Spyderco does seem to be a design target.
Spyderco invented and has been consistently using the round opening hole since 1981. It was first covered by our patents (ending in the early 2000's) and by our registered trademark (which began in the late 90's). Our round opening hole trademark was been a symbol of quality, performance and integrity for more than 20 years.
Custom makers selling knives in America have been paying our modest fee ($50/year) for many years for the legal right to use our opening hole. "Whiskers" Allen was the first to begin the "honor roll" many years ago. There are more than 50 custom makers from all over the world that are licensed to use the Spyderco opening hole. One condition of the license is that designs cannot be sold to manufactuers for production that incorporate the round hole.
Spyderco also owns patents on a diamond shaped hole (licensed to John Anthon of Timberline) and an arrowhead shaped hole not being used.
These patents and trademarks were/are only relevant to folding knives and did/do not include fixed blades.
The fact that there are so many folders with "other than round" opening holes on the market is testimonial to the fact that many wish to follow our lead.
Spyderco licensed Benchmade to use the patented (at the time) & trademarked round hole for a while in the 90's. It was used to launch their AFCK. Later the agreement ended and Benchmade went to their oval hole, which is fine and fair.
Spyderco's hound hole is a registered trademark with the US government. We've have always tried to run our business in an honest, fair and proper manner.
To my eye, it looks like a Spyderco, but I'm biased.
Take away the large hole and leave the other two and it looks "less" like a Spyderco.
Take away all of the holes and put a thumb stud there, and it doesn't looks like a Spyderco at all. Take away the two smaller holes and there is no doubt. Add the two smaller holes to Frank Centofante's "Vesuvius" design or Bob Terzuola's "Starmate" design, and they would be siblings, to my eye.
Spyderco has not heard from Benchmade or Neil regarding the design so there is little that I can say. "Ideas" always seem to have different meanings once converted to "legaleze". Perhaps they have information we do not have. I imagine we'll find out.
sal
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The intrigue is thickening,
~Paul~