Is Spyderco allowing companies to use their round hole opener now?

Kevin Wilkins

Kevin Wilkins

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 7, 1998
Messages
1,486
I was wondering if Spydeco has started to license their trademarked round hole opening device to knife manufacturers again or if it is still only licensed to custom makers?

Thanks!
 
I don't know of anyone using it now, but they did liscense to Benchmade at one time. The AFCKs had the holes.
 
I know they used to do that and then stopped.

I do know of a company using it now and that's why I was asking if Spyderco has changed their policy or if the company is using it without permission.
 
Many people in the knife industry owe their "success" to Spyderco and Sal's generosity. He could have told them to go away. Knifenuts like us are ever grateful to Sal for his ideas and for being brave enough to make knives that function as opposed to just having an appealing look or a "Rambo" effect. Sorry if this became a rant. Just have to give credit where it is long overdue. I wish the other companies would do that.
 
Kevin Wilkins said:
I was wondering if Spydeco has started to license their trademarked round hole opening device to knife manufacturers again or if it is still only licensed to custom makers?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Kevin

As far as I know, licensing is currently only available to custom makers - and then only for limited production. Certainly, Benchmade's recent use of the round opening hole in the Skirmish was unlicensed.

By the way, are you one of those licensed custom makers? I noticed your Ryback Folding Chef Knife has a round opening hole but there is no mention of it being licensed by Spyderco on your website. The reason I ask is that unlicensed use of someone else's intellectual property is enough for me to boycott a maker or manufacturer.

David
 
no worries kevin is on the list of makers that spyderco lets use the hole
and yes he makes some nice knives
i have a makers list from last year because i was looking for a custom folder an it had to have a hole :D
butch
 
Butch

Thanks for the info!

And Kevin, thanks for doing it the "right" way. Too many makers and manufacturers are ripping off others - I respect those who have the integrity to license the rights to use others innovations :thumbup: .

David
 
Yes indeed I am licensed from Spyderco and have been before I made even one knife with the trademarked opening hole.

I think it is very kind of Sal to do this for knifemakers.

Does anyone have the appropriate email for Spyderco's legal dept? I want to email them something. I also don't like companies who rip Spyderco off.
 
:thumbup: Kevin :thumbup:

Some very nice designs you have on your webpage, by the way. I have admired them for quite a while but as student I don't really have the funds for a custom. I wouldn't mind seeing the F7 with hole for example as a colaboration with Spyderco....Hey, I can dream, right? Another favorite of your designs is the Karambit, verrrry nice and looks darn useful, too!
 
Kristi: mail sent!

HoB: thank you very much! The Kerambit was designed in cooperation with a fellow here in Germany who wanted me to do the knife and is skilled in the art of using a Kerambit. So I know it does work. I also made much use of Steve Tarani's excellent book (I also own one of his knives and several other Kerambits.)
 
Hi Kevin, nothing to add to what my forespeakers already said.
Just wanted to let you know that you are among my very favorite custom knifemakers (and there aren't many, you can count them on the fingers of your hand). ;)
Your folders are very elegant and I'd jump to a Kevin Wilkins collaboration piece anytime. Your graphic artist background really shows :thumbup:
 
I'd love to see a Wilkins/Spyderco collaboration too, while I decide myself on which Wilkins to order and in which flavor... :)
 
Thank you! I'd be happy to to work with Spyderco in any capacity they might find of interest. I'm also just happy to be allowed to continue using the hole feature on my custom knives.

Kristi: Did you get my email??
 
Kevin,

I would love to see a collaboration with Spyderco based on your Folding Chef's Knife. Anybody else interested?

cheers,
clay
 
Kevin,
We're on Thanksgiving Holiday right now, but I'll be back in the office on Monday. I'll confirm receipt then.

Take care!

Kristi
 
Clay Kesting said:
I would love to see a collaboration with Spyderco based on your Folding Chef's Knife. Anybody else interested?
Click to expand...

Clay

I agree. I think it would make a great addition to the Spyderco line - and a blend of the folder and kitchen lines.

Kevin - did the "Ryback" name come from the Steven Seagal movies? ;)

David
 
I also think the Ryback folder would be a cool knife for Spyderco to do. It is one of my best selling models and if the blades were double disk flat ground from 1/8" stock... I do have complete production CAD drawings...

The name is indeed an homage on the 2 fun films starring Mr. Segal and the characterr of the commando cook he plays in them.

Thanksgiving! Of course, I just wanted to make sure it didnt get caught in your spam filter.
 
*IF* I had money to buy a custom, Kevin Wilkins would be where I'd go. A Spyderco and Wilkins collab would be awesome. I personally love the Ghost Dog Pup, Wharncliff, and the Folding Mini. I prefer holes to studs, but that "Personal" knife has caught my eye as well, nice looking knife!
 
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