The Thumb Hole

J

jim burke

Joined
Jan 15, 2003
Messages
55
I take it that the thumb hole used by spiderco is open to any maker? This might be a stupid question since I see a lot of makers using it. I just wanted to be for sure.

Thanks, Jim Burke, www.burkeknives.com
 
I have heard that Spydercos patent on that had expired. But to be on the safe side, you better check with someone that knows more about it than me.:confused: ;)
 
From what I remember, the patent expired, but Spyderco had the round Hole trademarked, so legally you need their permission to use a round hole as an opening device. I believe for custom makers, Spyderco will license you for either $25 or $50, I think it is a one time fee, and then you can use it forever. There are makers who use holes, and are not licensed by Spyderco, Technically that is illegal, and If Spyderco wanted they could probably take legal action. As far as I know they don't bother with it. I am not suggesting that you not pay the fee, If I could make folders, I would pay them. They are a great company, and the price is very reasonable. They don't seem to really be trying to make money off the license fee. I believe Spyderco also does some advertising for makers who are licensed to use the hole, I believe they are listed on the Spyderco Website.
Kyle Fuglesten
 
When I applied for permission to use the "Spydeco" hole, the fee was $50. I was told that this was to cover their lawyer's time in processing the paperwork. It seemed reasonable to me. Spyderco does in fact advertise once a year or so, giving the names of those makers who have their permission to use the thumb hole. They even call to ask permission to list your name.
 
Does anybody have a list of makers that are licensed to use the opening hole? I thought that there was such a list on Spyderco's website, but I didn't come across it... I have noticed that Warren Thomas uses the device, as have Howard Veile, Bob Lum, and Tim Wegner... any others?? Crawford? Snody? Hall? Ryan? Weiland? Elishewitz? De Villiers? I've seen all of these guys make Pirela-designs with the hole opener, so I'm guessing they're all officially licensed with Spyderco.
 
I haven't see a published list in some time.

The $50 fee and the 100 knives per year limit are a fact.

This applies only to a round hole, not any other shape, based on the trademark.

Round holes work great.
 
Well, that's not what I am remembering. Maybe I'm wrong but I believe when I contacted them a year or so ago they came back and told me that the fee is now $100 and it is now per YEAR. I thought that was ridiculous and gave up on it. But someone please correct me if I'm wrong, I wouldn't mind doing a couple of knives with holes.
 
OK, I searched on it and it seems that it is $50 per year with a limit of 100 knives per maker. That's not too bad....it used to be a one time fee I thought, but now it's annual. I guess it is still worth it.
 
Ya your numbers are right...a few years ago I asked them about info in this regard and at that time it was 25$ one time fee........but for some reason I did not fill out the form.....about a year ago I started to get some folder ideas and asked again and this time actually got the permit. Now its 50$/year.....I only find it fair.
 
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