Advice regarding copies

[LucasPeres]

I have some doubts about how to behave when copying some of a cutler's work. I think it's common at the beginning of a career to copy existing models from a professional (I think this doesn't just happen in cutlery). However, how should I deal with the credits? For an example: I start making a knife inspired by BobLoveless, and when I finish it I want to post on my social networks. Should I mention the artist from whom I copied? What’s best to do in this situation? Let’s suppose I go to a fair to exhibit my finished piece, should I mention on a plate the origin of the model or the artist? Sorry to ask, but as I'm a beginner I would like to know how to behave in this kind of situation, I believe you have already gone through something like this.
I didn't find a thread related to this subject, if you have something please let me know.
Thanks.

 

[shane45-1911]

If it looks like or has enough similarity to someone else's work that you think you need to give credit to the original designer/maker, then chances are you should not be doing it at all.

Especially if you are blatantly flogging it on social media sites, or perhaps even trying to sell it. It is unethical and wrong unless you have authorization from the original maker.

"Inspired by" and "copy of" are two completely different things. One is a compliment, the other is theft.

 

[Quiet]

I have some doubts about how to behave when copying some of a cutler's work. I think it's common at the beginning of a career to copy existing models from a professional (I think this doesn't just happen in cutlery). However, how should I deal with the credits? For an example: I start making a knife inspired by BobLoveless, and when I finish it I want to post on my social networks. Should I mention the artist from whom I copied? What’s best to do in this situation? Let’s suppose I go to a fair to exhibit my finished piece, should I mention on a plate the origin of the model or the artist? Sorry to ask, but as I'm a beginner I would like to know how to behave in this kind of situation, I believe you have already gone through something like this.
I didn't find a thread related to this subject, if you have something please let me know.
Thanks.

You could always avoid all this by just coming up with your own designs. However, in case you're incapable of coming up with something original, just do what the other folks in the same boat do, and call it a "Loveless Style XYZ".

 

[brownshoe]

Reproducing a master's work is a time honored method of learning how things are made and what constitutes excellence.

Many maker's use Loveless patterns, some give credit, some don't. Usually Knifemaker's Guild members give credit, plus if you know Bob's designs it's obvious. At a gun show, one maker had Loveless hunters for $120, but didn't give credit, but freely admitted it when asked. Proudly stated his sheaths were Loveless style too...they were, but kinda

Give credit. It cannot hurt. Good karma comes back.

 

[LucasPeres]

Very cool to follow the opinions.
I think that we are all capable of creating something, the reproduction of a consecrated work reveals a lot of applied knowledge.
We have examples of KeyHole (Rodrigo Sfreddo), Sendero (Jerry Fisk), I see many people in countless cutleries making and selling similar models, and just adding the description of the model.
But I think we should put the credits to whom it was referenced.

Thanks for this conversation.