Did John Permar Design the American Lawman?

[g.macdonnell]

Hi Folks,
I've read, as i'm sure many of you have, that John Permars locking system was bought by Cold Steel, so as not to infringe upon it with the Triad Lock, by Andrew Demko.
I don't know that much about Cold Steel, other than their really strong locks, (i admit i still prefer the BM Axis,) though i really the Voyagers, old and new, and a few other designs. I respect them for filling a unique niche in the market. I'm sure my XL Voyager is as tough a folder as is possible to make.
I saw the American Lawman in store recently, and loved the design. I like knives with little to no space between finger and blade for leverage, and like the AL's choil. I almost bought it right then, but had just got another Voyager.
When i was reading about John Permar, i looked up his website, and saw this gorgeous knife:

it obviously is closely related to the American Lawman, but Cold Steel usually credits the designers of their knives in their catalogs. Or is Mr. Permar allowed to produce custom versions as part of his agreement with CS? Either way, it's a great design, and probably my next folder. I just wish i could afford that beautiful custom!

 

[G. Scott H.]

I don't know what sort of agreement (specifically) was reached between CS and Permar, nor whose design was inspired by whom (with regard to this particular knife). There's a little bit of discussion here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/731626-Fred-Perrin-abusing-a-Cold-Steel-triad-lock-knife where Demko elaborates a little (post 11). :thumbup:

 

[g.macdonnell]

Thanks for that! It was an interesting thread all around. I really respect Fred Perrin, and it's cool to see the AL take such abuse in stride. So it sounds like there might have been other agreements, besides the locking design patent between both parties. As much as i like the Recon and Voyager designs, i'm really a sucker for that American Lawman. I hope Santa knows that...

 

[DemkoKnives]

yes I designed the lawman as well as all other tri-ad folders.

 

[g.macdonnell]

yes I designed the lawman as well as all other tri-ad folders.

Well, you did an outstanding job! :thumbup: there aren't many heavy duty folders that are also graceful. Your design is one of the best examples. Part of what drew me to that Permar knife is that the Al design is so well balanced and versatile- its neat to see it dressed up for a night on the town.

The Voyager series is what i recommend to lots of people for an affordable, hard use folder, but it's more like an Abrams; the Lawman is a Shelby! I've seen quite a few examples of your custom work and they were as beautiful as that Permar- i simply hadn't seen a custom version of the AL before. Hopefully one day i'll be able to order one from you....

 

[DemkoKnives]

Thanks,

 

[g.macdonnell]

Just throwing it out there, but the AL would be a great canidate for a Scandi Ground triad lock folder. There are only a couple Scandi folders on the market, and all are far more expensive, with less strong locks. Since Cold Steel has started using Scandi grinds anyway, maybe it's a good chance to fill the niche of a super strong folding bushcraft knife....