Question about an unusual custom request

Shmackey

Shmackey

Joined
May 5, 2000
Messages
1,478
I was going to post this in the Custom section, but I think I need answers from the regular folks.

Is it possible, likely, and legal (patentwise) to get someone to make me a replacement blade for my BM 710? After a few years of knifing, I've come to two conclusions: (1) The 710 is better than anything out there; (2) opening holes are better than anything out there. So I'd really like to replace my 710 blade with one that's similar but that has an opening hole. Of course, I realize it won't be *that* similar because it'll need a hump of sorts.

The BM warranty is, of course, the last thing on my mind. And as for the Axis AFCK, (1) I'll believe it when I see it; (2) I'd rather have VG-10 or BG-42; (3) it's still not a 710; (4) I don't want an oval hole.

Who can do it?
 
I imagine it is possible, I don't know how likely it is that you will find someone to do it and it is completely legal. There are no patent laws that say you can not do this. If you were making a copy of the original knife you may be breaking copyright laws. There is absolutely nothing wrong with what you are looking to do.
 
Shmackey,
About a year ago I made some inquiries regarding having a replacement blade custom made for a Sebenza. I should probably acknowledge up front that there wasn't a thing in the world wrong with the stock blade. Rather, at the time, I just thought that it would be kinda cool to have a 10V blade in a Sebenza (and, in all honesty, I guess I still do;)).

At any rate, I was able to contact a few makers, though when all was said and done, I couldn't generate any real interest in the project. Admittedly the odds were against me from the beginning as there aren't too many makers who specialize in integral folders and have had experience with 10V. But I think the reluctance I encountered stemmed primarily from the fact that, due to the skill and effort required to properly fit a blade tang to an integral lock, most custom makers would rather devote their time toward a complete creation of their own making.

I don't believe there are any real legal issues that would preclude someone from taking on your project, and I would think that it would be much less difficult to properly fit a blade to a 710 than a Sebenza. So, I guess my answer to your question would be; Is it possible? certainly, Is it legal? I would imagine so, Is it likely? Hard to say. But with a little determination you just might get it done. It sounds to me like the finished product would make for an excellent folder.

You might want to give Neil Blackwood (Dr. Lathe) a call. I certainly can't guarantee that he'd be up for the project, but I can almost guarantee that you'll enjoy discussing it with him.:)
 
imho if $$ is no object,i bet you could do it - would be a heck of a knife, but probably higher than a custom once all said and done...i dont think there would be any legal issues as long as you didnt start selling them lol..if ya do it i want a pic.....


sifu
 
Many makes won't touch this for one main reason. The blade has to be perfect in the lock and washer area. The blade has to be PG to the EXACT size, and the lock area made to the EXACT size, otherwise the blade won't work. I learned this at the KFC Folder In this weekend; I was able to see and help with making a liner lock from start to finish, I just need to get the blade Ht'd. Its hard enough to fit the lock to the blade, as it fitting a whole blade and lock system to an existing handle and locking mechanism. A liner lock or lockback would be easier to do, but a Axis lock, I don't know exactly how it works, so that might be a little difficult. Good luck with this, this seems like a cool and challenging project!
 
Hi, got myself the ats ver of 710. Ordered the M2. Am waiting in sleeplessness.

Seriously, I think it would be a great idea, and it if the $ is right I will order one. (depending on the steel and shape of course).
 
Rumors regarding the fabled Axis AFCK are true! You might want to wait it out before putting too much into a custom blade. A lot of custom makers don't like the idea of being restrained by factory tolerances, etc. I considered having D2 blades made for my 705, but it didn't seem a popular idea with the several custom makers I consulted.

In the interim, if you decide simply to go with a replacement 710 blade, give me a hollar and I'll see what I've got lying around my shop. Think I've got an extra ATS/BT2 partial-serrated somewhere...

Professor.
 
It seems quite possible to me that there is a legal -- Spyderco trademark -- issue with the hole. The patent has run out, but BM still stopped using round holes recently. I think it quite possible for a 1-only situation such as yours, that Spyderco might waive any royalties, etc.

I don't know the 710 well enough to know where the thumb stud sits when the knife is closed. No way that a hole could be drilled, with outer perimeter using the outer perimeter of the stud hole? Of course, one could grind away part of the handle to enable access to the hole, but it mightn't be all that beautiful. I know it is very difficult to drill heat treated steel.

I thought that Axis locks could be wrist flicked open if one pulled/depressed the lock button. Not so? If so, seemingly could get by with no opening device on the blade.
 
I doubt that Spyderco would care as long as the maker did not go into commercial production of the "hole".

Your observations on the 710 are "right on" as far as I am concerned. I have a few of the various incarnations of the 710, including my latest, the M2 version.

My main comment on your modification would be that it would, IMHO, destroy the lines of what is one of the most elegant profiles of any folder out there at the present time, either production or custom.

The Axis AFCK does, BTW, appear to be a reality.

Good luck with your efforts. It would be interesting to see a pic if you go ahead with it. :)
 
Bugs,

Axis locks, being the greatest thing ever and thoroughly embarrasing other locking systems (do I gush?) allow you to flick open your knife without pulling back the lock. Or you could pull back the lock. Or you could use the thumbstud. Or not. Or you could hold your knife in reverse grip and flick it down. Or...well, anything at all.

I just want the hole because the hole is the greatest thing ever and it thoroughly embarrasses other opening systems... Actually, I believe that more strongly than the Axis thing.
 
Different settings require different blade opening methods. Sometimes wrist flicking may raise eyebrows in the PC arena. No need to alarm anyone or to call unneccessary attention.

The Spyder hole trademark can be worked out with Spyderco. Either in terms of pieces made or in a time frame period. Many honor this agreement with Spyderco. Unfortunately some don' t.

My vote goes for the hole as well. But I offered an idea in the way of a disc mounted on the spine some time ago on the BM Forums.
No patent infringement(s) here, are there?

Nakano
 
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