Some Questions for Joe Byrd of Taylor Brands LLC

[Kiah]

I'm posting some questions here for Joe Byrd of Taylor Brands. Cougar, you said that TBLLC stuff should go here, so that's why I'm posting it here. Feel free to move it.

1. In the Schrade thread you stated that Taylor owns facilities in China and Taiwan. In the Camillus thread you stated that Taylor owns 2 offshore facilities. By simple calculations, this means Taylor has one factory in Taiwan, and one in China. Are all Shcrade and S&W knives, produced in China, produced in the same factory? I ask this because there seems to be a quality gap on some of the S&W products. Some seem to be better built than others.

2. There are some S&W designs that appear to be exactly the same as other China made knives. For instance this S&W and this Mtech. What's up with that? Is this just other companies copying S&W, or does the factory the S&Ws are made in produce these other brands as well?

3. You stated that Taylor has some knives made in Tennessee. What are these? I haven't seen any US made knives marked Taylor. Is Taylor producing the current US made Marble's knives?

4. In the Schrade thread. you gave a link to the Taylor website. On the S&W products page (at the bottom, under new), you have some fairly blatant Strider copies. Taylor is also producing a copy of the Chris Reeves One Piece under the Schrade name. What are your thoughts on this?

 

[Kiah]

Bump, in case he gets online Today.

 

[little hombre]

Perhaps his internet search bot thingy is down for repairs?

 

[Kiah]

Perhaps his internet search bot thingy is down for repairs?

I actually do like some S&W knives, and I don't have a problem with them making Schrades. They bought the name, they can use it as they please. I'm just curious about the stated questions, as I'm sure many others are. Maybe he'll "rip" this thread sometime in the future and reply. It seems a little odd he'd buy a platinum membership to make 4 posts. Maybe he'll check up on us weekly to answer any questions we have about TBLLC. I'm not holding my breath or anything, but ...

 

[Kiah]

I just checked my email. I'm going to post this here so riata and anyone else that has a problem with me asking questions can see it.

First and foremost. Mr. Byrd said he came to this forum to answer questions about his company. The questions I asked are reasonable.

Second. I am not trying to "bait" anyone. I own 12 S&W knives. I'm not trying to degrade him or the brands he represents in public. The questions posted relate directly to his company, and others on this forum have asked them before when Taylor did not have a presence here.

Thirdly. If someone thinks that it is unreasonable for a knife collector to ask these questions to a company, please gather the stones to post your feelings. Don't sling insults at me through email.

 

[Walkindude]

I personally think your questions are viable and deserve an answer. I would like to see Mr. Byrds response, and maybe shed a little light on your concerns.

 

[Joe Byrd]

Let me start off by saying that Mr. Taylor has ownership or partial ownership in several manufacturing operations. To answer your questions about quality control; yes we have even noticed some differences in quality in certain knives. That is one of the things that the QC team is working on to correct. Understand that we are coming out with so many new SKUs that there will be some differences in quality until certain procedures are tweaked.

Taylor Brands has relationships with 40 other manufacturing facilities in China and 8 in Taiwan. Yes, you may see some differences between the countries of origin.

No matter what we or other companies do, there will always be some similarities between some knives. As far as copying goes, the most copied knife in the world is Stewart Taylor's Smith and Wesson SWAT line. In China there are probably over 1,000 factories making knives. These folks look at webpages, and catalogs to get ideas for knives to make.

Yes, we have made a limited number of knives here in Tennessee. Some knives in our USA line of future products to be released we have subcontracted to some USA manufacturers. As for Marble, NO we have not made those.

As far as our knives in the S&W line looking like Strider, we many times buy from factories off shore that offer samples to us. We do not go to custom knife shows, so we wouldn't be aware if we have anything that looks like what they have. After reading your post, we looked at the Strider website, and the blade design that they have camo tiger striping was developed by Taylor many years ago, and patented. He currently holds the U.S. Patent on the technology. Taylor gets patents to protect our designs, but we have not actively sought out to ligate infringements.



Joe

 

[Joe Byrd]

Someone on here was wondering if my "bot" was down. No, just Turkey hunting season has arrived, and I have played hooky from work in order to seek the majestic bird. That's why I haven't been online.

 

[Joe Byrd]

Someone was wondering why I had a Platinum Membership. I came across the forum after my "ripper" brought up some discussions about Taylor Brands and Schrade. I am also interested in doing some hobbyist knifemaking. So, I joined!

I don't intend to post a lot. Maybe once per month if that. If someone has a legitmate question about any of our products, I will be glad to answer them via phone or direct email.

 

[Kiah]

Let me start off by saying that Mr. Taylor has ownership or partial ownership in several manufacturing operations. To answer your questions about quality control; yes we have even noticed some differences in quality in certain knives. That is one of the things that the QC team is working on to correct. Understand that we are coming out with so many new SKUs that there will be some differences in quality until certain procedures are tweaked.

Taylor Brands has relationships with 40 other manufacturing facilities in China and 8 in Taiwan. Yes, you may see some differences between the countries of origin.

Ok, that makes more sense. As I stated, I own 12 S&Ws currently and have another on the way. The reason I asked is because some of my knives are very well built and solid, while others feel like they could fall apart in my hand.

No matter what we or other companies do, there will always be some similarities between some knives. As far as copying goes, the most copied knife in the world is Stewart Taylor's Smith and Wesson SWAT line. In China there are probably over 1,000 factories making knives. These folks look at webpages, and catalogs to get ideas for knives to make.

I asked this question mainly because of the Mtech knife that was identical other than color. I have, of course, noticed that other companies who tend to rip off others design, usually lack the quality. The Frost Cutlery knockoffs of your SWAT, S&R, and HRT knives, for example, are utter crap.

Yes, we have made a limited number of knives here in Tennessee. Some knives in our USA line of future products to be released we have subcontracted to some USA manufacturers. As for Marble, NO we have not made those.

I commend you for wanting to make some knives here in the states.

As far as our knives in the S&W line looking like Strider, we many times buy from factories off shore that offer samples to us. We do not go to custom knife shows, so we wouldn't be aware if we have anything that looks like what they have.

Interesting. Now that you know that some knives are copies. The Chris Reeves for example. Will you be willing bring this up with Taylor? I believe actively trying to not make copies would go a long way towards gaining trust with the knife community.

After reading your post, we looked at the Strider website, and the blade design that they have camo tiger striping was developed by Taylor many years ago, and patented. He currently holds the U.S. Patent on the technology. Taylor gets patents to protect our designs, but we have not actively sought out to ligate infringements.

Do you have any information on the Dyad situation Taylor had with Spyderco?

I appreciate you taking the time to respond to my questions.

 

[Joe Byrd]

Hi, just wanted to drop in and answer you last questions.

First, let's talk about the Chris Reeve's knife. The knive that was offered to us is different than the one that Chris is selling. (I did go look at his website to confirm) Our is shorter, and has magnetic tool set inside the handle of each one. The Taiwan manufacturer assured us that he had already been in contact with Mr. Reeve's concerning this knife and that there would be no problems in producing it. I don't know the details of that discussion.

You can imagine over the last hundreds of years in our country, and millions of inventors there has to be some kinds of cross overs. Even with research in the patent office. During our research through our patent attorney we've even found knives with tools in the handles from 1910 (had cigarette lighter instead of matches).

I spoke in length with Stewart yesterday concerning the Spyderco Dyad situation. I will give you the reader's digest condensed version of that discussion.

The double lock back knife has been made by many companies many years ago. Those companies include Case, Parker, Pakistan and the list goes on. So the double lock back knife is not a new idea.

During our conversation, it was evident to me that Stewart has a great respect for Sal and for Spyderco. He feels that they are one of the great industry leaders.

When Stewart made this knife, very similar to the Dyad, it had been discontinued from the Spyderco line up. The knife that Taylor Cutlery was different in many ways. For example it was a much larger knife with wider scales, and the scales could be pulled out and advertising logos could be inserted.

Spyderco felt that Taylor Cutlery's knife was infringing on their patent, and did file litigation. It was in the best interest of Taylor Cutlery to defend this action. After a period of time, Sal through his attorney and the arbitrator approached Stewart and asked that if both parties could walk away. Stewart agreed to do this, and the situation was over.

We do not wish to say anything about any of our competitors unless we can say something positive.

If you have any further questions about this, we need to take it to a more personal medium. Stewart wants me to tell you that you can call him anytime and he will be glad to discuss it with you. Our phone number is 423-247-2406.

 

[Kiah]

Joe, thanks for taking the time to answer my other questions.