axis lock licensed to Chinese company?

shootist16

shootist16

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[video=youtube;3FILhAzpI-0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FILhAzpI-0[/video]

I had commented that I was completely turned off from the axis lock copy to which someone replied that Benchmade licensed the axis to this company. Can someone clear up if these knives are made with the blessing of Benchmade?
 
I can't say for sure, but with their attitude towards fakes, I doubt they would condone the use of the Axis lock. Even worse that the knives look to
be very similar to a couple of the H&K knives that BM makes...

I don't know if anyone here has enough insider insight to be able to answer your question with 100% certainty, but if you ask over on BM's forum, there are numerous employees on there regularly.
 
Near copies of the long discontinued HK 14205. I don't know the answer either, but seriously doubt Benchmade would.
 
No need for them to license it to a business outside the US unless that business wants to import them and sell them here legally.
The patent expires in a few months which really makes the point moot anyway.
 
I doubt it. Patent law here doesn't apply in China, so I'm not sure they would bother to license it even if Benchmade offered.

I don't what to speak out my rear, but from what I gather intellectual property is regarded very, very differently in China. I can't verify this, but what I've been told is a piece of the puzzle is that doing things we would consider cutthroat or ethically questionable in business is regarded as sign of character, as it demonstrates a commitment to providing for one's family. The other is the old saw about imitation being the sincerest form of flattery.

Not sure how true those are, and I personally avoid knockoffs for practical and ethical reasons, but that's what I've been told.
 
Watching that video made me feel like I was in an episode of the Twilight Zone lol

I sure hope they didn’t license the patent out :barf:
 
shootist16 said:
[video=youtube;3FILhAzpI-0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FILhAzpI-0[/video]

I had commented that I was completely turned off from the axis lock copy to which someone replied that Benchmade licensed the axis to this company. Can someone clear up if these knives are made with the blessing of Benchmade?
Click to expand...
Benchmade has stated before (on their own forum) that they have never given permission for anyone in China to use the Axis lock. It was a few years back, but I remember it very well.
 
The problem I have with these specific look-alikes are the quality of the build.





These are of the same knife from a couple of years ago at least, and the difference in fit and finish is clear. I've got the original 14205 and the Ganzo. The real Benchmade is far superior in detail.

Golden rule; know your product, and no, the Axis lock on these are, until they're not, a copyright infringement. Not that it matters very much where they are made.
 
jkarp_53 said:
The problem I have with these specific look-alikes are the quality of the build.

Golden rule; know your product, and no, the Axis lock on these are, until they're not, a copyright infringement. Not that it matters very much where they are made.
Click to expand...

Good advice, but they technically don't infringe the copyright since they are made in China.
China is not required to adhere to our copyright laws, just as much as we are not required to adhere to THEIR laws, so it matters very much where they are made.

Morality issues are a whole 'nother matter.
 
Good point on the copyright part. Know thy product and +1 to morality. Easier said; buy USA-made products!
 
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