I would like to reply to Mr. Elishewitz's 12-11-00 posting concerning the resemblance of my knife designs to those of Howard Viele's.
It is common knowledge that many new knifemakers adopt design characteristics of established makers. This is especially true when a new maker becomes influenced by those who have helped guide him through the difficult task of making mechanically sound knives that are also ergonomic and stylish, as Howard has done for me. I will be eternally grateful to him for the considerable amount of time and effort he has spent assisting me.
I admit that I have taken into consideration and adopted certain elements from the many people who have offered their assistance in my quest to make "good knives". However, I have not made any attempt to completely steal any model from any maker.
I understand that many established makers have developed certain features on their knives which they consider their "signature". If I have inadvertantly copied any such "signature", I apologize and promise to make an effort to come to mutually agreeable terms with the originator when approached.
However, I cannot make any changes or corrections if I am unaware that a conflict exists. Nor can I affect changes if I am not told specifically what not to do. The responsibility of choosing which elements need to be changed would fall on the maker if he is simply asked not to emulate a "look". Appropriate changes can only be affected if the originator points out the specific details in question.
In turn, one would expect the originator to bring the same issue to point with all others who have adopted similar design characteristics.
I find it unfortunate that I have found out about this issue in this forum. Until a few days ago, I was unaware of this matter.
During the past four years, I have attended shows where Allen Elishewitz has had ample opportunity to comment on my knife designs. In fact, Allen has been at my table to review my knives on several occasions.
I have told anyone who has asked me that Howard Viele has been influential in how I design and build knives. I have asked Howard to comment on many of my concept drawings as well as prototypes over the past four years, and I have greatly appreciated his suggestions.
If anyone has noted any specific characteristic that I employ on my knives that infringes on anyone's trademark, please contact me directly. If insults have been taken either directly or indirectly from any of my actions in the world of knifemaking, I apologize to those involved. All I ask is to let me know when the potential for a problem exists so the issue can be handled in a professional manner.
I intend to continue to give credit to those who have assisted me in my knifemaking efforts.
Thank you,
Tom Anderson
955 Canal Road Extd.
Manchester, PA 17345
717 266-6475
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Tom Anderson
Hand Crafted Knives
