Benchmade's Griptilian and Spyderco's Wegner

F

FullerH

Joined
Nov 25, 1998
Messages
12,632
Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed the uncommon resemblance between these two knives? Of course, the Wegner has been aroound for some years and the Griptilian has only just come out, so.....?

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
 
Sure, they look a lot alike.

When you've got the aesthetics and ergonomics of the Wegner, and an Axis locking mechanism to boot, how can you go wrong?
smile.gif


Professor.
 
Hello Hugh,

There is a resemblence but I don't find it uncommon. If you look hard enough you it is impossible to not find a resemblence between any two knives. In this case both knives have a similar blade pattern and an opening hole. Differences are also abundant, the Wegner has a handle that is more curved (drops more the farther from the pivot), has a different lock, uses different blade and scale materials, and has a different shape to its opening hole.

I'm reminded of what Woody Guthrie reportedly said when told that someone stole one of his songs. He said something like "that's ok because I steal from everybody". The point being not that Woody was a crook but that truly new ideas are rare and so much of what many do is derivitative of those that worked before them.

Please don't think that I am condoning the theft of intellectual property. I consider those that blatently "knock-off" products to be parasites. In this case though, I don't think the degree of resemblence is sufficient to set off any alarms. I also evaluate these situations in a larger context. Benchmade has, to the best of my knowledge, properly credited and licensed unique features in the past. Perhaps I am wrong. What do others think?

-Alan

[This message has been edited by Alan_B (edited 05-30-2001).]
 
When I first saw the Griptilian I said, Hmmm, Spyderco Wegner with an Axis lock, nice." (Liner locks are not my favorite, but I still use them.) Of course there are several differences between the two knives, but there is a resemblance. I believe in the old adage, "Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery." If one company or one knifemaker copies another that's only natural. If in the process they infringe on copyright or patents, then that's for the lawyers to figure out probably. All I know is I can buy two knives of good quality (the Griptilian and the Spyderco Wegner) if I choose. Of course if I were a knifemaker (someday, someday), I might feel differently.
wink.gif
 
Must admit, I thought that as well. However, axis in 440C at that price? Looks very good.

When are the plain edge models out?

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Wayne.
"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto

A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
Certified steel snob!
 
I guess its just one of those things. I really don't see the resemblance. I can feel a big difference when holding both. I like both, but the Wegner is still tops. I really wish the Griptilian were more like the Wegner if anything. Anyway here is a pic comparing the two. The knives are not exactly to scale.

gripweg.jpg


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Dennis Bible

....Almost here, The Leading Edge....
http://www.theleadingedgeonline.com
 
How do the handles feel? They look very plasticy?

------------------
Wayne.
"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto

A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
Certified steel snob!
 
It looks more like the Pro-Grip to me as well.

The handles are very solid, and have aggressive checkering-a little too "beefy" for me, but comfortable. Knife is not as slender as I expected.
Handled the plain edge version a few weeks ago, and liked it, but I don't have a use for it, so passed. Ton of knife for the price, though. Under $70 at a local gunshop.
Edge was good, lockup was rock solid. Left a good impression.
 
Thanks, Dennis. Side by side, they aren't so alike, especially in the hilt. I think that I would prefer the Wegner's hilt.

------------------
Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
 
I am seriously considering getting one of those, plain edge of course!

440c is a very fine steel.

------------------
Wayne.
"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto

A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
Certified steel snob!
 
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