Spyderco / Byrd Trademark thumb hole

[darklight943]

Isn't the Byrd "eye" trademarked?

http://cgi.ebay.com/RIGID-KNIVES-PR...hZ017QQcategoryZ43335QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

 

[FullerH]

The ROUND opening hole is a Spyderco trademarked item, as is the little Spyder logo.. But Sal Glesser, the Poppa Spyder, has said that they will license the round hole to individual makers, as opposed to companies, for a nominal sum.

 

[Padawan]

That looks essentially identical to one of the early Byrd models that featured micarta scales. I recall reading that the quality of these early knives was sub-par, and a different manufacturer was chosen for the newer models that we're now familar with. This knife is most likely that old model continuing to be produced under a different brand name and without regard for the trademark.

 

[cerulean]

Hmm… interesting. I don’t know anything about Byrd knives or who makes them, but Spyderco does own the teardrop shaped, Byrd “eye” trademark (serial # 78620166).

 

[Simple Man]

To the point, yes it is a knockoff. Sal addressed it some time back on the Spyderco home forum. This little jewel is the reason there are no more micarta, bolstered Byrds.

 

[darklight943]

Interesting - thanks! Just a fan of the Byrd line, and when I saw this ... :grumpy: :thumbdn:

Also, my question starting this thread was a rhetorical one (sarcasm).