Did Darrel Ralph design a knife for Mtech?

W

Whoever Wherever

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Nov 17, 2006
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Thet are selling what looks to me like a knock off in "The Collectors Edge", a horrible knife catalog that I somehow got on the mailing list for. at 14.95 I find it hard to believe that Darrel had anything to do with it. If thats the case I dont see how they can call it one of his knives. Anyone know whats up with this?

:eek:
 
Thats what i figured, cheap chinese knockoffs. I just have havent seen an american company claim there knock off are the actual thing in print. Shouldnt that open them up to ditect lawsuit for false advetrising from both the buying public and Darrel Ralph. I'm used to seeing knock-offs at gun shows and in thrift stores. It suprised me to see it in a full blown catalog, at least with the real designers name used. Sad, sad stuff.
 
I presume this is one of the knives. It clearly states "Designed by Darrel Ralph". If it isn't legit, it seems Ralph would certainly have some legal recourse over the use of his actual name, at least.

However, my first impulse is to think it may be legit. There are several renown knifemakers who seem to make a few (or maybe a lot of) bucks on the side by licensing their designs and names to low end manufacturers.
 
Once ppl buy that POS they'll realize the difference between the genuine stuff and a cheap chinese knockoff
 
"Designed by Darrel Ralph"
(stolen by us)

I remember a thread where M. Ralph was flaming about chinese copies of his designs, but I know he once designed a model for S&W.

I don't know about this one...
 
He did a couple or more for S&W and they have nothing on the knife to indicate where it was made. So I'd say China or Taiwan (more than likely China as I doubt they'd be unwilling to mark the blade Taiwan) I understand the law on imports says the item is to be marked as to country of manufacture. But some companies did or do manage to get around this. (maybe removable stickers?)
http://www.pdqblades.com/product/smith--wesson--hrt-rescue-w--magnesium-handle-1048.cfm
 
shecky said:
I presume this is one of the knives. It clearly states "Designed by Darrel Ralph". If it isn't legit, it seems Ralph would certainly have some legal recourse over the use of his actual name, at least.

However, my first impulse is to think it may be legit. There are several renown knifemakers who seem to make a few (or maybe a lot of) bucks on the side by licensing their designs and names to low end manufacturers.
Click to expand...

I think Darrel Ralph is cashing his Mtech check every month :cool:
I would do the same thing if someone wanted to pay me for my signature :thumbup:

Knock off or rip off?
If they were infringing on patent rights I don't think they would have lasted this long
Then again, I'm no lawyer
Maybe there is a "loophole" that MTech uses....
 
Taking legal action against any Chinese manufacturer is a waste of time, effort, and money. Ask Jeff Hall, Kit Carson, Bob Terzuola, Greg Lightfoot...or Darrel Ralph: www.darrelralph.com

Send him an email. He will respond. I know Darrel well enough that I seriously doubt he would simply lend his name to a knock-off POS for a few measly dollars!
 
Whats silly is , Mtech has the capability to make good knives of their own design , they just choose not to.
 
Darrel has designed knives for many companies, and he has also had lots of his desgns ripped off. It's hard to say which is the case here. Darrel would definitely be the person to ask.
 
I know Shane Slone has sold several designs to Master Cutlery.He would send them a custom knife and they would send it back with a copy for him to inspect.After multiple back and forth,they get it somewhat right.Sadly they are catching on fast.He says they have all the equiptment we have and some we don't.I can't blame him or any maker for making a nickel wherever he can.It's a tough business.
 
Darrel and MTech have reached an agreement. For more information beyond that, contact Darrel directly. As mentioned already, he will respond.
 
Darrel is a Mod here. He has colaborated with Mtech and its legit (now).

I love high end knives and dont care for cheap blades however I somehow ended up with a DR Mtech Bali and the truth is... Its a fantastic knife. I love everything about this knife. The blade is 440C with good heat treat it says Mtech USA Xtreme Designed by Darrel Ralph, the "Darrel Ralph" is printed on the blade as his signature not a regular font, and the handles are milled aluminum that are ano'd really nicely. It has dual brass 'bearings" (washers) on each handle fitting (total of 8) and swings very very smoothly. Its very solid and has no play in any direction. The blade makes no mention of its origin or manufacture. It does not say China or anything else. The box it came in also said Darrel Ralph on it. Weird.

Honestly if it had my name on it Id be thrilled. Maybe lose the Mtech tag though... ;)

I looked EVERYWHERE online for a pic of it a few months ago and could not find it anywhere. I wonder if its rare or something?

Darrel? Care to comment?
 
Strigamort said:
Darrel is a Mod here. He has colaborated with Mtech and its legit (now).

I love high end knives and dont care for cheap blades however I somehow ended up with a DR Mtech Bali and the truth is... Its a fantastic knife. I love everything about this knife. The blade is 440C with good heat treat it says Mtech USA Xtreme Designed by Darrel Ralph, the "Darrel Ralph" is printed on the blade as his signature not a regular font, and the handles are milled aluminum that are ano'd really nicely. It has dual brass 'bearings" (washers) on each handle fitting (total of 8) and swings very very smoothly. Its very solid and has no play in any direction. The blade makes no mention of its origin or manufacture. It does not say China or anything else. The box it came in also said Darrel Ralph on it. Weird.

Honestly if it had my name on it Id be thrilled. Maybe lose the Mtech tag though... ;)

I looked EVERYWHERE online for a pic of it a few months ago and could not find it anywhere. I wonder if its rare or something?

Darrel? Care to comment?
Click to expand...

Sorry to drag up an old thread but while searching around for the M-Techs I came across this:

http://www.bladeplay.com/item--The-Twist-Butterfly-Knife--4956

Is this what you were looking for?
 
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