Can I use a triad lock?

K

knifedude802

Joined
Jul 18, 2014
Messages
171
Long story short, it's not too late to change the folder I've been working on.

I'm not selling this one, it's just something I've been working on for myself.

Is it kosher to make this thing a triad lock instead of a lockback?

I've never tried using that type of lock before, and I understand why knife makers wouldn't, but since I'm not selling it, and it's just for my use, is it okay to use that lock design?

TIA
 
As long as you're not selling it, you are free to use/make anything you want.

Make a triad lock, make a Recon 1, make a Rolex, paint a Mona Lisa ... anything.
 
TravisH said:
As long as you're not selling it, you are free to use/make anything you want.

Make a triad lock, make a Recon 1, make a Rolex, paint a Mona Lisa ... anything.
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Yeah, I'm not versed with the law but that's always been my understanding as well. Beyond that, how would anyone know to come after you unless you make some kind of public announcement or... Oh wait... OH NO!! ;)
 
I agree that it's probably fine if you're making it for your own use. I don't know the legal status of the Tri-Ad, but I assume it's owned by Andrew Demko and being used by Cold Steel through their current collaboration. I don't think you'd be breaking any laws by making one just for yourself rather than for profit, but it would be cool all the same to shoot Demko a PM (he's a member here) or email him via his website (demkocustomknives.com) and see if you can get his okay on it. :thumbup:
 
Unless you invent an entirely new and unique locking mechanism, whatever lock you use was invented by someone else.

As long as you aren't going to sell it, or publicly identify it as a "Triad lock", I say make your knife any way you want.

If I want to make myself a knife with a liner lock I'm not going to ask permission from Mike Walker.
 
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killgar said:
Unless you invent an entirely new and unique locking mechanism, whatever lock you use was invented by someone else.

As long as you aren't going to sell it, or publicly identify it as a "Triad lock", I say make your knife any way you want.

If I want to make myself a knife with a liner lock I'm not going to ask permission from Mike Walker.
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It might be a little easier in your example, Walker didn't slap a patent on the liner lock. A mistake was made at some point along the line and it was left wide open for everyone to use, and most respectfully identify it as a Walker Liner Lock. I'd be willing to bet that Cold Steel immediately did and has slapped a patent on the lock.
 
RevDevil said:
It might be a little easier in your example, Walker didn't slap a patent on the liner lock. A mistake was made at some point along the line and it was left wide open for everyone to use, and most respectfully identify it as a Walker Liner Lock. I'd be willing to bet that Cold Steel immediately did and has slapped a patent on the lock.
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Agreed, and the patent definitely doesn't prohibit making your own for personal use.
 
TravisH said:
As long as you're not selling it, you are free to use/make anything you want.
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Whoooaaa. Hang on. That's not how patents work.

This said, Cold Steel does not appear to have a patent on the Triad lock, itself referring to the mechanism as "patent pending." If I were OP, I wouldn't worry about it, but see the disclaimer in my signature.
 
RevDevil said:
It might be a little easier in your example, Walker didn't slap a patent on the liner lock. A mistake was made at some point along the line and it was left wide open for everyone to use, and most respectfully identify it as a Walker Liner Lock. I'd be willing to bet that Cold Steel immediately did and has slapped a patent on the lock.
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I wasn't referring to the subject of patent infringement, I was referring to replicating someone's invention for personal use without asking the inventor for his specific permission.
 
It depends which jurisdiction would be deciding. If you're in the US, then US patent law applies; if you're abroad, then that involves the interface of US law vs. Whatever other country your in law...

However, to stay as legal as possible, if you're using it for research purposes you may be exempt- http://www.brinksgilson.com/resourc...-act-research-exempt-from-patent-infringement

There's a near trillion dollar market in intellectual property litigation. It's not simple. If you really want to be free and clear, send a letter to Cold Steel asking if you can experiment with it, and possibly the triad lock in a personal knife that you document and give a serial number to. If he gives the greenlight, then you're golden. If not, then you'll need to try to stay in the experimental realm, which is not a defense against possibly getting sued.

http://gox.hu/p/cs_triad.pdf

Zero

Edit: Pulled the patent. Looks like Demko invented it, but the assignee is Cold Steel, which would make Cold Steel the entity you'd have to clear it with. Sending a letter to Demko first might help as he might vouch for you, as opposed to Cold Steel IP lawyers that will likely not give an inch.
 
Don't get lost in legal technicalities.

Outside of the US, a patent protects against 'commercial' infringement. In the US, the word 'commercial' has been removed. But there still needs to be an intent to 'profit'. Without intent, no harm, no foul.

You really think lawyers are going to get involved cuz someone made a single copy of a patented design in the privacy of a workshop? puhleeeeze!
 
I heard that if you do it Lynn will come and chop up your farm animals with a sword.
Better send em an email or letter first.
 
Leftytwogunz said:
I heard that if you do it Lynn will come and chop up your farm animals with a sword.
Better send em an email or letter first.
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That made me laugh out loud :D.

Yeah, having a pissed off Lynn Thompson coming after you would not be a pretty sight. That's what nightmares are made of. :eek:

Of course, if you send him a letter he'll just cut it up, or nail it to a piece of wood and throw knives at it.


Now, in the "Isn't it Ironic" department, didn't Cold Steel get into trouble awhile back for using the Axis lock without permission?
 
Lynn thompson will hunt your pets down with a boar spear wearing criminally short shorts.
 
Sunyata said:
Lynn thompson will hunt your pets down with a boar spear wearing criminally short shorts.
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LOL that guy does wear short shorts. I guess he gets away with it since they are like pt shorts or for training or whatever.
Could you imagine if they were cut off Jean material like some daisy dukes. He could probably get away with that too though
You know how eccentric rich people can be. Look here, long shirt, short shorts, tac vest with smg mag pouches. Hmph.
Probably stuffed with daggers.
IMG_5234.jpg


The real question is can I make a bacon bicycle with out him taking me to court.
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