Ethics Question

A

ASBOB

Joined
Feb 8, 2008
Messages
1,304
Here's the dilemna:

I have a knifemaker I enjoy working with. I recently saw a blade shape that attracted me on a knife by a different maker.

If I sent an image of the knife to my guy, and asked him if he could build a similar blade, is that a violation of ethical syandards?

Let me assure everyone, I have not contacted anybody yet. This is new territory for me, and I want to do the right thing. I value this community and its opinion so much, hence seeking your insight.

My thanks.
 
I don't know all of the ethical concerns either, but personally, I would think if you told your maker that it was another makers design, he wouldn't do it.

Just my .02 though.
 
If you have him build a similar piece, make sure that you modify the design enough that it's your own interpretation of the particular knife. Cloning a knife would be unethical. I would also let your preferred maker know what about your inspiration, and the maker of the original design so that he is given the chance to make his own ethics call.
 
It would seem that most knifemakers would not want to copy someone else's design, but I've noticed a LOT of knifemakers make a version of the Loveless knife, among others.

I would second the recommendation to change the design a bit to suit yourself. I've seen a lot of knives that I like but I can usually think of a way to make a change to match my tastes. I commisioned a knife to be made by a local maker that was an almost copy of another makers knives. Actually the knifemaker made a knife that was very close to the other maker's style, I asked him to make one for me but with a few changes to match my tastes. I saw a design by a nationally-known maker that I liked, but he stopped making that style. I have not found one for sale used so the only way I could get one would be to commision someone to essentially copy it.
 
Use the blade shape and a handle you like without making an exact replica and putting the guy's symbol or initials on it - people have been copying and altering other people's designs and creations for thousands of years. Look at hammers, pants, shoes, sedans, pick-up trucks, televisions, etc. that are so similar regardless of brand. If you post about it or answer someone who asks you about it tell them the name of the guy who inspired the design...that's the only problem I have personally with a close copy, when company or person acts like their very own genius completely inspired it.
 
To promote innovation, the government restricts certain kinds of copying by establishing limits of ownership regarding new ideas and products--an arguably reasonable sort of contract enforcement on behalf of creators. Also, as part of my commitment to honesty, I believe in giving credit where credit is due. Beyond those considerations, however, it is a fact that (as stated above) we humans would not have got very far without copying good ideas, and I don't see that copying someone else's ideas is in any way an attack on that person or the values I hold dear--i.e., immoral or unethical. I'm with OrdnanceBubbaUSMC...
 
aquaman67 said:
Why not give the other guy some business if you like his design?
Click to expand...


You could start a thread in the knifemakers forum about the knifemaker who makes the knife you like(quality,f/f,yrs. of experience as a km, any problems with him standing behind his work, etc.,etc.) and see what kind of responses you get.
Based on the responses get you could contact the knifemaker who makes the knife you like and ask him to make the knife for you.:D
 
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