plus with a driver added.
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: GigaHz on February 08, 2014, 07:39:37 PM
CT 29?

Mod?

(http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/gigahzfemtohz/mod033_zps4545fbed.jpg) (http://s289.photobucket.com/user/gigahzfemtohz/media/mod033_zps4545fbed.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Why do the Vic Cybertools Cost So Much?
Post by: sir_mike on February 08, 2014, 10:27:45 PM
What cybertool has no scizzors or pliers?  Just the driver, bit rack and plus scales.  Kind of like a spartan plus with a driver added.

Sounds like the CT 29! :)