This is kind of a neat situation, definitely not as clear cut as most allegations of knockoffs, and here are just a few observations for you folks to consider:
It is quite interesting that everyone automatically assumes that the Chinese company is the one in the wrong, even though we've been presented with two very reasonable cases by each party. It was also pretty interesting that the very instant Kizer Cutlery presented their side of events, the last thread got locked down.
OK, I was giving Kizer the benefit of the doubt because they stated their side in what sounded like a reasonable manner, and there was no response from Mr. Britton. But now Mr. Britton has responded, equally reasonably (under the circumstances). So I retract anything previously said that might have sounded like a defense of Kizer.
So, even though Mr. Britton posted absolutely no evidence to back up his claims or to refute what Kizer Cutlery has presented, his side of the story is airtight? So far, the closest thing to evidence he's posted, or even a contrary argument, is that he "can't find record that [Kizer] paid sales tax in GA (2012) or at another show (SHOT) in Las Vegas", and that the owner of Kizer didn't personally come to some show other another. He's literally admitted to having a total lack of evidence of tax fraud, and is implying that someone's absence from an event (which was apparently attended by representatives of the Kizer company, just not by its owner), is evidence of wrongdoing. I didn't show up to that event either; that doesn't mean that I was dodging homeland security agents.
I don't mean to pick at you or cause offense, and this is more directed at the people in this thread (and the last one, for that matter) who seem to be jumping to conclusions when there has been literally no evidence presented by either party, just their respective versions of events. I'm just using that post as an example. IMHO It's way to early for folks to be grabbing the pitchforks and torches, yet some of them are doing it anyway...
Here's another interesting thing I noticed:
quality on much of their stuff is good but they seem to operate by a foreign ethic free of good old morals. Everything marked with my name is made by me, and just me. It is inevitable that my designs will influence others work. 99% of the time I won't complain, but these guys are different.
Meanwhile, in the last thread about Tim Britton and Kizer's dealings:
The Mastiff said:
Tim, this isn't going to go over well but here it is.
You are obviously a very talented knifemaker. You use BG42 and used to use Vascowear when it was around. I recall seeing the old pitting marks still in the fixed blades you couldn't get all the way out on grinding. On the other hand you sold me my first ever "custom". A liner lock with a signed blade you told me was BG42. You had to adjust the linerlock before I left with it.
Imagine my surprise when I later saw it on the knife kits website with Aus 8 blades. It performs just like aus 8 too. I know why now.
It bothered me as you sure came across as a really great guy. I even talked to you ( and your wife I believe) about how you used to be a teacher. I enjoyed visiting with you.
I've seen some of your slip joints in BG42 and I am always impressed by your work. Then, I remember you selling a knife kits Aus 8 blade to me as BG42 so I wonder. I don't buy that many customs now. Not without knowing a lot more about the person, how he works, and more.
Made by him, and just him, except for the ones that are made out of knife kits?
This isn't evidence one way or another, and I hope I'm not taking you two wildly out of context or anything, but it struck me as quite interesting. Take from it what you will.
