Knife Designs

MT Knives

Well-Known Member
I know this might be kind of a touchy subject but I would like to know your thoughts on knife designs. There are only so many designs out there and out of them are only so many practical designs. How and when is it acceptable to use another persons design and to what extent. How much modification then classifies a "new" design? How does one develop his own line of knives and style? I look forward to your thoughts.
 
Not really a touchy subject at all. I don't remember which one of the great composers lamented that there were only seven notes. I think the key is honesty and credit where it's due.

"When I sat down to draw out this knife, I was heavily influenced by the practical functionality of the Loveless drop point."

"This is my interpretation of the PUMA hunter my Dad gave me when I was a kid. Do you think I've done it justice?"

"I love the feel and lines of the handle on the Russell Belt knife and I've tried to incorporate that into a meat carving blade."

Aside from a few mechanisms, there isn't much patented in the knife world. If someone asks me if they can trace out one of my blades, I'm flattered. If they ask me if they can trace out one of my customer's blades, I'll hand him the phone so he can ask the maker himself.

My 2 cents

Rob!
 
I would love to see more people give their opinions and experiences on this subject. I was recently commissioned to do a copy of another makers knife. I made as many changes to it as the customer would let me. It turned out pretty good and the customer is very happy with it. Since then I've had another customer order a Loveless drop point. Green micarta, red liners, tapered tang etc. I prefer to sell knives that are my designs, but at the same time I want to keep my customers happy.
 
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart famously said in his 1964 Order that he could not use words to describe pornography but "I know it when I see it."

I think inappropriate copying of knife work is much the same.

Oh and if you copy someone's work and they don't like it, remember you are likely to be in the same room as them at a show at some point... Just something to think about. ;)

If you think to yourself, "I wonder if it's ok to copy this?" Just ask the originator. Keep things simple.

If that person is no longer with us, ie Moran, or Loveless, give credit where credit is due.

If someone gets a hold of you to use something you thought up, be cool! Even if for some reason you can't let them copy the whole knife, (like you have licensed the design to a production company) be cool about it anyway.

Above all else, ABC. Always Be Cool
 
You know, when I do my CAD designing, I use inspirations, just like my art work, or even look at one piece and copy it to perfection, but then look at more inspiration for alterations (the process sounds like tracing but is actually the exact opposite.) Anyway, just like any artist you need inspiration, I usually start with one design and get the specs how I want them, then bring up a few more knives for inspiration and begin editing. I try making my knives as original as can be, but you are always going to come up with some that just don't work out.
 
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