Design Copy

[tomsm44]

Just a quick question on copying designs.  I have seen several knives built on here that are based on older designs, such as Lin's recent Sheffield Bowie.  Up to this point, I have only made knives that I came up with myself, but I have an upcoming project that I am considering using an existing design for.  What is the general concensus on copying a design that is still in production?  

I build a knife every year for our local NWTF banquet to go in the auction.  Last year, I also built one that we gave away in a free drawing to a veteran.  For this year's veteran's knife, I am considering building a shinier, prettier version of a Ka Bar.  My plans are to build a very close copy of the blade, but change the handle/gaurd/buttcap slightly.  If I go forward with it, I was thinking of doing the handle with round walnut blocks separated by polished metal(matching whatever I choose for the gaurd/buttcap) with the wood sitting proud, and the spacers spaced to match the grooves that are cut into the traditional Ka Bar's brown leather handle.  

I am still new to this and I don't know what the accepted ediquette is for copying other designs.  If you think this would be too close of a copy to be accepted, please let me know.  I have some other ideas that I can use as well.  Also,in case it makes a difference, nobody will be making any money off of the knife.  I donate it to the banquet, and all of the veterans present are entered in the drawing for the knife free of charge.

[Lin Rhea]

Matt,
      The historic patterns are just fine to interpret. In fact, most contemporary makers I know would not mind if you attempted to make a knife based on their pattern. I have asked that before and they said it was fine and thanks for asking. However I dont do that on a regular basis. At some point it would become a competition and not a tribute. So, like you, I design my own knives 99% of the time, even though there is not much that has not been done already.

        I have had one person get irritated with me about my making a knife based on theirs. I spoke to them and we came to an understanding.

        So, as far as etiquette, I would say do what you would want them to do if it was the other way around. If you made thousands of that style, would you feel threatened by someone making one knife similar to it? I doubt it. Especially since they are a "company" and not an individual artist. You are making one knife and not going into business based on that design, so I would not think it to be a problem.

[tomsm44]

Thanks Lin.  That makes me feel a little more comfortable with doing what I have in mind.  That is why I pointed out that nobody will be making any money off of the knife.  I thought it would add some sentimental value since it will be going to a veteran and the ka bar is probably the most famous US military knife ever issued.  As far as selling knives goes, I don't have any plans to sell any ka bar clones and would refuse to if specifically asked.  Do you think I would get anywhere with trying to get in touch with ka bar or their parent company cutco before building the knife?

[Lin Rhea]

You might be able to contact them. I have found that some of these big companies are quite approachable. I said "some". You just never know. From what I'm hearing, you would feel better if you tried.

[Xander]

Originally posted by tomsm44:
What is the general concensus on copying a design that is still in production?  

My plans are to build a very close copy of the blade, but change the handle/gaurd/buttcap slightly. <...snip>

Most of the mass market producers consider the entire knife to be the "design" and not simply just the blade shape.  I think you are changing enough to not worry about any issues.  Just be sure to NOT stamp it with Ka-Bar or label it as a Ka-Bar, but simply "inspired by" or "my version" or something along those lines.

Individual makers, its always good form to send a note or ask permission.  Myself, I make miniature knives mostly and have even asked to recreate a design in miniature, almost always the maker gladly agrees.

Just my $0.02

[Bladepeek]

My personal feeling, and I've heard it echoed by more professional guys, is that if you steal a unique design feature from a current maker (like the Spyderco hole) that's a "no no".

Copying, with your own interpretation, a fighting knife, camp knife, etc. design is the same thing the current makers are doing. If you look at the fighting/utility knives that have been ordered by our military, it would be very hard to tell which one was the original, since the design was probably speced by the military and built by Case, Cattarugus, Ka-Bar and many others.

It's hard for me to picture a current camp knife or Bowie knife that doesn't share features with many over the last century.