Wow, this has been a good read, I'll read this all again soon I am sure.
As for the knives, I routinely sharpen knives for customers (both factories and customs). These are using knives that are given to me to sharpen or touch up because the customer may lack the skill or equipment to do things properly. Does this fall under the realm of this discussion?
I also have, at various times, benefitted from the advice and experience of some well-known makers, including having them hold my knives and tell me what they would do differently. I have never mentioned their names to anyone, as I don't want to seem to be trading off of someone else's reputation.
If I, as a newer maker, modify one of my designs based on the advice or helpful criticism of a reputable maker, is it unethical for me to not mention their role in the design process?
Not meaning to stir the pot or dwell on hypotheticals, it was just the first question that came to my mind while reading this.
Have a good one,
Nathan