Newb question

My one piece of advice is to think less about what you might be able to get away with and think more about what you really want to produce.

You may be able to get away with ripping off someone else's design. Is that really what you want to produce?
 
Get some books on historical knives. You can make as many renditions of these knives as you want. When you sell just note; "This is my rendition of ________." If someone complains that you are copying a current makers design you just note that you copied "__________."
 
My one piece of advice would be to learn to make knives, and then worry about all the aspects of sales, similarity of design, etc. I think you'll find this is a non-issue once you start to feel confident in your own style, whatever that will be.
 
All good advice, but I think Aaron summed it up best......Make Knives first. It won't matter if you are copying someone else's style, because it won't likely come out anywhere near theirs. As you learn, you will have particular ways you grind bevels, make plunges, shape handles, etc. These will become a part of the whole knife package you make. Soon your knives will start looking like your style, and the problem will be solved.

As far as getting sued, fussed at, in trouble, etc. for making a knife like one you saw and liked, that would be very, very, unlikely. Just make what you like and let time determine if you go into selling knives.
 
not only that, but MANY makers (myself included) have and will happily give stencils of their designs when asked.

I spoke with Burt Foster about this years ago and his comments echo'd Stacy's above.

even when given the exact template for someone elses knife there's no way your going to make it exactly the same, and anyone who truly wants the original will easily see the difference.
 
I have been very inspired by Murray Carter's neck knives ever since right around when I first started making knives. Whenever I make a knife in his style, I give him credit, but they've never been "exactly" the same as his, mainly cause of my skill level as well as the different materials and methods I used to make mine. (Although 'he' actually sells a book with templates of his designs in it so that others can try to make them if they want)

Once most guys become interested in making a knife (or knifemaking rather), they will most likely find a specific design from a specific maker that they would like to replicate (such as you have with that Walter Brend knife), and they will try, but it obviously won't turn out exactly like it (probably even far from it) because it takes years to develop the skill to make something like that. Even so, always give credit to a maker (and even ask their permission) if you are attempting to replicate "their" knife. But by the time you have actually acquired the skill to make many of the knives you have loved, you will have most likely come up with you own subtleties in your own knives that make them "yours". The thing is, one millimeter can literally change the entire look and feel of a blade, and you will notice this as you sketch out designs.

I think you should just start making one man. Draw up your design, post it here and see what others have to say.. I can pretty much guarantee it will not look exactly the same as Walter's blade, no offense, let alone turn out like his once you have completed it. Just start making and try to stop worring about this and you'll get into a flow.

Here is an example of one of my Murray Carter neck knife inspired knives.. You can tell it's not exactly the same, but it's close enough to be noticed as his style so I give credit to him for it, plus I know that it was my intention to make a knife that looked like one of his neck knives (since I really like the style), so either way my conscience would not allow me to say that "I came up with it."



ETA: I should've just said I agree with what Stacy and Stephen and others have already said. (sorry, sometimes I don't read every reply before I type up my own :o :D )


~Paul
My YT Channel Lsubslimed
 
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Funny Paul the next non-stainless knife I had sketched out was that same one. Something about Murray's style I am really drawn to. Very nice reproduction btw.

As others stated I don't think anyone minds if you make a copy for yourself to use or as a start in knifemaking. Just don't try to sell it! Knifemaking has a fantastic community full of great people, many of whom have freely offered to send templates or allow a copies to be made as Stephan said. There are some very talented folks on here who are open and willing to help out new guys.

On the subject of talent one thing to be wary of is these guys make it look easy. I did a little grinding at first then read a lot and watched probably a hundred hours of Wheeler videos and thought I was set. And we can just say I have a long ways to go before I can make anything comparable to Nick. Making an "OK" knife is not to bad, making a good or great knife is exponentially more difficult. It's all in the fit and finish.

So get yourself a grinder, some tools and make it so :D

-Clint
 
Augus7us said:
Funny Paul the next non-stainless knife I had sketched out was that same one. Something about Murray's style I am really drawn to. Very nice reproduction btw.

-Clint
Click to expand...

Thanks Clint! :) Yea this one is from .110" 52100. I hope you'll post some pics of yours when ya get around to making it, I've always enjoyed seeing how others interpret Murray's neck knives :thumbup: .

~Paul
My YT Channel Lsubslimed
 
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